ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Seven-thirty in the morning is early for anyone. But for members of Business Network International (BNI), that’s the time every Tuesday they get together at Aunt Sarah’s Bakery-Deli for a little coffee, maybe some pastry and a lot of networking.

“It lets you develop business contacts,” said Chris Hadley of Summerdale. Hadley is the vice-president of the 18-member local group.

“You can develop business contacts throughout the county. I didn’t grow up around here, so this make me more visible in the area,” Hadley said.

BNI was founded by Ivan Misner in 1985, and has thousands of chapters throughout the world. One of the hallmarks of the organization is that only one member of each profession or specialty in a profession is allowed in each chapter. Someone who has the same occupation as a group member is invited to join another chapter or found their own group.

“Over in Mobile, they have eight chapters,” said Hadley. “That means that not only in Baldwin (county) do you get contacts, there are contacts in Mobile as well. You get to meet people you would not ordinarily meet, plus the people here are recommended by another member, so you know they are quality. I have been a member for two years, and have gotten back 15 times my initial investment.”

This was Ginny Barnas of Foley’s first meeting, and she was more than a little nervous.

“I met Chris Hadley at my house when he was doing a termite inspection. He invited be to the meeting.”

Barnas’ goals were simple.

“I want to expand my business. This looks like a good base for networking, a good way to expand my reach.”

One of BNI’s hallmarks is that each member carries other member’s business cards with them. Referrals are also made at the meetings, with members reporting to the group as a whole how each referral went.

The meeting also allows each member present to make a “60 second presentation” that allows the businessperson to tell about his/her business and what it does.

“This is well worth it,” said Tammy Waters of Pensacola. “BNI works. It is awesome, it give you a chance to connect with other businesspeople.”

For more information on BNI, go to their Web site, bni.com. For the local group, call Chris Hadley, 961-7109.