My BNI Story

Inter-Conference Networking

I recently attended the BNI International Directors Conference in San Diego. While there, I noticed another organization, the Professional Foot Orthotic Laboratory Association (PFOLA), also holding a conference at the hotel.

As I helped Executive Director Kathryn Lodal with the registration for our Members' Day, people next to us were conducting registration for PFOLA. A couple of men in line asked what our conference was about, and I told them we represented the world's largest word-of-mouth networking organization. I asked them if they owned their own businesses, and they said they did. When I asked how business was, one gentleman replied, "I just started." The other said, "Well, the economy is slow … "

I told them BNI helps people grow their businesses through referrals from fellow chapter members. I then asked, "How would you like to get referrals from 30 to 40 other business professionals?" They immediately asked if there was a chapter in their respective cities. Of course there are, so I took their cards and passed them on to the appropriate BNI director.

I don't know if they will join or not, but this interaction demonstrated why we should network with people at other conferences! We might consider this tactic in areas where it is challenging to recruit new members.

Pam Russell, Send Out Cards


The Best BNI Bonus

When you own a small business you often focus on the big successes—and sometimes forget to appreciate the little things that make it worthwhile.

The same can be true of BNI. We attend a meeting every week, have countless one-to-ones, identify business opportunities for colleagues, and capture "show me the money." But one of the best features of the BNI experience is friendship. The friendships I developed through the Success Express Chapter helped me through the early days of owning my business, when I continually wondered if I would make it.

The quality of these friendships was never more evident than over the last year—when I announced to the chapter I was training to run a marathon for the first time. On November 4, 2007, with the Success Express team's advice, inspiration, prayers, and donations to charity, my goal became a reality. I finished my first marathon in NYC with a time of 4:42. Several times, I didn't think I would make it. But I thought about my family, the children the donations would go to, and my friends at the chapter—and I refused to let anyone down!

I want to thank my chapter for all the support! I also want to remind you that if you set a goal, share it with others, and work hard, anything is possible—in business and in life. BNI really works!

Kevin McCarthy, Success Express Chapter, Warwick, Rhode Island