History of the Organization
Our Story
At the heart of our organization is a simple idea: networking should be guest-centered and results-driven.
Years ago, our founder, Basile Lemba, arrived in Northern Virginia and attended numerous networking events. While valuable, he saw room for improvement—specifically, a need to shift the focus toward the guests and their outcomes.
That insight led to the creation of the BL Networking Breakfast Club, a monthly event designed to help professionals connect meaningfully and grow their businesses. The concept took off. Entrepreneurs and professionals not only kept coming back—they brought others with them.
As demand grew, so did the desire to showcase products and services, something not feasible within the breakfast format. To meet this need, we launched the BL Small Business EXPO, now held twice a year (May and November), offering a broader platform for business visibility and growth.
But along the way, we discovered something much deeper.
Most people know how to drive—but when it comes to networking, many feel lost. Our deeper research revealed that existing definitions and strategies were inconsistent or based on personal opinions. What worked for one person didn’t always work for another.
So, we asked: Why isn’t there a science of networking?
That question launched us into a 20+ year journey of studying and codifying networking into a science—a framework anyone can learn, apply, and succeed with. Today, we offer training and consulting programs built on this proven method, backed by our live events as practical platforms for real-world application under the banner of BL Networking Institute.
Our mission is clear:
To help you build better relationships, get the clients you want, and dramatically grow your business.
We believe:
1. "The quality of your life is proportional to the quality of your networking."
2. "The amount of money you will make is proportional to the quality of your networking"
And now, with the right tools and know-how, anyone can network effectively—just like driving a car.
Ready to Grow Through Better Networking?
Join our next Breakfast Club or EXPO or explore our Training Programs to start building the business relationships that matter most.
Let’s connect. Let’s grow.
With Unlimited Affinity,
The BL Networking Institute Team
At the heart of our organization is a simple idea: networking should be guest-centered and results-driven.
Years ago, our founder, Basile Lemba, arrived in Northern Virginia and attended numerous networking events. While valuable, he saw room for improvement—specifically, a need to shift the focus toward the guests and their outcomes.
That insight led to the creation of the BL Networking Breakfast Club, a monthly event designed to help professionals connect meaningfully and grow their businesses. The concept took off. Entrepreneurs and professionals not only kept coming back—they brought others with them.
As demand grew, so did the desire to showcase products and services, something not feasible within the breakfast format. To meet this need, we launched the BL Small Business EXPO, now held twice a year (May and November), offering a broader platform for business visibility and growth.
But along the way, we discovered something much deeper.
Most people know how to drive—but when it comes to networking, many feel lost. Our deeper research revealed that existing definitions and strategies were inconsistent or based on personal opinions. What worked for one person didn’t always work for another.
So, we asked: Why isn’t there a science of networking?
That question launched us into a 20+ year journey of studying and codifying networking into a science—a framework anyone can learn, apply, and succeed with. Today, we offer training and consulting programs built on this proven method, backed by our live events as practical platforms for real-world application under the banner of BL Networking Institute.
Our mission is clear:
To help you build better relationships, get the clients you want, and dramatically grow your business.
We believe:
1. "The quality of your life is proportional to the quality of your networking."
2. "The amount of money you will make is proportional to the quality of your networking"
And now, with the right tools and know-how, anyone can network effectively—just like driving a car.
Ready to Grow Through Better Networking?
Join our next Breakfast Club or EXPO or explore our Training Programs to start building the business relationships that matter most.
Let’s connect. Let’s grow.
With Unlimited Affinity,
The BL Networking Institute Team
