Phil Blende ITEK Solutions Inc. BNI Helps Launch a Successful Tech Career In a previous career, I was a police officer for 13 years. No longer in love with the job, I began my own business. As a computer hobbyist, I loved the challenge that came with it. From that passion, I started ITEK Solutions. ITEK Solutions didn't have an advertising budget, so we aggressively sought to develop the business through word of mouth. I joined the local chamber of commerce, and did everything I could to get ITEK Solutions in everyone's mind. Unfortunately, Irvine is a very "tech" oriented area, and I found myself in competition with at least 20 other IT companies. I was disheartened, but I pushed on for the next three years. In January of 2007, I was referred to the BNI Business Referral Source chapter, which had an opening for an IT person. I showed up at the meeting and everyone was unbelievably friendly. I knew by the end of the meeting that BNI was for me. I signed up, paid my dues, got accepted, and immediately began doing 1-to-1's with the members. Within three weeks of joining the group I had a referral that led to a $10,000 contract. By the end of 2007, BNI referrals had accounted for $80,000 worth of business. I'm working harder than ever just to keep up with the referral business. Thanks to Dr. Ivan Misner for developing the mechanism that changed my business and my life, and for allowing me the opportunity to work with such incredible people. Phil Blende, ITEK Solutions Inc., www.iteksolutionsinc.com

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