January/February 2007
Art of Networking
CanadaGala Gives BNI Members a Reason to Celebrate
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| Edmonton Gateway Chapter wins the "Acorn Award" |
We gave out individual awards to the Rookie of the Year and the Business Builder of the Year. Two group awards were also given: the Acorn Award, presented to the BNI Edmonton Gateway Chapter for the highest percentage of growth over the qualifying year, and Meet the Vision, presented to the chapter that showed the most commitment towards implementing new ideas from BNI headquarters over the qualifying year.
The event received rave reviews. Members enjoyed a five course meal, martini's through an ice sculpture, emcee Fred Keating, and a professional photo. It has been two months since the event, and we are already being asked about when the next gala will be held.
Submitted by Jessilyn Thompson, Area Director
Canada
The World's Biggest BNI Breakfast Meeting
Ontario Toronto North Region hosted what they claim to be "The World's Biggest BNI Breakfast Meeting," featuring a full sit-down BNI Breakfast Meeting, followed by the regular agenda. All chapters had their own sign-in tables for the 380 members attending.Except for the infomercials, all parts of the agenda were followed. Each chapter president (instead of every member) gave the chapter's infomercial and memory hook. Chapter VPs reported on their chapter averages and their top three open categories. Prior to the meeting, members gave their referrals to their respective vice president, who then reported their group's results during the meeting.
Adam Arseneau of The Marketeers Chapter, was selected by Executive Directors Steve and Fran Lawson to moderate the event. Louise Smith of Team BNI Chapter was selected as the Education Coordinator and spoke on the core value of Givers Gain.
Mike Aoki introduced the guest speaker, who was none other than Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder of BNI speaking live on video-cam from California. His live large-screen presentation was followed with a real-time question and answer session.
Regional awards were presented and congratulations go to:
- Most Chapter Referrals: BNI.COM Chapter
- Most Referrals Passed by a Member: Phil Gilmore of BNI.com Chapter
- Chapter with Most Steady Growth: High Achievers Chapter
- Best Team Leader: Kelly Schoenderwoord of Power Networkers
- Best Run/Most Fun Chapter: Power Networkers Chapter
- Best Chapter Memory Hook: Focus Networkers Chapter - "It's all about business. There is no hocus pocus at Focus!"
- Special Award for Chairing the WBB: Eleanor Rinne, BNI Ambassador
Canada
Rose City Chapter Shoots For the Stars
This exciting Ontario Essex County chapter took a bold step by making a statement about their BNI referral network. The group bought a full-page ad on the back page of a local paper to display all their services and members. When the editor of the Windsor Business publication, Nadia Shousher, joined the chapter, President Rick McKinney suggested a full-page add paid for by the members. Nadia offered them a significant discount and plans are to run the ad quarterly.The response has been great and a morale booster for chapter members. Previous visitors are calling and saying they want to visit again.
In April 2006, the chapter had 18 members, and their original goal was to reach 30 members by year end. They revised this goal to 50 members when they had reached 43 members with more time to spare.
Everyone is very excited and proud of all their efforts and, most notably, their results.
Submitted by Carol Bell, BNI Director
Canada
The Hindelang Contest
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| by Marty Benedik, Benedik Studio of Photography |
To this end, I motivated everyone to bring guests (and have fun doing it!) and rewarded those who did through a contest. I divided our chapter into teams, which would take the load off individuals. I also asked each team to come up with a team name, which added to the fun.
In order to keep people focused; I gave every team a target: a specific profession. I also provided a top ten list of professions for all teams that we would like to have in our chapter.
The whole contest was based on a points system.
- Bring in a new member and the member is your team's target = 25 points
- Bring in a new member and the member is another team's target = 15 points
- Bring in a new member and the member is on the 10 most wanted list = 10 points
- Bring in a new member and the member is not a target or on the 10 most wanted list = 5 points
- Invite a guest that does not conflict with an existing members profession = 1 point
The top 3 teams were rewarded with prizes for their efforts as follows:
1st place Team - free BNI membership for each member of the team.
2nd place Team - gift certificates from members of the chapter for each member.
3rd place Team - breakfasts paid for 6 months for each member.
All members from the top three teams were eligible for a drawing to win a $1000 gift certificate to the travel destination of their choosing. At the end of the contest, we held a celebration dinner, and the first place team ate for free.
Now that our chapter hovers just below 80 members, what's the next step? We do the contest all over again, of course—and shoot for 100 members!
Submitted by Stephen Hindelang, West Island Team Chapter
United StatesManhattan BNI Celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary
Manhattan BNI celebrated its 10 year anniversary at its annual Holiday Party on November 30, 2006. The 101 Club in Manhattan, New York, hosted 300+ members and guests to commemorate the region's success, present recognition awards to its members and chapters, and listen to a keynote address from BNI's founder, Dr. Ivan Misner.Manhattan BNI's 32 chapters were all represented and enjoyed a full evening of food, drink, networking, and insights into the myths of networking illustrated in Ivan Misner's book Truth or Delusion. Regional recognition awards were presented to: the longest tenured members [8+ years]; the "Rookie of the Year Chapter" [the BNI Grand Central Chapter]; and the top three chapters were given Founders Awards [Manhattan BNI Chapters #1, 11 & 12].
Dr. Ivan Misner treated us to his excellent and provocative presentation on his new collaborative book Truth or Delusion? Busting Networking's Biggest Myths. Dr. Misner beguiled the audience in illuminating many of the common misconceptions and assumptions professionals make when it comes to the art of networking. His Socratic use of asking the audience one fundamental question at a time made for a fun and interactive experience. All were captivated by Dr. Misner's presentation and had the opportunity to have their books autographed. Team Manhattan BNI recognizes that it is Dr. Misner's unique willingness to greet and talk to every member that wanted to meet him that truly distinguishes him as an entrepreneur and our leader of BNI! We want to thank him for joining us to mark this special occasion. We look forward to his next book and visit to Manhattan BNI.
Submitted by Mike Brathwaite and Todd Hallinger, Executive Directors - Manhattan BNI
United States
Directors Under Fire
Truth or Delusion? 12 Directors + Luggage can fit into a 7 passenger limo?Truth.
Truth or Delusion? 12 Directors + Luggage can fit into a 7 passenger limo without setting it on fire?
Delusion!
The Minnesota Directors + 1 Team Wisconsin Director (he's the one you can't see, taking the photo) set out for the airport from the International Directors Conference. They had ordered transportation for 12 + luggage under the name Giacomuzzi. When a stretch limo arrived, while skeptical, they gave it the ol' BNI try and stuffed everyone inside.
As Nancy Giacomuzzi was spelling her name for the driver - while the rest of us were crammed in on top of each other and Kevin Snow had his head stuck out the moon roof - all of the sudden someone said, "Do you smell smoke?" Yes, the limo was on fire!
You've never seen 12 people move so fast. From the sidewalk we must have looked like over-dressed clowns as we scrambled out, dragging our luggage behind us.
The limousine driver's excuse for bringing such a small vehicle? "We thought Giacomuzzi was Chinese, so we thought you'd be smaller people."
We laughed so hard we cried. Then we called for three taxi vans, and, yes, we made our flight back to Minneapolis. We also decided that next time we need transportation, Nancy needs to give her maiden name, Peterson, so the limo company knows that we are 12 Swedes from Minnesota.
The Fire: the Rest of the Story
Don't worry, no one got hurt, nothing was damaged, and now we have a great story to tell. The picture above was taken after the incident, and the fire was added to the background later.
As far as the BNI International Directors Convention goes, we all learned a lot, met a ton of great people from around the world, and are excited to bring more success through education to our chapters in the weeks ahead.
Submitted by Beth Anderson & Team Minnesota
United States
San Diego Holiday Celebration with Dr. Ivan Misner
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| Dr. Ivan Misner presented two awards for chapter growth to Executive Director Kathryn Lodal |
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| Dr. Ivan Misner presented Director Riley Cardwell with a Top Director Award |
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| Ron Stowers of the La Mesa Chapter; BNI Founder Ivan Misner; Kathy Episcopo of the Rancho Bernardo Chapter; and Chanel Ware of the Carlsbad Chapter all smile as they receive Misner Foundation recognition for their contributions to Hurricane Katrina Relief |
In his keynote address, Dr. Misner challenged the audience to a truth or delusion test. As networking statements came on the screen, attendees shouted their vote for "truth" or "delusion." Members and guests took away powerful information. The Q & A portion of the presentation addressed ways members could take their chapters to the next level.
The evening concluded with local chapter awards. Dr. Misner commended area directors for their time and commitment to growing the region to over 800 members. Executive Director Kathryn Lodal received two awards for chapter growth in 2005 and 2006. Recognized for his dedication and contributions was Director Riley Cardwell. Dr. Misner also presented the Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, and La Mesa Chapters with a Misner Foundation Recognition Award for their contributions to Hurricane Katrina Relief.
As a finale, the members learned that the city of San Diego will be the host city for the November 2007 BNI International Conference!
United States
Joint Chapter Visitors Day
Five local BNI chapters joined forces to present a high-energy Joint Chapter Visitors Day in Ontario, California on October 27, 2006. Spearheaded by the Business Referral Source Chapter of BNI, the event at the Doubletree Hotel had 161 attendees eager to hear Dr. Ivan Misner discuss his new best seller, Truth or Delusion: Busting Networking's Biggest Myths.The audience shouted out "Truth!" or "Delusion!" in response to Dr. Misner's networking questions, then cheered or groaned as the correct answers were displayed and explained.
Other chapters participating in the two-hour event were The Claremont Breakfast Chapter, BNI Business Builders Chapter (Rancho Cucamonga), The Quality Referral Source Chapter (Upland), and two new core groups located in Rancho Cucamonga and Hesperia. The BNI Business Elite Chapter, which meets in neighboring San Bernardino, was also present.
Chapter members gave examples of a 60-second commercial, a referral, and testimonials on how BNI has positively impacted their businesses. Regional Director Susan Bean invited visitors to interview for BNI chapter openings, and potential members were able to meet with representatives of each individual chapter immediately after the presentation.
Regional Director Ed Bean and Senior Regional Director Lonie Misner-Feigerle were present and handled the book table, and Dr. Misner stayed to sign books and answer questions.
Submitted by Susan Bean, Regional Director
