How many times have you asked somebody for a referral? Knowingly or unknowingly, we all do this, all the time within our network. A company thought of making it a business practice and today generates over $11 billion through referrals. Founded in 1985, US based Business Network International (BNI) claims to be the world’s leading referral chain. Chairman and CEO, Graham Weihmiller who joined BNI in 2014 and is currently executing BNI’s strategic plan in its 73 operating countries speaks on entrepreneurship, franchising, and operational excellence.
Is this your first visit to India?
No, I had come here almost 20 years ago. With BNI, it’s my third or fourth travel.
How is India shaping up as a part of the Asian market for BNI?
It’s a very significant market. We are very excited about the developments in India and will continue with those. We have opened a new office in Bengaluru. I am very excited about the new leaders coming in.
Initially, were you aware of the vastness of the market or whether you were sure about entering into the country?
We felt confident for a number of reasons. First of all, tier II cities in India tend to be very large as per global standards and they are developing rapidly. By opening up BNI chapters in all these cities, we are giving them a chance to grow up and connect with them across India and world.
Was there any tweaking done with regards to the Indian chapter?
Sometimes, the franchise organizations need to customize their model when they enter a new country. In case of BNI, not much customization has been done in terms of the business model.
In terms of the popular franchises, where does India fit in?
This story is from the November 2017 edition of Entrepreneur magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2017 edition of Entrepreneur magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Looming Crisis: What Indian Aviation Industry Needs To Do Differently
Currently, Canceled Flights, Dissatisfied Frequent Flyers And Reprimands From The Regulators Have Become The Norm For Indian Airlines Such As Vistara, Air India, Indigo. To Navigate These Challenges, What Does The Sector Need To Do Better?
Why Small Businesses Can't Afford To Grow
Big companies take a long time to pay their suppliers. Sometimes, so long that the supplier goes out of business. Two entrepreneurs wanted to find out why this system is so broken-and wound up creating a solution.
Will India achieve 40GW Rooftop Solar Capacity by 2026?
ACCELERATING THE ADOPTION OF ROOFTOP SOLAR INSTALLATIONS IS CRUCIAL FOR ACHIEVING INDIA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGETS BUT DESPITE VARIOUS SUBSIDIES AND MEASURES BY GOVERNMENT, THE COUNTRY MISSED ITS 2022 TARGET.
FUELLING INDIA'S SILICON VALLEY ASPIRATIONS
It took 40-plus years for the US and over 25 years for Taiwan to establish their Silicon Valley.
'UP' FOR A DRINK THIS SUMMER?
LAST YEAR THE DEMAND WAS DISRUPTED DUE TO PREPONED MONSOONS. THIS YEAR'S FORECAST IS FOR A BLAZING SUMMER. FMCG COMPANIES SUCH AS DABUR, PARLE AGRO, CAVIN KARE, GODREJ JERSEY & HAMDARD LABORATORIES GEAR UP TO MEET DEMANDS AND HOPE TO MAINTAIN THEIR PRICING AMIDST A WAITAND WATCH APPROACH
THIRSTY CITIES | HOW COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS CONTRIBUTE TO WATER CONSERVATION
WATER STORAGE IN THE MAJOR RESERVOIRS AND RIVER BASINS IN THE COUNTRY HAS DROPPED LESS THAN THE AVERAGE STORAGE RECORDED IN A DECADE FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD.
ACHARYA PRASHANT THE PRACTICAL TEACHER
Prashant Tripathi, now known as Acharya Prashant, has shot up as a unique wisdom teacher.
SYNTHETIC SPARKLES
How startups are banking on the customer base shifting to more affordable and sustainable diamond options
Corporate Journeys Reimagined 2024 and Beyond
A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF EUROPEAN AND US COMPANIES PLAN TO DECREASE TRAVEL PER EMPLOYEE BY OVER 20% TO ACHIEVE THEIR 2030 SUSTAINABILITY GOALS.
India Inc. Charges Towards Sustainable Change With EV Push
INDIA'S EV SECTOR IS POISED TO SKYROCKET TO AN ESTIMATE OF $113.99 BILLION BY 2029.
