Across the Globe

United Kingdom
Community Day Brings Home the Bacon

Photo by Quentin Harriott of Aspect Imaging

For the last ten years, members of the Enterprise Chapter of BNI have met for breakfast at 7am every Wednesday morning at Batchworth Golf Club in Rickmansworth. That adds up to a lot of bacon and eggs, but it also adds up to a substantial amount of business passed between the members and their contacts.

Since its launch ten years ago, the Enterprise Chapter, which currently has 35 members, has passed over 75,000 referrals, which translates into millions of pounds worth of business.

As part of the chapter's 10th anniversary, we hosted a special Community Day, inviting representatives from many well-known local organizations, including Watford Football Club, Watford Grammar School for Boys, Peace Hospice, and Watford Palace Theatre. The idea was to invite members of the community who would not usually be invited to a BNI meeting, such as local schools, hospices, police, sports teams, editors of local newsletters/magazines, etc.

Pictured at top left are Secretary/Treasurer David Vizard, Chapter Director Sue Bryan, Membership Coordinator Tony Maddison, chapter member Claire Stewart (who suggested the Community Day concept) and BNI Regional Director David O'Dell.

We had 55 people in the room, including 20 visitors—with tons of business being passed around the table.

Submitted by David O'Dell, Regional Director, BNI London North West


United Kingdom
BNI Supports Crossroads - Caring for Careers



The BNI Jack O'Newbury Chapter presented a cheque for £300 to Crossroads, a West Berkshire-based charity, which will buy bicycles for its holiday home in Minehead. The money was raised by the Newbury BNI Chapter through a weekly raffle held during their Friday breakfast meetings.

Rachel Smyth, deputy manager of Crossroads, was presented with the cheque by Emma Smith, chairman of the BNI chapter. Rachel explained to the group what a difference the donation would make to the charity: "Crossroads exists to provide care for people caring for a disabled relative—and give them some respite and relief in their own home.

"We are delighted to accept this donation from BNI which will be used to buy some bicycles for the holiday home to help ensure that each stay is a fun and special experience for the families staying there."

Alan May, charity coordinator for the BNI chapter says, "The motto of BNI is Givers Gain, which extends to supporting local charities, such as Crossroads."


Ireland
Dublin Diamond Chapter Forms

Photo by David Murtagh, Computer Troubleshooters

Dublin does it again. On Tuesday, December 18, 2007, BNI Diamond, an Irish chapter based in Dublin 15, Republic of Ireland, was launched. Members' professions range from financial services, IT solutions, kitchen designs, and everything in between. The chapter was started by Aoife Gaffney, Axiom Finance, with the assistance of BNI Director Jim Booth.

The core team originally met at the Luttrellstown Golf Club but moved to the more suitable location of Castleknock Hotel several months ago. According to Aoife, while it has been an incredibly rewarding experience, she is not in any hurry to start another chapter!

The leadership team is composed of Aisling Louis as chapter director; Richard Moore as membership coordinator, and Owen Dunne as secretary/treasurer.

Aisling got the chapter off to a great start with spot prizes and a fabulous celebratory cake.

Business is already changing hands and firm friendships have been forged. Aoife is a former member of BNI Airport Chapter, also in Dublin and has found BNI hugely beneficial, not only to her business but also to her circle of influence.

As with all chapters, visitors are more than welcome and are the lifeblood of any chapter. For more information, contact Aoife Gaffney at aoifegaffney@axiomfinance.ie.


South Africa
SABNI Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

SABNI (South African BNI) proudly announced that 2008 is going to be a great year! We will celebrate our 10th anniversary with a national conference, to be held at the beautiful Cape Wine-lands. Consider joining other SABNI members over the first weekend of August, 2008, in Stellenbosch, just outside Cape Town.

BNI started in South Africa after Mike Levin was invited to attend a breakfast meeting as a substitute in a London chapter. He quickly saw the value of the system and made great speed to bring it South Africa. With a shifting and changing economy, BNI stimulated the growth of hundreds of new businesses. The adoption of BNI's philosophy is immeasurable!

Please raise a toast to ten years of BNI in South Africa!

Submitted by Solveig McCormick, BNI South Africa


India
Networking and Learning Unlimited: BNI India's 1st National Conference

Out came the business cards. The pens were busy jotting contact numbers. Networkers were busy spotting business opportunities. It was the 1st National Conference of BNI India, where about 200 entrepreneurs and business leaders gathered to network with peers, learn how to build their business, and gain greater visibility for their organizations.

While networking was a high priority, the participants also learned from thought-provoking presentations. Niiraj Shah, National Director of BNI-India, articulated that fast organizations can beat the slow ones today, and John Leach, Area Director, BNI UK, urged the audience to be clear about business objectives.

Later, the audience was thrilled to have Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder and Chairman of BNI, greet them in a surprise web cast. He shared networking tips and even answered the members' questions on many related topics, including the "Butterfly Effect."

A presentation from international networking expert Robert French brought new thought and insights on how to use BNI as a platform for going international.

After lunch, Niri S. Patel, Co-National Director BNI-India, presented on success as a mind game.

As Shailesh Veera from Biz Angels put it, "It was a great conference. I expected to have a great time and an educative experience, and that was what it truly was."

Click here for a more comprehensive recap of the conference.


Israel
BNI Israel Receives Surprise Greeting

At the beginning of each year, BNI Israel hosts a meeting for all of its leadership teams. At this gathering, we give out awards to one member from each chapter. The recipients are chosen by their chapter members, who vote on who did the most for the chapter, brought in the most referrals or guests, or did something special or outstanding for the chapter.

The day before this year's meeting, I spoke to Ivan Misner about BNI in Israel and the upcoming event. I asked him if he would record a greeting for the BNI Israel members, most particularly, Yarden Noy, the woman presenting at the gathering. He agreed, so I set it all up. However, I didn't tell Yarden.

After Yarden presented the awards, Noa, one of our directors hosting the event, said to her, "One moment please. There is a message for you."

Yarden stood on the stage, waiting for someone to ask something. But as she looked at the computer screen, which I was operating, she heard Ivan's message! She was so surprised.

Everyone in the room listened carefully to Ivan's greeting and was happy to hear from him. The excitement carried the rest of the event, resulting in a very successful meeting for the New Year.

Submitted by Moshe Minin, BNI Israel


Malaysia
Suria Year-End Dinner and Gift Exchange

For the past five years, the Suria Chapter in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has held an annual Year-End Dinner and Gift Exchange, which has now become a chapter tradition.

Every last Thursday of the year, all members of the chapter choose a restaurant at which they can celebrate together-sharing success stories and ending the night with a gift exchange.

This year's event was held on Thursday, December 28, 2007, at the Aryan Restaurant, in Kuala Lumpur and was made more meaningful as spouses, partners, and former members (known as Friends of Suria Chapter because they still contribute so much business to current members) also participated.

Every year, the BNI Director also presents awards to members. The 2007 recipients are:

Perfect Attendance: Ms. Ann Choo Foong Har, Mr. Tai Poh Kim, and Mr. Lee Ah Boo
Most Referrals Given: Ms. Sally Ong
Most Visitors: Mr. Danny Wang Loke Juan
Networker of the Year: Ms. Sally Ong

Pledging to keep this a Chapter tradition, the members are looking forward to the celebration at the end of 2008.

Submitted by Riyaz Mahendy, Assistant Director, BNI Malaysia


Australia
BNI Focus Goes Gold


Recently, after reaching the milestone of more than 36 members in the chapter, members of BNI Focus were delighted to receive their Gold Club badges. BNI Focus is one of four chapters in Townsville and by far the largest. This chapter comes under the banner of BNI Northern Australia, which is owned and managed by Lance and Kathy Gane from Cairns.

Focus was chartered just over 2 years ago and was the third chapter in Townsville. From humble beginnings, it grew in 2007. Gary and Nola Hayman were instrumental in getting the chapter running. Gary was the first President, followed by John Davey, Wayne Crase, and Bernie Hock.

Cath Andison is the current President. She is supported by a Leadership Team that understands the importance of a teamwork and building the chapter. There is a fantastic, supportive atmosphere at the meetings, where on average 50 referrals get passed each week.

Bernie Hock, Area Director for BNI Focus, said, "I attribute the success and growth of BNI Focus to four main things: the Leadership Team working together, the Leadership Team defining goals and clearly communicating them to members, a strict adherence to the attendance policy, and last but not least, following the agenda while allowing for fun."

Submitted by Bernie Hock, Area Director, BNI Northern Australia


United States
Newest Sacramento Chapter Hits the Ground Running

The BNI Rock Stars Chapter kicked off December 6, 2007, with great fanfare and success. The 22 core members, 40 visitors, and a fun and professional venue made for a high level of energy and excitement at the kick off. It was a well-planned and executed event, which highlighted the value and success that comes with being a member of the BNI Rock Stars.

"This chapter is going places. They exemplify 'work' in networking, and they have fun doing it," says John Lisle, Executive Director of BNI Central Valley. Members of the Rock Stars are very active in the community and understand the value of building relationships. They are working together to grow the chapter and the members' businesses by providing valuable education and great exposure.

One example of the Rock Stars getting the word out and promoting their chapter is this table display inside their local WAMU bank branch (a member of the BNI Rock Stars). The table display will remain for two weeks, providing BNI awareness to other local business professionals and giving them a chance to join the Rock Stars team. The display also promotes the Rock Stars members' individual businesses.

Chapter President Chris Thomas and Vice President Don Franklin were new to BNI when they started this chapter. They now have a goal to be one of the most profitable chapters in the Central Valley. Initial indications are they are well on their way. The Rock Stars success is due to the hard work and dedication of every member of the chapter and the excellent leadership and training of their BNI director Everett Worthington. We look forward to great success from the BNI Rock Stars!

Submitted by Don Franklin, Vice President, BNI Rock Stars, Sacramento, CA

Little did they know that they were making history! BNI Rock Stars kick-off made them BNI's 5,000th chapter! Read about this important milestone in Breaking News.


United States
Two of BNI NOVA's Largest Chapters Share the Wealth

Two of the area's largest chapters share the wealth.

There is a common misconception that networking grinds to a stop during the two weeks of the winter holiday. Not so for two chapters in metropolitan Washington, DC. Two affiliates of BNI Northern Virginia (NOVA), Woodbridge Connection and Lake Ridge Redeyes, conducted their first-ever joint meeting on January 2, 2008.

Presidents Martha Jones and Denise Smith had been acquainted before meeting again at Leadership Training in September. Both shared concern for preventing the inevitable slip in focus that has occurred in previous years at the end of December. It was here that they decided to combine forces to generate excitement to kick off the New Year by conducting a joint meeting.

"I was pleased that almost all of our members attended, since the meeting was outside our regular time," said Martha, owner of A Perfect Balance. "It was fun to see how another chapter conducts business. I heard our members commenting that we all felt welcomed and energized."

Denise Smith, owner of Decorate Your Space, agreed. "Mutually sharing the agenda with Martha was fun. I can't believe we got through more than 60 45-second presentations and still ended in an hour and a half."

Both groups agreed to make this an annual event.

Submitted by Denise Smith, BNI NOVA


United States

BNI Remains Committed to San Diego

BNI held its International Conference at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina from November 15th to November 17th, 2007—an event that had a positive impact on relief efforts toward the recent fires that swept through the surrounding county of San Diego.

During the conference, Mrs. Red H. Mann and Mr. Leroy Gaines, Managing Directors for BNI in the San Fernando Valley, made a $2,000 donation toward wildfire relief efforts, using money donated by San Fernando Valley BNI members. They thank the Misner Foundation for matching the donation with a contribution to the American Red Cross for wildfire victims in Southern California. BNI donated $15,000 to the cause in total.

BNI has always been committed to being a socially responsible corporation; however, Dr. Misner also has personal reasons for wanting to help victims of the fire. He says, "These fires bring back some horrific memories for me. Just a few years ago, a 40-foot wall of flames swept past my home near the foothills in Claremont, CA, and more than two dozen homes burned down in my community. I was amazingly close to losing my home, so I can relate to the feelings that many residents are experiencing."

The Managing Directors of BNI in San Fernando Valley thank all of you for your contributions. Your support truly shows the meaning of "Givers Gain."

Submitted by Red H. Mann and Leroy Gains, Managing Directors, BNI San Fernando Valley


United States
Miami-Dade Hits Record 500+ at 6th Annual MCRA Event


It's one thing that the Miami-Dade region continues raising the bar for its regional events. It's quite another that they continually exceed their goals and expectations. At their recent Member/Chapter Recognition Awards (MCRA - December 7, 2007), not only did they have a record-breaking 515 members and local business professionals in attendance, but their keynote speaker was none other than two-time Grammy nominee, Freddie Ravel.

"After the Miami Team experienced Freddie's 'Harmony, Melody, Rhythm & Score' presentation at November's International Director's Conference," explains Miami-Dade Executive Director Jeff Stay, "we knew he was the ideal person to keynote our 6th Annual MCRA event."

Freddie's amazing presentation captivated the audience that, along with BNI members, included the CEO and administrative team of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and two directors from BNI Bahamas.
And, Ravel was so taken with the energy and spirit of the Miami-Dade region that he donated 10% of his CD sales to the region's charity, Big City Mountaineers!

The annual event recognizes chapters' and members' outstanding efforts for the year. Awards include Most Valuable Members, Most Valuable Chapter (BNI Miami Beach), Most Valuable Director (Allan Koolmeyer) and, this year, a BNI Founder's Award for BNI Biscayne Connection.

Stay adds, "It's also a time we want to bring real value to our members. We've been able to do that by hosting Ivan Misner and Mike Macedonio, who each gave stellar talks in 2005 and 2006 … and this year Freddie Ravel. Now we just have to figure out how to top all that in 2008."

Submitted by Mavis Lamb, PR & Event Coordinator, BNI Miami


United States

BNI Thrives in Small Valley Springs

Somewhere northeast of Lodi, CA, there is a town called Valley Springs, with a population of 2,560. Who would have thought in 2008 the town would be home to a thriving BNI Chapter (Mother Lode Business Partners of BNI Central Valley) with 23 core members?

Over the years I'm positive the residents of this small town have heard "Wouldn't it be great if Valley Springs had … ?" Most of these ideas don't come to fruition because no one hears of them or talks of them. BNI however, is famous for word-of-mouth marketing, so it's no surprise that Christopher Scott, Director of A Day of Hope (a nonprofit organization that feeds the hungry at holiday time), formulated the idea to have a chapter of BNI in Valley Springs.

Christopher had heard an interview with Dr. Misner, on LoanToolBox.com, and knew this was a great idea for his business—and his town.

He talked to a couple trusted local business people and the word began to spread. Once the chapter was up and running it seemed like a natural fit. It has become apparent that the small towns—as much as big cities—need BNI.

In Valley Springs, these 23 members have passed 83 referrals and produced over $35,000 in business in their first month as a chapter. So don't discount any town, city, or suburb that expresses a desire to have a BNI chapter. Give them their chance. They may just prove BNI is great anywhere and everywhere!

Submitted by Debbie Ruiz, Area Director - BNI Central Valley; Owner Consider It Done Event Planning; Member BNI Lodi Founders Chapter