BRX - Newsletter

Welcome to the BRX Newsletter

To BRX Chairmen, Administrators and all BRX members

“80% of success is turning up”
Woody Allen

When I am out and about at BRX meetings and events I am invariably asked questions about the organisation, you must be asked too. While most of the answers are listed in one place or another in BRX manuals and literature. I devote this newsletter to some answers.

Face to Face networking

Face to face Networking is increasingly becoming the way for small and medium sized businesses to develop relationships with both new clients and new suppliers. Because of this there has been a huge growth in number and diversity of networking organisations and groups over the last 5 years in the UK. However, many of the small independent groups disband after a short period because they lack focus, having no formal guidelines or objectives and limited support materials. BRX is very different. We have strong national network of groups, which we support with training, recruitment materials and most importantly an on-going development of the format to ensure that the groups keep delivering for their members by being fresh and relevant. As an organisation we encourage inter-group meetings so that contacts and knowledge are shared with a wider audience, and members are constantly expanding their own personal network of contacts. The breadth and depth of training that we offer to members (and franchisees) is constantly improving, so not only do our members enjoy a huge benefit from their BRX membership, they also enjoy an extra personal benefit.

Business Referral Exchange (BRX)

Was founded in1999 with one group at Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. England.

At July 2008 there are around 130 BRX groups in the UK (and growing) membership numbers approach 2000.
Members of each group meet face to face weekly, usually at breakfast time.
Meetings are structured with BRX inspired format variations which encourage trust and understanding across the membership within the group as well as between groups.
BRX groups generate business referrals within and well beyond their group.
The BRX programme engenders peer to peer personal and business development and is supported by proven training programmes.

The BRX structure

The board of BRX has a wealth of experience in franchising, marketing, networking, finance and personal and business development training.

The board consists of

Chairman:
Marketing Director:
Technical Director:
Finance Director:
Regional Director Midlands*:
Regional Director North *:

Michael Stern
Adam Gray
Anthony Luck
Carolyn Stewart
Stewart Evans
Ed Nash

*The Regional Directors above are Master Partners. These Directors will undertake, in conjunction with BRX Central, to develop, train and look out for new Area Partners especially in their formative days.

We currently work with

9 Regional Partners who in turn are assisted by some 60 Area and Group Partners.
130+ group elected chairmen each of whom has a working committee.

Member Charges

The member investment (company or individual).

Membership is annual

Year One. £581.63 (net £495.00) includes registration and join fee.
Year Two and onwards £376.00 (net £320.00).

We have recently launched a monthly payment initiative for new businesses, new groups etc that includes join and registration fee.

Your Regional Partner/Area Partner has details.

Accounting and Central Administration

All accounting, member accounts, payments to BRX, standing orders, credit card collection, fee chasing etc plus database and website update detail is handled by BRX Central under the direction of the Financial Director and her team. Regional Partners receive regular schedules which include all member payments and details, these are updated daily. Remuneration to Regional Partners' is made on the last working day of each month. Area and Group Partner payments are dealt with by the Regional Partner thereafter.

BRX Manuals and Literature

Include

A comprehensive Partners' Manual for both Regional and Area Partners. It currently stands at 191 pages with appendices that cover most aspects of BRX.
“Winning by Sharing”, “Varying the Format” of the Meeting manuals.
Development Training Manuals.
The BRX Ethos book.
The BRX Synergy Session book for Chairmen.
The Member Application Brochure that include the Application form.
Stylish BRX folders with various literatures.

BRX Promotional Products

To prospect new members there is

Constant contact email system.
The Marketsafe.com.ltd prospecting data base.
BRX Postcard invites.
Multiple fax shots (20th century old fashioned but they work).

It is essential that group members materially assist in inviting visitors (Prospective members)

The BRX Website www.brxnet.co.uk

There is a recently introduced revised BRX web site and the company is investing in developing that site for the benefit of all members and groups.

There are currently and historically a number of regional and group websites which we are experimenting with.

We are looking at ways to integrate all BRX sites. Our Technical Director heads this initiative.

The BRX Vision is

To offer and to deliver to BRX members a comprehensive formula and set of tools to expand their personal and business horizons and to make money.
To ensure that all our Partners are successful in what is a most rewarding and interesting business.
To continue to expand and develop new BRX concepts for the benefit of Members and Partners.

If you need any further information please call me on 01707 650082.

And in particular if you know someone who might benefit from BRX membership or a BRX partnership please make me or your Regional Partner aware.

Kind regards

Michael Stern
Chairman
Business Referral Exchange
michael.stern@brxnet.co.uk
www.brxnet.co.uk