The BNI UK Podcast

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell and UK National Director Mike Holman dig into testimonials - what they are, why they were created, and how to give one that actually makes a difference now that they no longer count toward traffic light points.Mike shares the origin story behind testimonials in BNI, breaks down a simple structure for writing one that genuinely builds credibility, and explains why removing the points incentive may have made testimonials more meaningful, not less.Key TakeawaysTestimonials are about credibility, not just gratitude.While members can speak well of themselves, hearing someone else genuinely endorse your work shifts your credibility to a different level entirely.The tradition started by accident.A chiropractor in a US chapter offered free treatments that nobody took up, until one member tried it, loved it and insisted on telling the room - creating the format that became the testimonial.A good testimonial follows problem, solution, result.State who you are and your business first, then explain the problem you had, how the person solved it, and the specific benefit it created.Delivery matters as much as content.Printed, written testimonials read aloud to the room - rather than directly at the person - carry more weight and signal genuine effort.Removing the points has improved the quality.Without traffic light incentives attached, testimonials are now given for the right reasons rather than to hit a target, giving them more genuine value.Key Moments"Testimonials massively help people with their credibility - thank you for the impact it's made on me, wow, credibility now goes to a different level very, very quickly.""Just saying they were good doesn't give them any competitive advantage of other people out in the marketplace.""Giving them something physical in the meeting makes them feel more valued and it has greater impact.""Now it's got purpose - and probably that's the best way it should be.""Nobody buys anything unless they've checked out the reviews. They call them reviews, but they're testimonials to the services."About the HostMike Holman is the UK National Director for BNI, the world's largest business networking organisation. He works with thousands of members across the UK to help them build strong relationships, generate consistent referrals, and grow their businesses through structured networking.BNI is built on the philosophy of "Givers Gain" - supporting others to succeed in order to achieve your own success. With a strong focus on commitment, accountability, and personal development, BNI provides a proven framework for long-term business growth.How to Get InvolvedWebsite: https://www.bni.co.ukIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your network and leave a review.The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insidershttps://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell is joined by UK National Director Mike Holman and Operations Director Simon McGuinness for a debrief on BNI's recent national conference - a milestone event marking 30 years of BNI in the UK.The conversation goes behind the scenes of what it takes to plan a three day event for 420 delegates, reflects on the £7 billion in business generated by UK members since 2010, and covers a major personal announcement from Mike about his next move within BNI.Key TakeawaysThis year's conference was the largest two day event BNI UK has run.420 delegates, around 50 speakers and up to 30 exhibitors came together for three days, the result of roughly eight to nine months of dedicated planning.Mike Holman is moving into a new EMEA role.After four years as UK National Director, Mike announced he will be supporting new franchisees coming into BNI across Europe, the Middle East and Africa - a return to his roots as a former franchisee himself.The 30th anniversary was a moment to reflect and accelerate.Since 2010 alone, BNI UK members have generated over £7 billion in recorded business and 13 million referrals, with much more believed to go unrecorded.Dr Ivan Misner's appearance was a major highlight.The BNI founder hadn't attended a UK conference in around a decade, and his presence - alongside a fireside chat with UK co-founder Gilly Lawson - became one of the standout moments of the event.Next year's conference is heading to Twickenham.With over 100 tickets already sold for an event eleven months away, the team are already eyeing potential rugby-themed keynote speakers to suit the venue.Key Moments"We've generated over £7 billion worth of business for local business people - and that's just what's been recorded.""Nobody should feel alone in business. BNI has the opportunity to bring people together.""When Gilly asks you to do something, you should be saying yes.""Picking your favourite speaker session is a bit like asking who your favourite child is.""How we top what we've just done is a major concern at the moment, to say the least."About the HostMike Holman is the UK National Director for BNI, the world's largest business networking organisation. He works with thousands of members across the UK to help them build strong relationships, generate consistent referrals, and grow their businesses through structured networking.BNI is built on the philosophy of "Givers Gain" - supporting others to succeed in order to achieve your own success. With a strong focus on commitment, accountability, and personal development, BNI provides a proven framework for long-term business growth.Find out more: https://bni.co.uk/

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, host Ed Nell is joined by National Director Mike Holman and guest Aaron Donnelly, Managing Director of Complexus Limited.Aaron shares how he communicates a highly technical offering - from telemetry and security to tracking people, vehicles and assets - in a way that non-technical audiences can understand and confidently refer. The conversation focuses on simplifying your message, using real-world scenarios and helping others clearly identify who to introduce you to.Key TakeawaysSimplify your messageAvoid overwhelming people with technical detail. Focus on outcomes and real-world use cases that are easy to understand.Be specific about who you wantClearly naming target clients at the start of your pitch increases the chances of members recognising and referring opportunities.Use storytelling to explain valueReal-life examples help people understand how your service is used and why it matters, making it easier to remember.Focus your weekly messageDon’t try to explain everything. Pick one area of your business each week and communicate it clearly.Get to the point quicklyIn one-to-ones and conversations, establish early whether there’s a fit. This respects time and keeps conversations productive.Key Moments“You’re not selling the tech - you’re selling what it enables.”“Say who you’re looking for at the start - slowly.”“Don’t try to explain everything in 60 seconds.”“Get to the no quicker - it saves time for both of you.”About the guestAaron Donnelly is the Managing Director of Complexus Limited, specialising in telemetry, security and tracking solutions across vehicles, assets and people. With a background in military and technical leadership, Aaron helps businesses monitor and protect what matters most.About BNI UKBNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest business networking organisation, helping members grow their businesses through structured referral marketing and meaningful relationships.How to Get InvolvedWebsite: https://www.bni.co.ukIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your network and leave a review.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, host Ed Nell and National Director Mike Holman are joined guest David Bartlett, a locksmith from the Maverick chapter in Suffolk.David shares an incredible real-life story that highlights the true power of community within BNI. What started as a routine call-out turned into a collective effort across multiple members and chapters to transform the life of a vulnerable elderly woman — showing how relationships built through BNI can extend far beyond business.Key TakeawaysBNI is about more than businessWhile referrals drive growth, the relationships built within BNI can have a meaningful impact on people’s lives beyond commercial gain.Trust is built through relationshipsTaking the time to understand people — both within your chapter and outside it — strengthens trust and creates deeper connections.Givers Gain in actionWhen members come together with a shared purpose, the impact can be far greater than any one individual working alone.Small actions can lead to big outcomesA single conversation or moment of care can grow into something much bigger when others rally behind it.Community creates lasting bondsWorking together on something meaningful strengthens relationships and reinforces the culture within a chapter and region.Key Moments“It started as a normal call - but it turned into something much bigger.”“We didn’t want anything - we just wanted to help.”“Seeing her sit in a clean, safe space again was magical.”“You never know what someone else is going through.”About the guestDavid Bartlett is a locksmith based in Suffolk and a member of the Maverick BNI chapter. Passionate about security and helping people, David takes a personal approach to his work - ensuring customers feel safe and supported during difficult situations.About BNI UKBNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest business networking organisation, helping members grow their businesses through structured referral marketing and meaningful relationships.How to Get InvolvedWebsite: https://www.bni.co.ukIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your network and leave a review.

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, host Ed Nell is joined by National Director Mike Holman and guest Emma Easton, Director at Business Communicate and a BNI member of over 11 years.Emma shares her perspective on building a true “tribe” within BNI — moving beyond tracking numbers and focusing instead on genuine relationships, trust and shared success. The conversation explores how consistency, authenticity and deeper connections lead to stronger referrals and long-term growth.Key TakeawaysFocus on people, not just dataWhile tools like the traffic light system provide structure, real success comes from building genuine relationships with your referral partners.Upgrade your one-to-onesMove beyond “tick-box” meetings. Approach one-to-ones with intention, strategy and a clear outcome to deepen relationships.Consistency builds trustShowing up, being prepared and following through on commitments are the foundations of credibility within your chapter.Create shared momentumReferrals shouldn’t be one-off transactions. Stay involved, follow up and work together to grow opportunities over time.Look internally firstIf results aren’t where you want them to be, review your own activity, effort and strategy before looking elsewhere.Key Moments“People buy into people - not just numbers.”“You put in what you get out - but you have to really go for it.”“BNI gives you the foundation, but it’s what you build on top that matters.”“It takes time to build trust - but it can be lost very quickly.”About the guestEmma Easton is a Director at Business Communicate and a long-standing BNI member with over a decade of experience. Known for her energy and commitment to helping others succeed, Emma focuses on building strong relationships and creating high-performing teams within BNI.About BNI UKBNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest business networking organisation, helping members grow their businesses through structured referral marketing and meaningful relationships.How to Get InvolvedWebsite: https://www.bni.co.ukIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your network and leave a review.The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insidershttps://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell speaks with UK National Director Mike Holman about a challenge every BNI member will face at some point - receiving a bad referral. They explore what actually defines a “bad” referral and, more importantly, how to respond in a way that strengthens relationships rather than damages them.Mike shares a refreshing perspective that shifts the focus away from blame and towards accountability, communication, and education. The episode is packed with practical advice on improving referral quality, refining your messaging, and turning frustrating situations into long-term opportunities for growth.Key TakeawaysTake responsibility, don’t assign blame:If you receive a bad referral, start by looking at how you may have miscommunicated what you’re looking for rather than assuming poor intent.Education is the key to better referrals:Your network can only refer effectively if they clearly understand your ideal client - vague messaging leads to vague referrals.Refine your 60-second and one-to-ones:If multiple people are giving poor referrals, it’s likely a messaging issue. Be specific, clear, and consistent in how you communicate your needs.Always respond with professionalism:Thank the person, apologise, and have a constructive conversation - ideally face-to-face or over the phone, not via email.Every referral is an opportunity to improve:Even poor referrals can highlight gaps in your process, whether that’s communication, follow-up, or your sales approach.Best Moments“A bad referral is anything that you don’t want.”“Say thank you for the referral… and apologise.”“If you don’t deal with a bad referral, you deserve the next one.”“You’re asking people to shop blind if you’re not specific.”“Don’t be the person talking about others behind their back.”About BNIBNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format.Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/index

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, host Ed Nell and National Director Mike Holman are joined by guest Rich Hayden, Managing Director of Made By Seven and a founding BNI member with over 22 years’ experience.Rich shares his journey from ineffective, transactional networking to building a powerful, accountable network that has generated millions in business - not just locally, but globally. Packed with real-life storeys, practical advice and honest reflections, this episode highlights how small actions - done consistently - can lead to significant long-term success.Key TakeawaysNetworking without accountability doesn’t work.Without structure, follow-up and consistency, networking becomes little more than a social activity rather than a driver of real business.Consistency drives results.Long-term success in BNI comes from sustained effort over time, not short bursts of activity.Step into leadership roles.Taking on responsibility within your chapter increases visibility, builds confidence and accelerates business growth.Protect the experience for guests.Creating a positive, high-energy environment helps convert visitors into members and strengthens the overall network.Small actions create big outcomes.Something as simple as offering a coffee, following up or making someone feel welcome can lead to significant long-term opportunities.Key Moments“Networking without accountability is merely a coffee club.”“Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not there.”“Show up - don’t just turn up.”“If you’re going to be in the room, be the most positive person there.”About the guestRich Hayden is the Managing Director of Made By Seven and a founding member of BNI Enterprise in Ilkley. With over two decades in BNI, Rich has generated millions in business for fellow members and built global connections through the organisation.Known for his energy, consistency and commitment to personal development, Rich is a strong advocate for accountability-led networking and building a powerful personal brand.About BNIBNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format.Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/indexThe BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insidershttps://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/

In this episode of the BNI UK Podcast, host Ed Nell is joined by National Director Mike Holman and guest Emma Robson, Director of Stort Valley Gifting and member of BNI Success for Business in Harlow.Emma shares her journey of launching a business during COVID after redundancy and how BNI played a pivotal role from day one - even securing her first customer before officially launching. This episode is packed with practical insights on making BNI work effectively, from mastering one-to-ones and refining your weekly presentation to building long-term client relationships and maximising return on investment.Key TakeawaysStart networking early.You don’t need to wait until your business is established - BNI can generate opportunities and clients from the very beginning.You get out what you put in.Success in BNI comes from consistent effort: one-to-ones, subbing, optimising your profile and actively engaging with members.Use real examples in your 60 seconds.Talking about recent work and real clients helps others understand how to refer you more effectively.One-to-ones drive real business.Building relationships and truly understanding other members leads to stronger referrals - even when you’re not in the room.Leverage your network for ideas.BNI isn’t just for referrals - it’s a powerful sounding board for developing new products, services and business ideas.Key Moments“80–85% of our business comes from networking - much of that through BNI.”“You have to put a lot in to get it back.”“That one-to-one led to 190 hampers - and I wasn’t even in the room.”“Use your 60 seconds to talk about what you’ve actually done this week.”“BNI didn’t just support our business - it helped shape it.”About the guestEmma Robson is the Director of Stort Valley Gifting, a business specialising in bespoke corporate gifting and hampers using locally sourced products. A member of BNI Success for Business in Harlow, Emma has built her business largely through networking, with a strong focus on relationships, creativity and customer experience.https://stortvalleygifting.co.uk/About BNIBNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format.Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/indexThe BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insidershttps://www.themediainsiders.co.uk/