July/August 2005
Art of Networking
IndiaNations Helping Nations
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| Bijay and Anurhadha Shah with Niraj Shah, Sashi Menon and Raymond D'Souza at the Leadership Team Training |
Niraj Shah, the National Director of BNI India, invited them to see BNI in action. Bijay Shah said, "The philosophy of 'Givers Gain' begins at home. Niraj truly displayed this when he invited us to the launch of the second chapter in Mumbai, India. Not only did we have the opportunity to attend the successful launch, but Niraj also planned for us to attend a full day Leadership Training session, two information sessions and a chapter breakfast meeting all in one action packed week. Thank you Niraj - you have a heart of Gold!"
Submitted by Niraj Shah, National Director, BNI India
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New ZealandBusiness Award Finalists Selected
BNI New Zealand has been selected as a finalist in the inaugural "2005 Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards!" BNI NZ has been identified as one of the leaders in the pack when it comes to offering a service or product that positively impacts business owners' lives. This nomination is a huge honor.
The finalists will be assessed on leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, management analysis and knowledge management, human resources, process management and business results.
The organizer of the awards and small business sector specialist, Sarah Trotman, said: "The inaugural Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards recognize and set apart those individuals and entities which have a demonstrable understanding of business owners' needs and help support small business growth in New Zealand."
The Awards will be evaluated by the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation and the winners will be announced at the Awards dinner on July 21 which dovetails with the Small Business Expo, a business-to-business marketplace for small business owners which is taking place at the Auckland Showgrounds on July 20-22.
Stay tuned to learn if BNI NZ is a winner!
Submitted by Graham Southwell, National Director, BNI New Zealand
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SingaporeBNI Singapore Members Conference 2005
One hundred and thirty-five BNI members came together for a time of learning on May 19th, 2005 at Le Meridien Hotel. Topics presented included "Masters of Success" by National Director Sim Chow Boon, "Givers Gain" by National Director Mervin Yeo, "Brand Yourself for More Referrals" by Patrick Wee and "Coach Yourself, Coach Your Team" by Andrew Bryant.Four breakout sessions were conducted in the afternoon by Directors Ong Kuan Kuan and Michael Tey.
The Givers Gain book was also launched on that day and all participants received a copy.
It was a great time for members of all the chapters to come together to establish new contacts and renew old ties.
Submitted by Sim Chow Boon, National Director, BNI Singapore
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AustraliaCreative Ideas to Grow Your Chapter
From The Networker — Official Newsletter of BNI Australia
Web-Promoting
An innovative idea has been implemented by Pegasus Chapter in Brisbane.Kim Harland, President, recently began promoting chapter meeting details on a Brisbane Events Calendar website "ourbrisbane.com." This website is a commonly used local events website and Kim's entries promote both the benefits of BNI and the local chapter meeting details.
Does your local area have a similar website upon which you can promote your Chapter meetings?
Substitute Breakfast
Rainforest Chapter in Northern Queensland recently held an innovative "Substitute" breakfast.Each member brought along a substitute to stand in for them and do their infomercial. That day, 37 participants attended and two of the visitors signed-up as new members.
Lance Gane, Regional Director for Northern Australia substituted for the Rainforest Chapter President and commented "I was very impressed - the energy levels were very high - the Power of 40 is alive and well!"
Congratulations Rainforest Chapter - you are setting a firm foundation for continued success and growth!
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MalaysiaInspire Chapter Reaches Platinum
Congratulations to Inspire Chapter — launched in August 2004, it is now the second largest chapter in Malaysia with 50 members. It is the second chapter in Malaysia to achieve Platinum status.Inspire chapter was recognized as the Best Launched Chapter in 2004 and the first chapter to reach Platinum Status in just 8 months!
Inspire Chapter exchanged an impressive average of 359 referrals per months in the last 4 months. Close to RM 2 million worth of business has been transacted over the last 8 months.
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MalyasiaTough Act to Follow
Achievers Chapter, launched exactly 2 years ago, has passed 5000 referrals!Receiving the Best Chapter for the Northern Region for two consecutive years (2003 and 2004) and the 2004 Founders Award is a tough act to follow. The chapter passed an average of 208 referrals per month over the last 24 months, growing from 25 members at launch to 37 members at the end of April 2005.
Achievers Chapter certainly has lived up to its name. Pioneer member YC Tang is the top referral-giver, averaging 33 referrals per month.
The chapter also achieved and contributed the largest sum, RM 5000, to the Charity Treasure Hunt in January this year.
Congratulations and well done!
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MalyasiaWinners' are Winners
The aptly named Winners Chapter made history this week by being the first Chapter in the Johor region to achieve 40 members. They accomplished this in only 10 months after inception!
It is a double celebration for the Winners as they also celebrate their first Double Gold Club member in their Chapter, Tze Wen, Chapter President. "Lead by Example" Tze Wen has introduced 12 new members into the chapter.
Like other chapters in the world, the first milestone in terms of size is to achieve 40 members as quickly as possible. Being a BNI chapter of 40 means business — for everyone. It means having long-term members who are benefiting from BNI, and of course lots of visitors to increase the network. To reach 40 members and then go Platinum requires strong leadership from every chapter member.
So congratulations to the business men and women in Winners Chapter and for their relentless efforts to succeed!
Submitted by Avyrl Au, National Director, BNI Malaysia
