Rotary Means Business

While Rotarians work together for service and fellowship, ­ushering in transformation in communities, here is one more reason for them to network. They can be part of the Rotary Means Business (RMB) group that helps in furthering their mutual business interests. RMB is a fellowship of Rotary International and is active in 48 countries, having been initiated in San Francisco three years ago.

Its mission statement reads: ‘Rotary Means Business encourages Rotarians to support the success of their fellow Rotarians by doing business with them, and by referring ­others to them.’

District 3201 recently launched the country’s first chapter in ­Coimbatore through the ­concerted efforts of Rotarians A ­Arivudainambi, G Kannan and V Unnikrishnan. The membership has grown from 18 to 25 in the three months after its launch.

How it works
RMB is only for Rotarians. Each ­chapter will have one Rotarian from each classification to avoid clash of business. Thus, the Coimbatore ­chapter has an architect, interior designer, real estate agent, builder, auditor etc., as members. Annual subscription is $10.

Networking meetings are held fortnightly at the residence or business location of its members by rotation; this way, members will get to know the host and his business on a more personal level. Members make a detailed presentation of their business, products and services. The direct interaction helps them exchange business leads and they also give personal ­recommendations to close a deal. There is lot of learning, interaction and hence it is a win-win proposition for all, says RMB Chair Arivudainambi, a building material distributor and member of RC ­Coimbatore Manchester.

Rotarians from places such as Chennai, Cochin, Palghat and ­Mysuru have evinced interest in forming such chapters in their regions. RC Chennai North, D 3230, is all set to install its chapter at ­Chennai with PDG G Olivannan as the Charter Chair.

The group has created interest in non-Rotarians too, and this ­initiative might prove to be an attractive ­membership tool.

Members can advertise their business in the fellowship’s ­website: www.rotarymeansbusiness.com. Interested Rotarians may contact the Coimbatore RMB Chair at rmb@rmbcoimbatore.com