From: "maggie" <balloonplatoon@charter.net>
To: <AeraDeco@aol.com>, <balloon@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Re: Business associations
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 14:44:25 -0500

Hi Steve,
I have been a member of a similar organization, but the one I belong to is
international in scope.  It's BNI (Business Networking International) with
over 1800 chapters in the US and many more overseas.  Dues are more in the
range of $275.00 per year, but we don't have the promotional materials your
group has for the wedding trade.  However, membership is exclusive within
the chapter, and I am the only balloon co. in all of Central Mass., so as
people from other chapters get to know me, I get referrals from them also.
Is it worth it?  I am still in the process of doing my taxes, but it appears
that I more than doubled my gross in the last year, and I think that the
work I did was more profitable.  I attribute a lot of that to BNI.  I
suggest that you check with some other members of the group you are thinking
about joining to see what the results are they have achieved as members, and
also check into BNI.  E-mail me privately if you are interested in more
info.  But on the whole I would recommend that you join, if your
investigations bear out that it is profitable to others in the group.
Maggie
Lee & Maggie Brusa, CBAs
The Balloon Platoon
Worcester, MA
www.balloonplatoon.com
----- Original Message -----
To: <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2001 4:17 PM
Subject: Business associationsions


> I have been approached by a good friend of mine (who happens to own a
rental company) who has asked me to apply to their exclusive business
network. The association consists of 10 wedding related businesses, ranging
from a caterer to dressmaker to cake person, etc., and they only allow one
person from each aspect of weddings to join. Therefore, the term exclusive,
indeed, applies. I would be the first, and only, balloon decorator allowed
in.
>
> The only thing I'm concerned about is the fees. If I'm accepted into the
group (and they have rejected people from everything to bad reputation to
poor personal hygiene)it will cost $1000 right off the bat, and then follow
up fees of $1000 per year in dues. The money goes to pay for an extremely
professionally printed booklet outlining each of the members of the
association. They also sponsor carry totes at some of the bridal shows each
year, and are looking into billboard options as well.
>
> The booklets are professionally produced and members are required to use
them as promotional materials at ANY venue they are in. This means that even
if I'm not at a show that one of the other members is in, they would still
be handing out a booklet that has all my information in it as well.
>
> My friend truly has my best interests at heart, and from what I
understand, all of the money paid out in dues goes back into promotion and
advertising, so I believe in the legitimacy of the program.
>
> Of course, I could just start my own networking group, but many of these
individuals have been in business for as much as 15 years. These are
established veterans with a heavy repeat customer clientelle that I would
gain access to. It would take years to build what these professionals have
already achieved.
>
> My question is this: is this worth the money, or is there a better option?
I've explored the chamber of commerce, but their membership is obviously not
as exclusive. It's just an awful amount of money, and I'd hate to throw any
more away after the old ethic "you have to spend money to make money".
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Steve Jones
> Aeration Decorations
>