Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone has questions, listed below are some of the more commonly asked questions. Click on each title to read my answer.

Why do I need to subscribe?

  • I have been 'networking' all my life, why do I need to subscribe?
    Speaking from my own experience, even people who think they know everything or are successful at networking need some help and guidance. Learning new hints and tips and even being reminded of the building blocks is always useful. Subscribing to this site will give you weekly assistance that will take you just ten minutes to read and will help you to be an even better networker.
  • I have done the BNIŽ training, why do I need this book?
    This book is in no way a replacement for the great training that BNIŽ offers members. It is a system that will prompt you on a weekly basis to think actively about your role as a networker and as a member of BNIŽ and how you can be a more effective person within your chapter.
  • Is there a discount for BNIŽ Members?
    No, and once you subscribe there is a chapter about why giving discounts to BNI members is a good and bad thing :)
 

So who is Tony Allwood?

  • What makes Tony Allwood such an expert?
    When I was part way through writing 'Beyond the Comfort Zone' I had a moment of self doubt and asked myself the same question.

    I have been a member of BNIŽ for over ten years, the two chapters I have been members of in this time were both and still are the best BNIŽ chapters in the world. I have taken every role within BNIŽ, handled some very interesting, very difficult and very amusing issues that have arisen doing these roles.

    I am no expert, I have made mistakes, but I have learned over the last 10 years that in business and in your networking activities, structure is the key. The delivery of each weekly chapter is designed to broaden your skills and knowledge of networking.
  • What's my business?
    I run a Website design and marketing company in Hamilton, New Zealand. I am not a New York Marketing Professional or a high flying corporate executive. I am I believe, a normal business person. I face the same issues of sales, staff and finance that every business owner faces.

    One difference is that in my first five years in business in New Zealand, I spent just $80.00 on 'above the line' marketing and advertising. Over 90% of our business comes from referrals from my BNI chapter and my customers recommending my company to their friends and colleagues. That is in its self a huge responsibility, my business has been built on trust and networking.
 

Why weekly chapters?

  • Why are the chapters delivered weekly?
    There are two ways to access the material of 'Beyond the Comfort Zone', the first is by buying the physical book. You can do this by clicking here and going to lulu.com

    The second is the subscription service. This breaks the book into weekly chapters and allows you to read it whenever you wish. I have found that many people have bought not only Beyond The Comfort Zone, but many other business books and never get past the first chapter or two. They 'intend' finishing it, but never make time. By sending you the Book one chapter at a time, you are able to continue reading and learning in 'bite sized chunks' for a whole year.
  • Can I 'Buy The Book'
    Yes you can you can buy it by clicking here and going to lulu.com.
 

Non English Language Versions

  • Are non-English language versions available
    Yes, in Feb 2011 a German version of the book is to be published by BNI Switzerland. As soon as more details are available we will let you know. If you want to be kept informed of the publication of the new version please email us - click here