Over 600 SMEs in Mainland China and Hong Kong Generated 490m Worth of Business a Year by Referrals

HONG KONG, Sept. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Census and Statistics Department, as of March 2012, there are as many as 300,000 small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong, representing more than 98% of Hong Kong's business sector and bringing about over 1.2 million employment. As the cornerstone of the economy, SMEs are characterized by quick in decision making and sensitive to market change, but they are also prone to growth hindrances like low transparency and mismanagement. The key to improving their management and competitiveness is strong and effective networking. Through a referral-based business network, SMEs are able to secure target clients with minimal cost. In so doing, they also develop word-of-mouth marketing, the best marketing strategy to promote products and services.

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2012/09/24/20120924163123972659.html )

This proven business model basing on referrals was created by the "Father of Modern Networking" Dr. Ivan Misner in 1985 and has been widely adopted in Business Network International (BNI). In BNI's 27 years of development, more than 140,000 SME members from 50 countries and cities around the world have learnt the knack to improve business through effective business referrals. Statistics show that in 2011, BNI members throughout the world passed more than 6.9 million referrals, which generated HKD 24 billion's worth of business and made BNI the largest business networking organization across the globe. So far, more than 600 SMEs in Shenzhen and Hong Kong have joined the membership. As of end of August this year, BNI facilitated more than 29,000 deals, which translated into some HKD 490 million turnover.

In view of the rapid growth of SME members in the Greater China region, BNI founder Dr. Ivan Misner is coming to Hong Kong to give talks to SMEs on the essence of referral-based business. BNI Conference Hong Kong 2012 will be held on September 25, at 18/F Kowloon Miramar Hotel, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Visiting delegations from 6 countries and regions as well as representatives from 350 SMEs will attend the event, which is expected to facilitate international exchange and explore business opportunities for local SMEs.

Highlights:

(1) Topic: Business Networking AND SEX

The latest survey released in September 2012 found that men and women behave differently when dealing with business and networking. What leads women entrepreneurs involve themselves more heavily in corporate training than men do?

(2) Topic: Networking for Success

Networking is the most influential factor to a successful business; learn how to build an effective network that helps SMEs secure target clients with minimal cost through business referrals.

About Dr. Ivan Misner

Dr. Ivan Misner is the founder of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization. Dr. Misner's Ph.D. is from the University of Southern California. He is the author of 10 books, including Master of Sales and Truth or Delusion, which made the way to the bestseller list of New York Times. He is also hailed as the leader in business referral and has delivered speeches for various multinational and listed companies. He has also been interviewed by a number of media, including LA Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNN, CNBC and BBC television.

Dr. Ivan Misner's background:

http://ivanmisner.myownpresskit.com/bio

Dr. Ivan Misner's publications:

http://ivanmisner.myownpresskit.com/my-books

About Business Network International (BNI Hong Kong)

BNI was founded in 1985. The organization has presence in 50 countries and cities with over 6,000 chapters around the world. Last year alone, BNI generated 6.9 million referrals resulting in HKD 24 billion's worth of business for its members. BNI is committed to establishing effective networking among members. It facilitates business expansion and brings streams of business opportunities when the economy is buoyant, and when it is gloomy, it helps members secure target clients in a most cost effective way without having to splurge on advertisements. Members will develop a referral-oriented business network which effectively promotes their products and services to one another as they learn the knack of word-of-mouth marking, the best marketing strategy.

Tel: +852-3176-8449

Website: http://www.bni.hk

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms Kiny Choi

Tel: +852-9248-1079

E-mail: kinychoi@baron-pr.com.hk

SOURCE　Business Network International (BNI Hong Kong)