BNI Switzerland celebrates its 20th anniversary
BNI Switzerland - the country's largest business network - is celebrating its 20th anniversary this April. To mark the anniversary, a major event will be held in Lugano on June 6 with several hundred members and guests. BNI is also launching two unique initiatives for start-ups and non-profit organizations.
BNI is the abbreviation for "Business Network International", the world's most successful network. It has been proven that cultivating relationships is the most effective method of obtaining recommendations, securing a company in the long term and enabling it to grow. In Switzerland, too, 93 entrepreneurial teams with almost 2,800 members in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein recommended each other more than 66,600 times in 2024. This also resulted in economic success, with BNI members generating a turnover of CHF 321 million.
BNI in Switzerland
The head office of BNI Switzerland is located in Lucerne. The company currently employs 26 people. It is managed by Danja Hermetschweiler - her family has held the exclusive BNI license for Switzerland and Liechtenstein for 20 years - and Hugues Steyner, Country Manager. Three members of management share responsibility for their area. Georg Zacher and Hugues Steyner are responsible for German-speaking Switzerland with 1,300 members. At regional level, there are 12 area directors. This structure makes it possible to effectively support the members so that they can understand and optimize the use of the tools provided by BNI in order to further develop their business and their success.
Each BNI entrepreneur group meets once a week, usually for breakfast, but also at other times depending on individual needs. The aim is to build business relationships, promote cooperation and exchange qualified recommendations. The meetings follow a tried and tested system to increase both the number and quality of business referrals and ultimately generate significant sales.
Two new initiatives and a major event to mark the 20th anniversary
True to its philosophy "Who gives, wins", BNI is launching two initiatives to address two specific target groups in Switzerland: BNI know-how is offered to innovative start-ups for one year. Non-profit organizations benefit permanently. Each team of entrepreneurs can accept two applicants.
On June 6, an extraordinary event is also on the program in Lugano. Several hundred members and guests will be able to benefit from inspiring presentations, shows and unique networking opportunities to further expand their professional network in an elegant and festive setting.
Danja Hermetschweiler, Head of BNI Switzerland, comments on the anniversary today: "We are confident about the next 20 years. Soon, over 9,000 entrepreneurs throughout Switzerland will be using our platform, which will boost the economy and create jobs."
Source and further information: https://bni.swiss
