January 2008
Art of Networking
United KingdomHolborn BNI Celebrates 10 Successful Years
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| Holborn Chapter Director Sophia Simmonds |
Chapter Director Sophia Simmonds, a financial planning consultant, sees the Top Ten Breakfast as a representation of her "Triple Quality Plan: quality members, quality referrals, and a quality business opportunity."
Attendance is a major focus. The six power circles—creative, commercial & business, office movers, hospitality & catering, professional support, and health & well-being—keep members focused, generating more leads than ever before. Strong leadership has led to 816 referrals in the last 12 months.
"I believe in the idea of 'work hard, play hard,'" says Simmonds. "That is exactly what I get from Holborn BNI. The more effort you give, the more you get out of it. I want every single person in the 'Holborn Family' to do well," she says. "Come and meet us!"
The BNI Holborn, London 'Top Ten Breakfast' will be held at The Bonnington Hotel, 92 Southampton Row, London, WC1B 4BH on Tuesday 12th February 2008. Guests are invited to a champagne breakfast at 7.30am (to run till 9.30am) at a cost of £25. Booking is essential. Please contact penny@deepermedia.co.uk to reserve your place.
Submitted by Penny Dash, Deeper Media, London
United Kingdom15,000 Reasons to Celebrate 6 Years of Success
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The Jack O'Newbury BNI group recently celebrated an outstanding six years of networking with a lavish champagne reception at the Royal Box, Newbury Racecourse. Since the group began meeting, members have passed an incredible 15,740 referrals. They are included in the top 10% of BNI groups in the world. For some members this has been the lifeblood of their business.
The BNI motto of Givers Gain was demonstrated in the success stories. One of the founder members, Alan May from the Splash Group, has £1 million reasons to celebrate. He estimates he has gained this much business for his conservatory and replacement windows company through the BNI system of passing referrals to members.
Sharon Johnson from Johnson Bookkeeping Services explains why she has renewed her first year's membership. "I originally joined BNI to generate more business after taking on my first employee. Twelve months later, I have achieved more growth for my company than in the previous few years put together!"
The group danced the night away to a jazz trio. The atmosphere demonstrated the camaraderie and support that exists between the members. It's this that makes getting up early to meet on a Friday morning an enjoyable experience!
Submitted by Lucy Venables
United KingdomBNI Walpole Makes a Difference in Park Royal
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The fourth annual Park Royal Partnership Action Day was held October 18-19, 2007. Conker Consulting, who specialize in training and development for small business and the voluntary sector, and is a member of BNI Walpole, was commissioned by PRP to coordinate the two-day event.
BNI Walpole members Northfields Estate Agents, Mike Cook Garden & Design, J Kelly Autos and Palmdale Motors Ltd all sacrificed their working day and led their staff to enhance the premises and surroundings of a of local school. A composite BNI Walpole team was formed by a group of self-employed people from Stay Active, Mouse Nous, Myhome, WPA, Digitalplot, Hilton Shaw Plumbing and Heating, and Kiwi Landscapes. These companies all closed down their businesses for a day and devoted their time to St Christopher’s YMCA in Hanwell. Their mission was to remove trees, clear borders, and plant 200 bulbs in the YMCA garden. Lunch was supplied to all BNI volunteers by catering specialists LaFornaia Ltd.
Rosanna Henderson believes this year's event was unique "because this is the first time a group of self-employed people had come together to form a team, and give not only a day of their time but also their money."
With its new improved surroundings, YMCA Hanwell can now provide better service. Frank Gaisie, Housing Manager of YMCA Hanwell, stated: "The work of BNI Walpole is very much appreciated. The project demonstrates to the community at large how different projects or organisations can join forces to demonstrate unity of purpose and also give a positive message to the community."
The event was facilitated by Park Royal Partnership (PRP), which oversees the economic and social development of the Park Royal area. Joanne Lyall, Director of Business Growth at PRP, praised the volunteers: "I would like to thank them for their hard work and valuable contribution to the ongoing regeneration of the local area."
If you want to know more about employee volunteering, training, or development, visit www.conkerconsulting.co.uk
Article prepared by Maisy Luk, Freelance Copywriter, Qualified Translator (English<>Chinese)
United KingdomThe Wolves Return
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Raising in excess of £800 to date, Peter Shaw of Website Development in Tiverton, Devon, is delighted with how well the charity rally has done. Peter said, "The Maxi was great fun to drive, but not fast or reliable. We were last to arrive every evening, although being late meant we got to see St. Marks Square in Venice at 2:30 in the morning. I highly recommend this—much less crowded!"
It is great that such passion is recognized by such a reward. Sponsor money continues to trickle in. If you are interested in making a donation to support Wolves Aid, please send checks payable to: Wolves Aid, C/O: Rachael Heyhoe Flint (Trustee), Wolverhampton Wanderers Football, Molineux Stadium, Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton, WV1 4QR. Write "Home2Rome" on the back.
IsraelBNI CEO Norm Dominguez Visits Israel
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Norm also spent time with chapter members in the north of Israel. The meeting took place in the first winery in Israel, where he also had a quick tour. He then played a round of golf in the beautiful town of Ceaserea and visited the ancient Roman ruins. After meeting with members and the Leadership Team from Jerusalem, Norm visited some of the holy sites in Jerusalem.
Members and directors from BNI Israel are very appreciative of Norm's time and shared wisdom. One member commented, "I was surprised to find the CEO of BNI International so down-to-earth and approachable."
Thank you, Norm, for your visit to Israel.
Submitted by Sam Schwartz
Executive Director, BNI Northern Virginia
National Director, BNI-Israel, BNI-Hungary, BNI-Romania, BNI-Bulgaria
www.bninova.com www.bni.co.il www.bni-romania.com
RomaniaBNI CEO Norm Dominguez Visits Romania
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On October 12, we hosted the first Networking Seminar in Bucharest, where Norm Dominguez shared the stage with Ecademy Chairman Thomas Power and Sam Schwartz, National Director of Romania. As a result of the seminar, BNI Romania gained some new members.
Thank you, Norm, for your visit to Romania.
Submitted by Sam Schwartz
Executive Director, BNI Northern Virginia
National Director, BNI-Israel, BNI-Hungary, BNI-Romania, BNI-Bulgaria
www.bninova.com www.bni.co.il www.bni-romania.com
CanadaThe Little Wave That Could
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| Back: Troy Busniak, Darrell Ross, John Nieuwenberg. Front: Leah Cross, Glen Murray, Jeff Wiegel |
Jeff Wiegel and I were confident we could get the chapter back on its feet by taking over leadership and reinstating the agenda that Dr. Ivan Misner created. We opened up communication channels, such as the weekly newsletter with core members. Guest rallies the last Wednesday of every month were a huge part of getting everyone involved. Meeting Stimulants were instated every few weeks to bring the fun back. The key to success was putting ownership back into the hands of core members.
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| Ozzie Kipnes, Bernie Pawlick, Allison Cousins |
This chapter, the "Little Wave That Could," passed the $1,000,000 mark in referred business. It was the first chapter to reach that mark in BNI British Columbia history.
Hats off and congratulations!
Submitted by Glen Murray, Assistant Director - BNI British Columbia
CanadaMasters of Networking Gala
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| Photography by Mj.ca |
This event also served as the BNI awards presentation for all of Saskatchewan. They have doubled their membership every year since starting three years ago.
Submitted by Stephen Bell, Executive Director - BNI Saskatchewan
CanadaNetworking Masters Tele-Summit
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Reaching a global audience through tele-webcast technology, the TeleSummit provides tips, strategies, and techniques on boosting networking skills and referral results. Visit www.thenetworkingmasters.com today and gain free access to the preview calls.
Master of Sales Tele-Interview Series
Stephen Bell, executive director for BNI Saskatchewan, is hosting an exciting Tele-Interview Series with contributing authors to the best-selling Masters of Sales book. These interviews, beginning early January, 2008, will walk participants beyond the authors' articles, to their unique sales expertise and advice. Special event web pages have been created for each author—registrants can submit questions about their article or sales in general. Tele-webcast technology allows you to listen over the internet for free. Each author will be take questions before and during the calls. Questions are encouraged. Registration is absolutely free. Send an email with your contact information to steve@bnicanada.ca.
Stephen Bell, Executive Director - BNI Saskatchewan
United StatesVisitor Video
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The video is available to anyone through the BNI Alabama website. We challenge our members to invite visitors to their chapter meetings. If there is someone who doesn't think he or she can take the time to go to a networking event, they are encouraged to watch the video to preview BNI.
Click here to watch the video.
Submitted by Meaghan Williams, Executive Director, BNI - North Alabama
United StatesBNI Int'l Conference Host City, San Diego, Thanks You
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| Executive Director, Kathryn Lodal, and Joe Cravens, CEO of the San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross, accept a check for $15,000 from the BNI-Misner Foundation. |
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| San Diego's Palomar Mountain ravaged by wild fires just one month before the conference. |
The American Red Cross San Diego Chapter received generous donations for local wildfire relief efforts. The BNI-Misner Foundation matched members' ticket prices and presented a check for $15,000 to local Red Cross CEO, Joe Cravens. An additional $7,500 was contributed by BNI Connecticut and the Foundation. Members of BNI chapters in and around New Orleans gave $800 of gift cards. It was a day of immense gratitude from all of us in San Diego BNI.
United States |
When is a book signing not a book signing? When Sandy Pirwitz, Assistant Director, Team Ohio, plans the event. Sandy, owner of Sandy's Stuff for Women and member of the Westgate BNI Chapter, was asked by Debby Peters, contributing author to Masters of Sales, to plan an event that included a celebration and book signing for this bestselling book.
Sandy's committee brainstormed how they could create this special event. They decided to make it a charitable event, with proceeds going to two libraries and an organization that supports children's literacy.
The event was a huge success. More than 100 people purchased tickets and attended. Each person received two copies of Masters of Sales—one to keep and one to give away. Each library received a check for $1,000. The children's agency received over $700, plus 300 children's books that were donated by people who attended.
In addition, three local authors were spotlighted. Debby encouraged the audience to purchase these books, too. Between the three, 78 additional books were sold. Books were signed by Debby, speakers Deanna Tucci Schmitt and Linda Macedonio, and the three local authors.
United StatesBNI-MN Helps One of Their Own
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Submitted by Sue Henry, Area Director, BNI-Minnesota
United States |
In a large non-profit service event, Sertoma has undertaken to give the community a Winter Wonderland while raising funds that stay in the community. BNI members from Brainerd joined forces to fund one of the many displays that Sertoma is putting up.
The three chapters—Leaders of the Lakes, Lake Country Connections, and Leaders Edge—have a combined total of 165 members. With 20 of those members being active Sertoma members and an additional 16 BNI members businesses having associates in the Sertoma Club.
Winter Wonderland is a mile-long drive of breathtaking lights, reflecting off of the sparkling white snow and strung into captivating displays. This spectacular, new holiday tradition includes over 50 colorfully lit, animated displays.
The Winter Wonderland is located in Northland Arboretum, 560 acres of preserved land. The Northland Arboretum land is used for other service clubs to plant gardens and is widely used by cross country skiers in the winters. And two of the chapters hold their weekly meetings in one of the new buildings.
Once again the BNI members of Brainerd Lakes Area show how they truly do live by the Giver Gain philosophy.
Click here to see video of the Winter Wonderland display.
Submitted by Kari Barnes, Assistant Director - BNI Northern Minnesota www.bni-mn.com
http://sertomawinterwonderland.com/
United StatesBNI Reaches Across State Lines to Help Member's Family
Central Indiana BNI Director Randy Sipe (www.bni-indiana.com) was recently faced with the challenge of selling his mother-in-law's house. Imagine the stress of trying to quickly sell any house (which is three states away) in the late fall and trying to please your wife's mother. Fortunately, Randy knew just what to do. He used his BNI contacts to find Caroline Ashe, a realtor and member of the Referrals and More Chapter in Augusta, Georgia.
With his mother-in-law's approval and Caroline's expertise, they were able to put the house on the market quickly. "It was definitely a BNI referral all around," says Ashe. "Everyone who worked on the deal, from our area director to myself to the HVAC repair guy who did some repairs, was a BNI member."
Caroline sent Randy's mother-in-law flowers to thank her for the business. Before the flowers had died (less than three weeks), Caroline had sold the house at 98% of the listing price with no closing costs. In addition to her prompt sale, Caroline offered a reduced commission for BNI members—and she even paid for a home warranty. Best of all, Randy looked like a real hero to his wife and his mother-in-law!
Submitted by Central Indiana BNI PR Chick Jill Bode
United States |
The BNI Net-Works Chapter in Woodland Hills, California, adopted five families in need during the 2007 Christmas season. Don Peyton, our chapter's real estate appraiser and one of the founding members, spearheaded the project. He obtained letters to Santa from the post office, in conjunction with the social services office. One read:
My name is Alberto. I'm 12 years old. I have two little brothers and a little sister. I'm writing because I need your help this Christmas! My dad lost his job and lost his fingers in an accident. My mother has diabetes and can't work. My parents only have money for rent and food. My brothers and I need shoes and clothes. Our shoes and clothes are old and torn. Our classmates laugh at us and it breaks my heart.
The mission was on. Our 33-member chapter collected more than $2,300 in less than a week, plus toys, clothes, and wrapping paper. Every member helped by donating money, gifts, clothes, or their precious time.
After a gift wrapping party, the gifts were delivered on December 22 to the unsuspecting families. Tears of joy were shed and hugs were given as each family received wrapped clothes, toys, and games. In addition, we gave a pre-lit Christmas tree with ornaments, and several hundred dollars of food gift certificates.
As much as we like giving and receiving referrals, this project exemplified the true meaning of Givers Gain. We thank BNI for sharing its philosophy that applies to so many other areas of life.
Submitted by Chuck Gebert, BNI Net-Works Chapter President