What if there was a proven way to grow your business through referrals, build powerful relationships, and create a thriving network of sales advocates—all without cold calling or expensive ads? In this episode of the Cincinnati Business Podcast, host Brian Erickson sits down with Katie English, Executive Director of BNI (Business Network International) for the Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky region.
Katie shares her unexpected journey into leading the region’s largest networking organization, explains the power of structured networking, and reveals how BNI members generated over $70 million in closed business last year alone! Whether you're an introvert wondering if networking is for you, a business owner seeking better connections, or simply curious about how BNI works, this episode is packed with value.
🚀 Learn why networking beats traditional marketing and how you can join a chapter today!
🔗 Connect with Katie & BNI:
www.bniswonky.com
💁🏼 Connect with Brian:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/u/bwerickson
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cincybizpod/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@cincybizpod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Cincinnati-Business-Podcast/
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/50kMVlyZokuoLwzE2fwAmt?si=pk87NyzsQJGY6iE7OKpzmQ
Show Notes:
00:00 – Welcome to the Cincinnati Business Podcast
01:14 – Meet Katie English Scanlon: Her unexpected path to leading BNI
04:26 – What is BNI? The world’s largest referral networking organization
07:10 – Networking for introverts: How Katie stepped out of her comfort zone
09:38 – Is networking worth the time? The ROI of relationship-based marketing
13:55 – The power of "Thank You for Closed Business" & tracking referrals
18:09 – Why BNI tracks data (and why it matters for your business)
21:48 – Common myths about BNI & the truth about time commitments
26:53 – The impact of BNI: Real success stories from local businesses
31:56 – What to expect when you join BNI & realistic ROI timelines
35:34 – Why BNI is expanding & how to find a chapter near you
41:57 – Katie’s 30-second BNI pitch: Why you should join today!
Tags:
#CincinnatiBusiness #Networking #BNI #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ReferralMarketing #LocalBusiness #CincinnatiNetworking #BNISuccess #SmallBusinessMarketing #BusinessTips #SalesStrategies
Host
Brian Erickson
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