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BNI's International Directors' Conference 2007

The 2007 BNI International Directors' Conference was held November 15-17 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina in sunny San Diego, California. Over 500 BNI Directors attended what many have voiced was, the best BNI International Directors' Conference to date.

So what made this year's conference "the best ever" for so many attendees? To start, famed composer and keyboardist Freddie Ravel opened the conference with an inspirational presentation titled "Tune Up to Success."

Then BNI's CEO Norm Dominguez gave a CEO Report which was amply enlivened by the good humor he intermixed with the vital BNI statistics from the past year.

BNI's Founder & Chairman Dr. Ivan Misner's Chairman's Report was perhaps one of the most memorable points of the conference as it started off with a hilarious opening video in which many of the stars from the movie "The Secret" teach Ivan valuable lessons about what it takes to create a truly exceptional Chairman's Report. Many in attendance echoed the sentiment that it is refreshing to have a Founder and Chairman who not only knows how to successfully run an international organization, but knows how to keep his sense of humor and "put the fun in the fundamentals."

However, the highlight for a large amount of conference attendees was the keynote speech given on Friday by the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Jack Canfield. Canfield had the audience on the edge of its seat for an hour and a half as he spoke about "The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be."

But Jack Canfield's presentation wasn't the only thing that wowed the audience. Soon after, Ivan Misner and BNI San Diego Executive Director Katherine Lodal presented a $15,000 check from the BNI-Misner Foundation to the San Diego Red Cross. The check was offered in support of the relief effort for the recent Southern California wildfires. The most moving moment of the entire conference occurred when it was announced that BNI members in New Orleans, LA, had donated $800 in gift cards to BNI members in San Diego who were victims of the wildfires. Now that is a phenomenal display of the 'Givers Gain' spirit!

The conference closed with a plethora of empowering breakout training sessions, individual and group dance cards, open networking, and the BNI Awards Banquet on Saturday night. The conference fittingly ended with the presentation of a video of conference highlights as the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" played in the background.

The BNI International Directors' Conference 2007 truly was an event to remember, and next years' conference in Long Beach, California, is shaping up to be even better!

The International Directors Conference was sponsored by BNI Strategic Alliance Partners Brian Tracy University, Send Out Cards, The Referral Institute, and del Fuego Publishing.

Click here to watch the International Directors Conference opening video.



KL08 BNI Worldwide Members Event

Are you a BNI member who wants to tap into the world of opportunity available to those who do business internationally? Then you must be at the KL08 BNI Worldwide Members Event! BNI members from around the world will network at this 2008 event, which will take place at the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre May 27-29. Speakers from around the world include BNI Founder and Chairman Dr. Ivan Misner, Penny and Thomas Power (the people who launched Ecademy), and Martin and Gillian Lawson (national directors for the UK).

If you book before December 31, 2007, you will receive the "early bird" discount—$248 for the two-day event (members) and $338 for the three-day event (directors). This tremendous value includes lunch and the fabulous event dinner, which includes three cabaret acts, such as the famous "Lion Dance!" Don't delay—book your spot today!

Dr. Misner and the organizing committee recommend that well-established, financially-sound chapters use chapter funds to send a delegate. A member who has contributed much, can report back, and will bring back referrals for other members. The organizing committee is actively seeking sponsors. Only 25 trade stands are available, so you should act quickly! Trade stands can be booked at http://www.bni-worldwide.com/ww/index.php?page=trade-stands.

Visit the website (www.bni-worldwide.com) and reserve your spot!


2007 Member Extravaganza

BNI's 2007 Membership Extravaganza was held in New Orleans in October. There were 105 winners from 30 different regions, and more than 210 people were in attendance. Winners stayed at the Hotel Monteleone, which is known as the "Gateway to Bourbon Street." Members enjoyed a festive networking evening held by Dr. Ivan Misner, which was followed by a workshop on Masters of Sales. Members had the opportunity to sightsee and go on various tours, including swamp tours, cemetery tours, and plantation tours.

The city of New Orleans has experienced a remarkable recovery since Hurricane Katrina, and looks better than ever. Winners and their guests had a wonderful, enjoyable time.


Networking Secrets Revealed

Coming in January 2008: BNI's first networking curriculum, BNI Networking Secrets. This three audio Car Coach CD® series received rave reviews at the BNI International Director's Conference in San Diego. It gives every BNI member the opportunity to learn directly from Dr. Ivan Misner and Tom Fleming.

For a quick update, go to www.bninetworkingsecrets.com. Be sure to check SuccessNet in January for a full story on how BNI Networking Secrets is already increasing the success of BNI members.


Improve Networking through the Heart
Having the right emotional state enhances your networking skill and effectiveness.
By Marije Miller

Have you ever noticed how your mood affects your ability to network? When we feel good, business seems to pick up. When you feel anxious or stressed, networking often doesn't bring the connections you hoped for.

There is a scientific reason for this. Ground-breaking research at the Institute of HeartMath® has revealed a link between our emotions and the ability to think and communicate effectively. When we feel anxiety, stress, or frustration, our body's level of the stress hormone cortisol increases and the rhythmic patterns of our heart become chaotic. This affects our ability to think clearly and communicate effectively.

Dr. Ivan Misner is a member of Transformational Leadership Council (TLC), a group of leading speakers, business people, and thought leaders. The TLC members were introduced to HeartMath's new pocket-sized technology called the emWave® Personal Stress Reliever. The emWave measures your heart rhythm pattern and gives you instant feedback though a discreet built-in sensor. It guides you through a simple three-step process to achieve a balanced, energized, and productive state within minutes.

At Ivan's request, HeartMath is offering a 15% discount and a 100% satisfaction guarantee to BNI members. The emWave normally sells for $199, but is only $169 for BNI members. To learn more or order, go to the special TLC order page www.heartmath.com/tlc.html. (Your discount will automatically be applied on the last page of the ordering process. If for some reason the offer does not appear, enter the coupon code VTLC1007 on the "Review & Complete Order" page at checkout.)