My BNI Story



Hope for the Introvert

I just ran across Dr. Ivan Misner's article "You Have to be a Real 'People Person' to be Good at Networking … Right?"

As an introvert, I find it extremely difficult to cold call. Distraught, I decided to throw in the towel. I thought, I'm just not cut out for this.

As I began to look for another job, I ran across Mr. Misner's article—and it gave me hope. I realized I can be a great networker, even as an introvert. I want to thank Dr. Misner for writing that article. It has made me reconsider giving up on my current job.

Anonymous


More and More Referrals

I have been a member of BNI Success Chapter in Penang, Malaysia, since March 2005. Over the years, I've received a continuous flow of referrals from members, in particular from our Chapter President Stephen Kam, the owner of real estate company REA Connections.

Last year, Stephen gave me a referral for electrical consulting and contracting work for Metalysis (M) Sdn Bhd. This factory, based in Kulim, is funded by Rolls Royce. This project alone contributed to 30% of the business turnover for our organization in 2006. We completed the project ahead of time and the client was extremely pleased with the results.

BNI really works. The longer I'm in the chapter, the stronger the relationship I develop with members—and the bigger the referrals I get!

Ed Kiew, Knowledge Energy Solutions


Not Giving Up on BNI

Besides operating a custom sewing business, I am also the VP of my BNI chapter and an ambassador for BNI Minnesota. When I became a member of BNI, my husband and I both worked from home. Recently, he accepted a position with a company. Suddenly, I felt like a stay-at-home mom with nothing to do but taxi our kids around.

But I still had a business to run. I had a hard time juggling it all. I even thought of giving up BNI.

Another member from my chapter told me to stop feeling sorry for myself and to find a way to make it work. I now schedule chapter visits on days I have someone to take my son to school. And I can rely on my older children to help out. I also told my area director and executive director about my change of circumstances. They were very understanding and accommodating.

Ironically, since this life-change my business has boomed; the bonds within my own chapter have grown stronger; I visit chapters and leave with referrals; and, I've also been asked to be an assistant director!

BNI always helps me find ways to make things work. You just need to brainstorm and ask for help. We have such a great network. The bottom line is this: I'm not giving up BNI!

Tara Schmakel, The Workroom


80 Percent BNI!

I've been a BNI member since June 2006. Eighty percent of my business is directly attributed to BNI! It's fantastic. Thank you, BNI!

Submitted by Debby Whitlock, Solemates Holistic Therapy, BNI Romsey Entrepreneurs Chapter, Hampshire, UK


Membership Pays Off

I received 43 percent of my business from BNI referrals in my first year of membership!

Paul Gaylor, National Legal Services, Farmborough Jets Chapter, UK