April 2007
Art of Networking
MalaysiaInternational Networking Week™—BNI Super Mixer, Penang, Malaysia
International Networking Week™ in Penang, Malaysia, was a smashing success with more than 300 business owners and entrepreneurs from diverse industries attending the BNI Super Mixer. It was an afternoon of networking that generated opportunities for participants and many new business relationships.The event held at the Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel on Friday, February 9 was officiated by YB Lau Chiek Tuan, the Penang State Executive Councilor and Chairman for Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. In his opening address, YB Lau stressed that small- to medium-sized businesses formed the backbone of the local economy—providing employment and economic activities for the community. BNI's role in supporting local businesses is important in stimulating Malaysia's economic growth.
Submitted by YP Lai, BNI Malaysia
TaiwanBNI Taipei Flagship Chapter Welcomes All BNI Members
BNI Taipei Flagship Chapter's third visitor day was held February 26, 2007, with 58 in attendance (33 being visitors).Taipei Flagship Chapter is the first BNI chapter in Taiwan, which launched in March 2006, supervised by Mr. Andrew Hall and Miss Jihong Hall, executive directors of BNI in the UK. The regional director of BNI in Taiwan is Mr. Simon Wang, the first person to introduce the BNI referral system to Taiwan.
The chapter began with 14 members, and has grown to 27 members, with an average of 30 attendees per a meeting. There are four chapters in Taipei now.
The second leadership team took over running the chapter in October, 2006. The director is Mr. Gary Chang, General Manager of UKSTAR Education Consultancy, which is the representative office in Taiwan for University of Leeds and University of Warwick since 2000.Chang states, "We've had visitors from the UK, Singapore, and the USA so far. Our chapter welcomes all BNI members to visit us so we can learn from each other and cooperate together. We might be your best partners in expanding your market in Taiwan and China."
Submitted By Gary Chang, Director of BNI Taipei Chapter
PhilippinesBNI Philippines - First New Country Launch of 2007!
The Genesis Chapter, the Philippines' founding BNI chapter, hosted 63 guests at their highly anticipated kickoff. Among the guests were some of the core group members for the BNI Harvest Chapter— the second BNI Chapter in the Philippines— which is currently being formed and already has 10 members!Sharon Gonzales, who shares the title of national director of BNI in the Philippines with Sim Chow Boon, explained that the BNI philosophy of Givers Gain strikes an especially harmonious chord with the Genesis Chapter, saying:
"The group (is very) enthusiastic in making BNI work for all the members of the chapter. For BNI's system to work for everyone, there has to be commitment to the chapter, to the structure, and to the members; and Givers Gain is evident in each one. In the Philippines, we have a similar term for this—'bayanihan.'"
Congratulations and welcome BNI Philippines! You are an excellent example for not only the Harvest Chapter but also for all future Philippine Chapters!
United KingdomGold Cup on Film—We've Been Framed!
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| Terry and Susie filming Steve Jones, Gold Cup's IFA; photo credit: Becky Hoyle, Art of Marketing |
Gloucestershire-based film company Video Interactive beat all the odds by producing an entire promotional video from scratch—including an introduction, interviews with members, and a closing message—all within the ten minutes. Even more impressive, the film was edited, streamed, and ready to upload onto the Gold Cup web site the same day, as part of an original effort to help attract visitors to meetings.
Susie Godwin, a professional model and actress, presented the video. According to her, the challenges of producing an entire video in just ten minutes were enormous. Teamwork and preparation were key to pulling it off.
The finished video can be accessed through the Gold Cup web site, http://www.goldcupbni.co.uk. Terry Anderson of Video Interactive can be contacted at 01451 850 646 or by email: terry.a@video-interactive.co.uk
Tracktech—When Three Become One!
Three BNI members from Gold Cup in Cheltenham never would have guessed the added value they would gain from their BNI memberships when they first joined.
Originally occupying the mobile phone seat, Mike O'Shea was a founder member and first chapter director in November 2004. He was soon joined by Tim Beighton, who sold and leased vehicles. A year later Gold Cup, welcomed a new member, web designer Tim Corke.
Through some successful joint projects, they found they worked well together and began to supply complete packages for clients. Now the three are joint directors of a new company, Tracktech Communications, a serious player working with some major clients. Among other services, they supply mobile data devices, such as the BlackBerry®, provide the associated training so the handsets don't end up unused in a salesperson's glove-box, and tie-in the necessary IT infrastructure to save clients huge amounts of time and money.
Tracktech can be contacted through Gold Cup, or at www.tracktech.biz.
Submitted by Becky Hoyle, BNI Membership Coordinator, Gold Cup Cheltenham Chapter
Get Precise and Net a Profit!
It pays to practice what you preach—literally! Just ask Robert Nunn, whose company expects to make a stunning 1.5 million euro profit this year from an opportunistic deal he landed—only because he asked a colleague in his Bedford Enterprise Chapter for a specific introduction to a major supermarket retailer.
Robert's business, emedia, is the brains and driving force behind the latest VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) internet phone just launched by supermarket giants, Aldi, which expects to net at least 250,000 UK customers during 2007, and another one million-plus in Germany and France when the product is introduced to mainland Europe later this year.
His capture of the remarkable deal was fitting reward for practising what he regularly 'preached' to his Enterprise colleagues during his recent six-month tenure as chapter director.
"I always tell members they need to be specific and direct when asking their chapter colleagues to find them referrals. If you know who you need to speak to in any given organisation, there's no point asking for a general referral," he said. "I asked for an introduction to one of Aldi's senior buyers, and my chapter colleague, print manufacturing and fulfillment company boss Stephen Spencer, was able to deliver!"
Single Referral Produces Perfect Partnership
Four months after joining Nottingham's Plains Chapter, a signage company has been transformed from a two-man sign-writing business into one of the region's major players handling work for prestigious national clients—all because of a single referral.
Initially, the referral passed to Mark Horley, the Managing Director of Solo Sign Solutions, looked modest, but the larger company was so impressed with the quality of Solo's work and the commitment of its small team, that they made Mark a business marriage proposal he couldn't refuse.
Which is exactly what happened, as Mark's colleague, explained Graphics Manager Ben Lockley: "This wasn't a takeover or merger because we remained two separate companies, but it was the birth of a perfect partnership."
PolandBNI Web Site Helps Two Members Connect
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| Trevor Bradfield of Unity IT (Northern Ireland) and Jerzy Rygier of Theso (Poland) |
Using the "find a chapter" tool on the BNI web site, Jerzy contacted Ryan Hay, director of Belfast City BNI and arranged to visit the chapter.
So on a cold frosty Thursday morning in Belfast, Jerzy arrived at the venue for his first-ever visit to an overseas chapter meeting, and the first BNI member he met was Trevor Bradfield from Unity IT, the type of business he originally set out to target!
Needless to say the two 'IT techies' soon got talking, and Trevor immediately set up a meeting with his company for later on that day to explore the possibilities for linking up with each other.
It's a classic example of how BNI reaches beyond your own town, city, and even country. Don't be afraid to surf through the BNI web site—you never know what lies ahead!
Contact Trevor at 028 9266 1190 and Jerzy at +44 22 853 89 32. Or email: jerzy.rygier@theso.pl
First BNI Chapter in Poland Outside Warsaw Launches
In January, the first BNI chapter outside Warsaw, and 5th BNI chapter in Poland, launched in Bydgoszcz, a city in central-north Poland. The chapter has 17 members and at the kick-off, they had 60 guests. The driving force of this chapter is Markena Kozakiewicz, owner of a computer parts company.
RomaniaBNI Romania—Second Region Opened
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| Vasile Mihaila |
I have no doubt that Vasile will be a great executive director; together with Ana they will make Romania a BNI success story.
Submitted by Sam Schwartz, Executive Director, BNI Northern Virginia; National Director, BNI-Israel, BNI-Hungary, BNI-Romania, BNI-Bulgaria
CanadaBNI Saskatchewan's Masters of Networking Awards Gala
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| Maighan Basky from Prairie Pacific Printing, Murray Skulmoski from Sask Learning (a guest!) |
There were six casino tables, one Martini bar, one regular bar, a dance floor, a photo booth, a great dinner, lots of awards and silent auction items, a 15-foot screen playing Bond movies, and a fabulous time! We also raised just over $3,500 for the children's wish foundation (http://www.childrenswish.ca/provincial/saskatchewan/success.php).
Submitted by Stephen Bell, Executive Director, BNI Saskatchewan
South Africa50th South African BNI Chapter Successfully Launched
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The launch meeting took place at Nino's, a local restaurant in Hermanus. Fifteen new members were inducted, ranging from a steel and irrigation supplier to a bond originator to an Internet wine merchant. According to BNI National Director Mike Levin, the chapter was born from the passion of a local businessman, Michael Deegan. His vision was to have a BNI chapter up and running in Hermanus by the end of 2006. "Through his determination it has happened," Levin said.Levin also stated, "It was the second grandest moment in my BNI career. We certainly have arrived!"
Read the article.
Submitted by National BNI Director Mike Levin
United StatesMiami-Dade Sets New BNI Record for Member Recognition Event
Miami-Dade's 5th Annual MCRA (Member/Chapter Recognition Awards) held on Friday, December 8, 2006, set a new BNI record! With 420 in attendance, this breakfast event is the largest regional event in the U.S. to date—something of which the region is quite proud. The 400+ crowd of members gathered at the Parrot Jungle for Miami-Dade's annual celebration and acknowledgement of outstanding members, chapters, Founder Awards winners and leadership (a complete list of winners can be found at www.bnimiami.com).As the region continues to grow, MCRA will expand to meet its changing needs. In fact, the region is already talking about plans to break its own record next year with an even larger turnout!
BNI Maryland Golden Referral Basket Awards for 2006
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Each award was presented at the chapter's meeting. The Golden Referral Basket was chosen for chapters to display and pass around when they are giving out referrals.
2006 Chapter of the Decade
For over 10 years this chapter has exuded excellence in BNI.
Gaithersburg Wednesday Lunch
2006 CEO "Givers Gain" Award
This chapter has gone above and beyond the Givers Gain philosophy, has exceeded all BNI standards, and has helped build BNI name recognition.
Annapolis Thursday Breakfast
2006 Chapter of the Year
One of two chapters that for 2006 has been exceptional in their BNI meetings, leadership, and referral giving.
Timonium Friday Breakfast
2006 Chapter of the Year
One of two chapters that for 2006 has been exceptional in their BNI meetings, leadership, and referral giving.
Frederick Wednesday Breakfast
Chapter Growth
Most Improved Chapter for 2006
In one year this chapter has increased its membership by 21 members, as well as it has increased referrals.
Salisbury Thursday Breakfast
2006 Rookie Chapter of the Year
A great chapter that started in 2006 and continues to build and grow prosperously.
Severna Park Wednesday Breakfast
Money & Focus
Over $3 Million In Business – 2006
The bottom line is this chapter is making money for all its members.
Olney Thursday Breakfast
2006 Focused Mentoring Program
The energy of this chapter has been built by a strong mentoring program helping everyone to be successful.
Greenbelt Thursday Breakfast
BNI Minnesota Turns 10!
On January 25, 1997, with the temperature hovering at 25 degrees below zero, Nancy Giacomuzzi gathered 50 business people in a room and launched the first BNI chapter in Minnesota. Ten years later there are still six people from that original group who are still members, five in the original South Metro chapter (pictured are Ted Halone, Jim Andrews, Nancy Giacomuzzi, Dr. Neal Rich and Leo Yurek), with the sixth (Bev Williams, not pictured) going on to become the first Ambassador, first Assistant Director, and first Area Director for the region.Nancy runs a successful real estate practice and continues to build it by being a member of her BNI South Metro Chapter. Congratulations to Nancy G. on a great ten years!
Also on January 25, a surprise dinner party was held in Minnesota to honor Nancy Giacomuzzi, our executive director, on the region's 10th Anniversary. While the guest of honor did not know there was a party, an even bigger surprise was to find Alice Ostrower, BNI Executive Director from Connecticut, had flown in for dinner! Nancy was presented with a scrapbook of pictures and well wishes from all around BNI.Ten years ago the first kick-off was held in Minnesota, and today there are 118 chapters with over 2,800 members. Congratulations Nancy Giacomuzzi and Team Minnesota!
BNI MN Founders Awards
BNI Minnesota is proud to announce that five chapters recently received Founders Awards from BNI for chapter excellence. These chapters all personify the BNI Givers Gain attitude. Congratulations Twin Ports, Absolute Connections, Priority Networkers, Rivertown Referrals, and Highlanders for a job well done!
Submitted by Beth Anderson, BNI Minnesota Assistant Director. OrgTrack.com
Sheboygan Spot Check
In my Sheboygan Better Business Builders Chapter, the President started a game called "Spot Check." When he is out and about, if he runs into a member, or knows where to find a member (other than in their office) he will "spot check" them to make sure their members are carrying their BNI binders with them at all times as well as having it stocked with cards.One particular member was taking part as the lead roll in Peter Pan for our local theater company. After the opening night production was a brief cast appearance in the lobby of the theatre, where the President "spot checked" Peter in his tights and full costume. Dr. Russ Petersen (Peter) pulled his BNI binder from the back of his tights and said, "Ah hah … you never know when someone may need assistance and I still have a cast party to go to as well!" The President of the group nearly fell over in utter amazement, not expecting him to have it and shared the story at the following meeting with the rest of the members (I was at this one and gave him a Notable Networker Badge) where they gave him another standing ovation!
Submitted by Michelle Gellings, Director, South, Central and Northeast Wisconsin
BNI Brookfield Exceeds Membership Goal
Congratulations to the Brookfield Chapter on surpassing their goal of 40 members! Their next goal is 50!Submitted by Alice Ostrower, Executive Director, BNI Connecticut
BNI Goldmine Chapter in Salt Lake City Receives Prestigious BNI Founder's Award
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| Gary Birdsall, Dan Rawls, Steve Duke, Ken Klingler, and Frank Rockwood. Also pictured are a few of the members who make this BNI chapter a "Goldmine." |
On December 14, 2006, Utah's BNI Goldmine Chapter was presented the prestigious BNI Founder's Award. This chapter is just over one year old, but they are incredibly successful! Almost 40 members pass dozens of referrals every week. Everyone is very successful, and having fun in the process. One of the secrets to BNI Goldmine's success is that they run their chapter "the BNI way!"
Submitted by Gary Birdsall, Executive Director, BNI Utah
Helpful Techniques to Use During New Member Induction
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When inducting a new member, give them a business card holder (with cards), read the code of ethics, and then read a bio sheet about the new member. This helps get the new member acquainted with the chapter members.
In addition, have the new member tell the chapter about their spouse (who they are, where they work, and what they do). This helps generate more members and more referrals. Encouraging new members to briefly share about subjects such as their hobbies, pets, children, where their children go to school, etc. is another good way to generate more members, visitors and referrals.
The Branch County Chapter of BNI in Michigan has found these techniques to be extremely beneficial in growing their chapter and they believe that all BNI chapters would benefit from making these useful practices a requirement for new member induction.
Submitted by Joe Ward, Branch County Chapter, BNI Michigan
Masters of Networking (Spanish Version) Book Signing
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| Seated: Don Morgan, Tom Goodhall, First Midwest Bank. Standing left to right: Carmelo Landa, Grand Mortgage Corporation, Sammy Diaz, Baird & Warner Realty, David Rubin, Suited-To-You Fine Clothing |
Don Morgan, National Director of Canada and Executive Director of BNI Marketing, LLC, held a book signing in Libertyville, Illinois, featuring Masters of Networking (Spanish version). David Rubin, Assistant Director, hosted the event at his business, Suited-To-You Fine Clothing. Members from BNI Referral Champions were among the guests at the event.
Submitted by Alana McKinney, Executive Director, BNI Marketing, LLC