My BNI Story

How BNI Changed My Life: Testimonials From Members Like You!

"I believe you may not be able to make a world of difference—but you can make a difference in the world. BNI has made a difference in the world. We are truly Changing the Way the World Does Business."
—Ivan Misner, January 2008 SuccessNet

We all have a story about how joining BNI changed our lives. Here a few testimonials that you may resonate with—and that prove the lasting value of BNI.


About one month ago, I began working on a book that will include portraits I've taken of couples who've been married for 40 or more years, plus their own stories of how they've been able to succeed.

I believe this book, Marriage as an Art, demonstrates that marriage works if the couple practices Givers Gain.

The key to the entire project is that I've learned how to ask for what I want through the years of on-going training in networking through my BNI membership. I'm not spending thousands, or even hundreds of dollars, on advertising. I'm using the word-of-mouth techniques taught by Dr. Misner and all the directors that have been trained to share his methods.

I believe this project has a good chance of making a difference in the world; for some couples and families, it might help them change their marriage.

Submitted by Harvey Branman, Burbank Chapter, Burbank, California
www.PhotographyAsAnArt.net


BNI has been a life-changing journey for my wife and me.

In 1999, Shirley first joined a BNI group in Kalamazoo, Michigan. And in 2003, I helped found a new group in Kalamazoo, Michigan - Leading Edge. Through BNI, we've both experienced personal and professional growth.

It took my wife and I each a year to become confident in BNI. In fact, the first two years, I was in the red; it didn't pay for itself. BUT over time I learned how to be more focused and precise in my 60-second promotions. And I learned the essence of "Givers Gain." Now business is strong.

I urge everyone give BNI at least three years to see how it will work for them—it takes time to grow into anything new.

Because of BNI, we have relationships with people in our community we'll use and refer to others for the rest of our lives—and that is priceless. Thanks BNI.

Mike & Shirley Michelozzi


We have been in a local BNI chapter for eight years now. We have consistently received 30-36% of our real estate referrals from our local chapter. In 2007, 20 of our 29 sales came as a result of BNI referrals. That is an astonishing 68.98%, representing 64.7% of our income.

Here is the best part—10 of those were second and third generation referrals, repeat customers that had started with BNI referrals! Every year it gets better.

Our local chapter, High Noon Achievers, in Wenatchee, Washington, did $1.2 million in BNI bucks in 2007!

Doug and Joyce Morgan, Morgan Team Properties


There are all types of social and business networks, but BNI is the only one that turns local and global strangers into instant business associates and friends.

Whenever we have visiting members from overseas BNI chapters, trust and respect are instantly built. This immediately paves the way for the business referral process between the linked parties.

Recently, for instance, Mr. Mayuresh Godse of the Falcon Chapter in Pune, India, visited. I have been looking for distributors for my product globally, but India was not on my priority list.

However, Mayuresh unreservedly linked me to the Managing Director of one of the manufacturers that could be complementary to my business. At the same time, I had referred a friend, the CEO of a public relations company, based in Mumbai, to explore joining BNI there.

Although both the referrals are still in progress, I cannot think of any other avenue other than BNI through which I can access a growing list of business opportunities and friendships. And it takes negligible effort, cost, and time.

BNI zeroed out the distance among BNI members doing business in this hyper-competitive globalized world.

Ah Sin ANG, President, Raffles Chapter, BNI Singapore


Six years ago I got a life insurance license, and suddenly my paycheck depended on me generating sales.

I met a great guy who introduced me to BNI, but in my area there weren't any chapters that had a vacancy for an insurance agent.

I persisted, and soon found a BNI chapter 30 minutes away. I showed up at the next meeting ready to sign a check. I was surprised when they told me the membership would be reviewing my application! Two weeks later, I was inducted and eager to begin networking.

A member for a year, I met my now-husband who lived 1 1/2 hour from my 7 a.m. BNI meeting. I am not a morning person, and my boyfriend thought I was crazy for getting up that early for a networking meeting. But I did.

Tired of the early morning travel, I decided to start a BNI chapter in my hometown. I must have talked to 500 business owners before I had the minimum necessary to start our own chapter in a small town of 4000 people. My broker thought I was crazy to spend so much time on the phone talking about BNI instead of insurance. But I had a long-range goal in mind. Last year 68% of my new business came from my local BNI chapter.

Since its inception, the group has grown up to 30 members. My business grows each year because of BNI. In my industry most agents don't last more than one year; if you last five years, you usually make it. I've lasted six years, and I couldn't have done it without BNI.

Johanne Levesque, Silver Insurance Group


Around five years ago a customer took me to a BNI meeting, and I joined as the chapter insurance broker. I subsequently left the firm and also the chapter. But because of my involvement, I established three fantastic long-term friendships, and I learned the value of BNI.

Last year I started working as an independent consultant, and I remembered my BNI roots. BNI became my starting place for my new business.

Even though I am a consultant in a slightly obscure field, the expertise of my fellow BNI members has been invaluable. They have helped me set up my business from scratch. I have used their services, they have enhanced my reputation, and they have helped me to educate them to get me warm introductions.

Three great things in one!

Karen Malin


My company, Data Driving Services Limited, is a member of the Loughborough Chapter in Leicestershire, England.

This is my second year with BNI. The referrals have brought in revenue, and I've gained professional expertise and advice from fellow BNI members.

Rebecca Hatton, Managing Director


BNI has given me the opportunity to work with a wonderful client and participate in his success. That man is Glenn Kirkwood, and he is fast becoming Australia's #1 BNI Director! My networking and coaching skills have also improved.

None of this would be possible if not for BNI.

Tim Callcott, Icon Business Solutions


BNI has changed my business and my outlook on life. I was a cynic when I joined BNI. But through BNI, I launched an incredibly successful business, and my faith in people was restored.

I was raised to practice "Givers Gain" (though we didn't call it that). As an adult I was mostly running into people who lived "Takers Gain". Now, I am successful thanks to the assistance of a lot of other givers. I find that I just can't give enough back for all the professional advice, referrals and support I have received.

Lori Moore


BNI provides an environment of respect; people not only listen with an open mind, they also look for opportunities to pass referrals.

BNI has made it possible for me to present in front of a plastic surgeon, a chiropractor, a dentist, a personal trainer, a nutritionist and more—all people with a tremendous ability to share with others the benefit of my product. And they are people whom it would have been virtually impossible for me to present to without the aid of BNI.

The weekly 60-seconds, the one-to-ones, and the ten-minute presentations help us effectively improve our marketing by word-of-mouth.

Elsa Maria Lorenzo, Frisco TX, Business by Design Chapter


It has given me a voice. Before BNI, I was unsure how to approach people about my business. Now when I share with others, it is easy and natural. BNI has been like being in a business class for me.

Thank you BNI.

Vicky Spencer, Vacation By V


Nearly three years ago, I joined Professional Connections, a BNI chapter 32 miles from my home office. At the time, my plan was to pursue new clients in the border communities of my marketing area. While the plan has been very successful, something much more significant has happened. Over 52 new sales professionals have been added to my sales team! Not only have these people become my sales force, but also good friends—people I trust. None of this would have transpired had it not been for the magic of BNI that nurtures and sustains our "Givers Gain" philosophy.

I'm leaving Professional Connections at month-end to launch a new BNI chapter a few miles from my home. The memories and friendships forged through Professional Connections will never leave me.

Thanks BNI for making a huge difference in my life.

Gordie Allen


I joined BNI one year ago. I have gotten involved in any way possible. I have become a Regional Ambassador as well as taken some Referral Institute Trainings. Leo Martel is a great inspiration, as well as Cynthia, who is no longer involved. Thank you for founding this organization. BNI has helped me grow my personal life as well as my business to a level I never expected.

Kevin Tacher, Member BNI Broward


BNI helped me completely transform my business. Almost everything I use to market my business was generated from BNI. Receiving referrals is just a small part of what BNI has done for me. I have met many quality people that are the best at what they do; it's amazing what you can learn by being surrounded by other top professionals. The ongoing education from BNI is also excellent. BNI changes how the world does business, and it changes how the world views my business by helping create a business environment second to none.

Jason J. Schoreck