Across the Globe - Australia/Asia
Indonesia
Welcome BNI Indonesia!

The Oasis Chapter kicked off at 7 a.m. on December 7, 2006, at the Brake Cafe, Cilandak Town, in the city of South Jakarta. With a core of 16 enthusiastic members, the chapter was pleased to host 40 special guests at their first meeting!

Among those present were Sim Chow Boon and Mervin Yeo, National Directors for BNI Singapore. They gave an inspiring talk during the education minute. The guests were impressed with the number of business referrals that were generated and also the testimonials that were shared.

Mr. Hari Purnomo, the National Director for BNI Indonesia, stated, "It's exciting to see BNI in Indonesia! BNI is a proven system that will help Indonesian business people generate more business!" Congratulations and Welcome to BNI Indonesia!


Australia
Are Women Better Networkers?

The first International Networking Day will be celebrated in Sydney on February 6, 2007, with a luncheon address by Candy Tymson, Australia's leading Gender Communications Specialist.

In a fun and informative presentation, Candy will explore the notion that women are better networkers than men, and will share some of her secrets on how to network with ease. She will also give some strategies on how to bridge the gap in gender communications.

For an invitation to this entertaining luncheon for men and women, please contact Tony Benner at tonyb@bni.com.au.


Australia
BNI River View's Referral Milestone: 4000!

After just 18 months as a chapter, BNI River View (Australia's largest chapter) has reached a major milestone: they've passed 4000 referrals. That's an average of 60 referrals per week, week in week out.

President Jon Compton invited Executive Director Russ Holland to visit the chapter to present the Referral Milestone certificate. Russ (pictured at left) presented the certificate to chapter members Bernie Healey and Megan Butler, who passed the 4000th referral.

As part of the recognition of this referral milestone, the Executive Director presented 6 members with blue Notable Networker Badges for giving in excess of 100 referrals apiece during the calendar year. Congratulations to Jon Compton, Ian Hoppe, Wendy Thompson, Bernie Healey, Steve Davies, and Phil Grisold.

Well Done, BNI River View!

Submitted by Elizabeth Holland, Executive Director - BNI NSW North Coast


New Zealand
New Zealand Chapters Rally for Hospice

A phenomenal effort from BNI chapters around New Zealand made this year's Hospice Week fundraiser a success. Many chapters seized the opportunity to work together on a project—land, in the process, enjoy one another's company. $35,077.80 was raised for local hospices across New Zealand. New Zealand National Director Graham Southwell was awarded a Founders' Special Award for this fundraising effort directed to Hospice through the BNI-Misner Foundation.

The Cambridge Chapter of BNI hosted an exciting Medieval Banquet and raised $2,791 for Hospice Waikato. Hospice Waikato's newsletter said this about the festivities:

"There was grape throwing, punishment in stocks, lots of mulled wine, limericks and no electricity. And everyone had a thoroughly good time at The Old Creamery in the cause of Hospice Waikato. The Cambridge BNI's medieval banquet was perhaps this year's most colourful and memorable 'Time to Remember' event."

Christine Edmeades of Simply Elegant Flowers said that people got put in the stock for any old reason. "Everyone bid to get them out - it cost $150 to get our president (Kevin Mayall) out." But the Cambridge Chapter of BNI hasn't stopped there. The chapter has initiated a Make a Wish program for Hospice Waikato. The first recipient was a young Ngaruawahia lad who will get his wish for a helicopter ride.


Malaysia
Penang Regional Conference: Educational and Fun!

BNI Penang recently organized a successful Regional Conference with the theme "Growing Our Business Together."

The conference started with Dr. Ivan Misner in a "Live" broadcast of "The Founder's Thoughts." Many had never met Dr. Misner personally, and it was inspiring for them to hear from the Founder directly. Tough questions, such as, "How do you energise a stagnating 3-year-old chapter?" were thrown at Dr. Misner. As usual, in his expressive style, he inspired members with his practical and down to earth answers. Members thoroughly enjoyed the session!

We recommend chapters all over the world take advantage of the live webcam sessions with our Founder!

Next was an excellent session, "Ideas, Initiative, and Intelligence," by Daniel Murthy of Achievers Chapter. His dynamic delivery and thought provoking ideas energized the audience. Daniel was able to relate common sense business practices (especially in the areas of marketing and customer relationship management) with BNI's basic principles.

Night came and it was time for the Awards & Recognition Dinner. We had more than 200 members and guests attend the dinner, which we hoped would foster closer fellowship among the five chapters in the region: BNI Achievers, BNI Success, BNI Laurus, BNI Power and BNI Pinnacle. We also recognized members for their positive contributions.

The main award winners are Stephen Kam from Success Chapter for the most number of referrals; Jarrod Lim from Laurus Chapter for the most number of visitors; and, Vincent Khoo from Success Chapter for the largest referral given.

Chapter of the Year 2006 - Achievers Chapter

The Best Chapter of the Region was chosen based on chapter size, absenteeism, substitution, referrals, and visitors since January 2006. The award went to Achievers Chapter!

All of us had a thoroughly enjoyable Regional Conference and we thank our National Directors Avryl Au and Robert French for their support, and Dr. Misner and BNI HQ for making all of this happen!

Submitted by YP Lai, National Director - BNI Thailand, Regional Director - BNI Malaysia


Malaysia
Giving Value Leads to Referrals

Alan Wong, a BNI member for nearly six years and the Managing Director of UCD Software, a company specializing in software for insurance agents and car dealers, generated six referrals by giving value first.

Is that easy? Wong says, "YES! Just help someone by providing value and solutions."

When Alan made a phone call to a client for an appointment, he got the usual answer—they were too busy to meet him because they were moving. Alan responded by offering to help them move.

When Alan went to help move the office, he was able to recommend the following businesses:

1. An office mover
2. A commercial cleaner for the new office
3. A regular cleaner for weekly cleaning
4. A printer for a flyer for the new office and notice of moving
5. Office phone system
6. Building maintenance.

Guess whom Alan referred? Members of his own chapter, of course, using the handy BNI businesscard holder.

If Alan had known of the client's move earlier, he would have also recommended the following:

• A real estate agent to look for a new location
• A lawyer to sign the tenancy agreement
• A painter
• An interior designer
• Windows and floor covering specialist
• Electrician
• Air conditioning service
• Signmaker
• Security and CCTV specialist
• Computer networking and service.

Alan managed to secure 6 services from his chapter. It is that easy. Just look for the three most trusted people from your circle of influence. Then Listen to the conversation; Ask a few questions; and, Respond with a solution to help them solve a problem. Soon, you will attract referrals without even trying.

Submitted by Avryl Au, National Director, BNI Malaysia