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Breaking News
Misners Honored with Humanitarian Award
The LeRoy Haynes Center for Children and Family Services awarded Dr. Ivan Misner and his wife Beth Misner, senior editor of SuccessNet, as its 2004-2005 Humanitarians of the Year. To read this article, click here.
Hurricane Relief Fund
BNI is urging its members to band together and reach out to those hard hit in the aftermath of the recent hurricanes—we have started a Hurricane Relief Fund for the American Red Cross within the BNI-Misner Foundation.
To contribute to the fund, please mail your donations to:
BNI-Misner Foundation
545 W. College Commerce Way
Upland, CA 91786
100 percent of all contributions will be forwarded to the American Red Cross.
Thank you for your support of our fellow BNI members and directors during this National disaster.
Members are invited to BNI's International Conference
BNI Members are invited to attend the Members' Session of the BNI International Conference being held at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, in Long Beach, California!
Don't miss this opportunity to meet and network with other BNI Members—as well as BNI Directors from almost 20 different countries!!
Conference Date: Friday, November 19, 2004
Location: Hyatt Regency Long Beach, 200 South Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Check-in will begin at 7:00 a.m.)
Registration Prices: $60.00 per person for reservations received by November 5, 2004
Seating is Limited! Tickets will NOT be sold at the door—You MUST pre-register before November 5, 2004.
Some of the exciting NEW Members' Session Topics will include:
- Mind Mapping
- Referral Magic
- Elevating Your Professional Image Equals More Referrals
- Key Note Speaker: Dr. Ivan Misner, BNI's Founder & CEO
For more information and to obtain your registration form, please call: (909) 608-7575, ext. 120.
2004 US Membership Cruise
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| Ensenada, Mexico |
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| BNI members demonstrate a different kind of Dance Card! |
The 2004 BNI Membership Cruise was a complete success and a great chance for BNI members and guests to see the world while getting to know more of their BNI peers!
The trip departed from Long Beach, California and stopped in Ensenada, Mexico (pictured above) before returning back to Long Beach. This very extravagant boat ride included a free mixer hosted by BNI, a Networking Workshop presented by Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder & CEO of BNI, and much, much more!
Steve Deubel, a long time BNI member and Director from Arizona, and his wife, Carol, attended the Cruise and came home extra energized on BNI! "So much happened so fast… New relationships were formed and we also had a chance to strengthen old relationships by conducting informal dance cards. Dr. Misner gave a great presentation on "Passion" that directly affects my business and my relationships. I have already shared his story with my local BNI Chapter and it really created a buzz!"
Way to go BNI members and directors—Keep up the positive spirit and energy!!!
I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the cruise! I can't remember when I have had more fun. One of the highlights (truly) was hearing Ivan Misner speak. It was the first opportunity I have had to hear him, and both my husband and I came away inspired and with information that will help us grow our businesses.
The only bad news is that now my husband is "hooked" on cruising and is already talking about where we will go next. I guess I will have to make lots of money to help pay for these vacations. That should be no problem though, because by helping my local BNI chapter grow, my business will grow as well.
My experience with BNI has been terrific. I have learned so much, gotten to know some wonderful people and increased my sales. It is my understanding that you have a lot to do with the success of BNI in Michigan. I appreciate it.
Linda Elise Turner, Independent Team Leader, Weekenders USA
BNI In the News
The following reprinted articles are just a sample of BNI mentions in the media.
Networking Guru Using Old Tricks to Solve Modern Problems
UPLAND, Calif., Sep 7, 2004 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — People are cocooning in their homes. They're hiding behind their computers. They're teleconferencing. In a digital world where people are distancing themselves from one another, the opportunity for creating networks of real human beings are greater than ever.
According to Ivan Misner, Ph.D., a networking expert and Founder of BNI (Business Network Int'l), "Referral business is still the most powerful way to gain new business and create success."
"In an increasingly digital world," he says, "personal networks are even more important."
"Our modern world is a double-edged sword," Misner says. "While it is certainly easier to create and nurture a wider network today than in the past, the depth on of those relationships can be questionable."
"Networking is more about farming than it is about hunting," says Misner. "It is about cultivating relationships with quality people. The best way to do this is to help other people in their business. In BNI, we call this 'givers gain.' If you want to get referrals, you have to be willing to give referrals to people."
"I can't overemphasize the importance of the human component of business, especially as we come to rely so heavily on technology."
Ivan Misner, Ph.D., is the Founder & CEO of BNI, a referral networking organization with Chapters in 18 countries around the world. He is also the author of several books including the NY Times best-seller, "Masters of Networking" and the recently released #1 best-seller, "Masters of Success."
PR Web via Yahoo! News
Expert in Success-Psychology Says There is no Formula - Sort of
Upland, CA (PRWEB) September 13, 2004 — There is no formula for success. Or so says a bestselling book on the subject. So why keep studying it? Why more books on the subject? Because, says the author, in their journey to find success, many define their own version of it.
In his latest #1 best-selling book, "Masters of Success" (Entrepreneur Press, 2004), author Dr. Ivan Misner, treats the subject of success with a pragmatic air. "Success," he says, "isn't a paint-by-numbers game. It's not linear, but it is achievable."
"If there's no formula for success," Misner asks, "then why are we writing a book about it? Because even though there's no magic recipe, there are recurring themes that appear constantly in stories about successful people."
Misner, a "Networking Guru" who has built an international networking empire, was able to pool his substantial network of the successful to build a uniquely multifaceted book. "By reading about these people," Misner notes, "you can gain an understanding of what people did in different circumstances to achieve what they personally defined as success. And that understanding can guide you intuitively toward achieving the things you desire."
Buzz Aldrin, Tony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen, Lou Holtz, and dozens of "success masters" contributed to this bestseller, which is currently available in bookstores.
Ivan Misner, Ph.D. is the Founder & CEO of BNI (Business Network Int'l), a referral networking organization with Chapters in 18 countries around the world. He is also the author of several books including the NY Times best-seller, "Masters of Networking" and the recently released #1 best-seller, "Masters of Success."
National best-selling author discusses networking success
Founder and CEO of Business Network International talks to Island chapters
Sunday, July 04, 2004
By Carolyn Rushefsky
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
One of the steps to success is to envision a goal, Dr. Ivan R. Misner, founder and CEO of Business Network International (BNI) told the Island's chapters at a luncheon in the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield.
"You don't have to reinvent the wheel—just put an uncommon spin on a common idea. And then have the passion, or drive, or persistence to pursue that goal," Misner told about 50 BNI members and guests.
His actions in the formation of BNI are proof positive. Since 1985, when Misner, formed the first chapter in his home town, Claremont, Calif., BNI has grown to 3,200 chapters, including three on Staten Island. In addition, through its referral system, BNI generates as much revenue as a small nation, he said.
Membership in a chapter is $340 for the first year, $265 per year, thereafter. The Island has 53 members within the three chapters.
Misner, who earned a doctorate in management and organizational behavior from the University of Southern California, attributes BNI's growth to its ability to help people meet their drive to succeed.
As described in his latest book, "Masters of Success," written by Misner and Don Morgan (Entertainment Press), a new chicken sandwich recipe eventually led to a billion-dollar-a-year business for S. Truett Cathy. After much experimentation, his recipe eventually led to a fast-food chain formation called, "Chick-fil-A" in 36 Southern states.
ISLAND MEMBERS
Staten Island members of BNI had positive things to say about the organization.
Camille Zarrelli, owner of Floral Sentiments, Sunnyside and Midland Beach, last year joined BNI's Richmond Referral Foundation Chapter, which meets weekly on Tuesdays.
"I looked at other networking organizations, but I liked BNI's emphasis on referrals and most of my business over the past 15 years has been from referrals," Ms. Zarrelli said.
Word-of-mouth recommendations "are very important in my business, especially on Staten Island," she said.
Steven W. Albert, a chiropractor for seven years, joined BNI's Richmond Referral Chapter 1 1/2 years ago, when he bought his New Springville practice.
"It's a great opportunity to meet more people, business owners," with a goal to help one another, Albert said, while waiting on line for Misner to sign his latest book.
Michael J. Gafney, a Sunnyside attorney, who has attended meetings as a guest, said he is considering joining the group.
"I enjoy meeting with like-minded people. who are pro-active in trying to build up their business," he said. "You sell them to your clients and they sell you to others through recommendations."
BNI chapter meetings can lead to lifelong relationships, said Misner, who initially ran a consulting business in Claremont, before selling it a decade ago. Misner met his wife, Elisabeth, at a BNI meeting in Claremont. The couple have three children.
Regarding the 60-second presentations each member gives at meetings of BNI chapters, which limit membership to only one person from a particular business or profession, Misner advised focusing on one aspect of the business.
60-SECOND INTRO
"The best 60-second introduction I ever heard was from a florist who pulled out a rose from a (grocery store) competitor," he said.
The florist then pulled out his own rose, with a thick stem, which enables water to move more easily up to the flower, thus having it last longer.
"And my flower costs three cents less," the florist concluded, wining everyone's potential recommendation, Misner said.
"Remember, you're training a sales force, not trying to close a sale," he said.
For more information about BNI, or to attend a meeting as a guest, call Timothy M. Houston, area director, at (718) 981-8600, or visit www.bniouterboros.com on the Web.
Carolyn Rushefsky is a business reporter for the Advance. She may be reached at rushefsky@siadvance.com.
From the Groton(Massacheussets) Landmark
Business group sets up new self help organization
By M.E. Jones
Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - GROTON — A new group intended to promote mutual aide and cooperation among area businesses plans to hold its official launch at a breakfast to be held at the end of the month.
Business Network International (BNI) is a nationwide organization of professionals in which members share connections without the fear of giving anything away to competition.
The group is able to do that because each BNI chapter is arranged such that they not only include businesses that are mutually complementary, but have no members with competing interests.
With BNI chapters cropping up all over, one of the most recent goes under the name of Groton's North Middlesex Business Exchange.
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The new chapter, which currently includes more than a dozen members from Groton, Pepperell, Harvard, Townsend and other area towns, currently meets in the MacNeil Lounge (Gray Building) at Lawrence Academy in Groton every Thursday morning at 7:00 o'clock.
The group plans to kick off its membership as part of BNI at a special breakfast scheduled for Sept. 30.
"We help each other make money," explained Greta Donahue, president of the Groton BNI chapter and a member of Pepperell's ERA Morrison Real Estate team.
In marketing circles, said Donahue, referrals are a tradition, a form of advertising older than billboards but more discreet. In virtually every business or profession, selling a product or service is the point, and sales referrals are what BNI is all about.
Founded in 1985 by Ivan R. Misner, Ph.D., who is the current CEO of the organization, BNI helps to facilitate traditional means of promotion. The intent, according to the organization's literature, is to provide a "positive, supportive and structured environment" in which business people can further their business interests via "word of mouth marketing."
Donahue, however, was quick to add that there is more to membership than schmoozing. Through exposure to many people and businesses, BNI members are able to pick up the tools of the networking trade. Membership opportunities include participation in business trade shows for example.
Among the current membership of the North Middlesex Business Exchange (Groton BNI chapter) are a chiropractor, a builder, an attorney, a health & wellness practitioner, a financial planner, a CPA, a mortgage loan officer, a traveling computer tech, a massage therapist, a life insurance salesman, a property and casualty insurance salesman, a landscaper and a home organizer.
Those interested in learning more about the local BNI chapter can contact Donahue at 978-448-4232 or email her at gldonahue@charter.net.
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