Across the Globe

Malaysia
Biggest Launch Meeting Ever: 4 Chapters At Once!

At the beginning of April, Vincent Koay, regional director for Kuala Lumpur, launched four chapters at the same meeting! There were 250 guests in attendance. According to Ivan, it was the biggest launch meeting ever.

"This is a first, and I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you that I'm impressed!" wrote Dr. Ivan Misner. To add to the excitement, over 50% of attendees submitted their applications!

Three weeks of Core Group Training and 250 guests later, BNI Mastery, BNI Oasis, BNI Starlight and BNI Quantum were simultaneously launched on April 5, 2007. Little did we know that would put BNI Malaysia on the map!

Submitted by VK, Regional Director, BNI Malaysia


Malaysia Conference: Networking Practiced and Praised

On April 22, 2007, BNI Malaysia, held the 7th BNI Annual Conference, with over 300 members in attendance.

Bistari Chapter was recognized as the Best Chapter in Johor Region

The first item on the agenda was for members to set objectives of what they want to achieve at the conference. One of the highlights was a networking game that had members asking for leads and referrals. Through this game, no one left the conference empty handed, and many have plenty to follow up on after the conference.

Another highlight was the awards for chapters. The Best Chapter of the Year awards of each area/region were awarded to some of the oldest chapters in Malaysia. A total of 50 awards were given out to individuals and teams for their practice of "Givers Gain."


New Zealand
BNI Congratulates Richard Simmons, February's BNI Business Champion

BNI New Zealand congratulates managing director of Diamond Fusion in Auckland, Richard Simmons (pictured), the inaugural winner of BNI's Business Champion Award.

Richard first got involved with business networking when he was a director and part-owner of a successful Auckland security company, Matrix Security, more than six years ago.

Since then he has sold his share in Matrix Security and established Diamond Fusion, which has gone from zero to half a million dollars in turn-over, in less than two years.

Today Diamond Fusion has two sub-agents in Auckland and agents in Hamilton, Bay of Plenty and Wellington. All the agents are either members of BNI or in the process of applying to join.

"Networking, particularly in the BNI context, can be great motivation, great fun, and a good way to start the day with a group of like-minded people. It puts you in contact with other people you can generally rely on to do a great job because word of mouth works both ways. If you do a good job you get more referrals; if you don't, word quickly gets out."

Richard recently told NZ Business magazine: "I've personally referred about $600,000 worth of business to BNI members and picked up through BNI, both on the security side and with Diamond Fusion, about $250,000 worth of sales over the last six years.

"Successful networking is definitely about Givers Gain," says Richard.


Australia
Trusting the Invitation Process

As a result of our invitation process, 85 people attended the launch of BNI Network Plus on March 6, 2007.

Weeks before the launch, we explained the invitation process to the core members. This included the 50/50/50/50 rule—you'll be able to have a phone conversation with 50% of the people you invite; 50% of those will be interested in BNI; of those interested, 50% will commit to being at the kick-off; and about 50% of those who commit will show up.

There are only two ways you can have an impact on the number of people who actually attend—send as many invitations as possible and make ALL the phone calls. The first phone call is to check that the invitation was received, verify plans to attend, and invite them to bring colleagues and friends. The second phone call is to find out how many people they are bringing. Fifty percent of confirmed visitors typically attend if they receive the first phone call. Eighty percent attend if they receive the second phone call.

The day before the kick-off, we left this message for our core members:

"Of 101 confirmed visitors, we have 69 who have reconfirmed (2nd phone call). We can expect 80% of those 69 to actually turn up = 56. As for the other 32 confirmed (only one phone call), we can expect 50% of those to turn up = 16. 56 + 16 = 72. We are in constant contact with 10 of our members and can expect all of them to be there as well as Bob and I = 72 +12 = 84."

We asked our core members to trust the process in order to have a successful kick-off. They did—the proof is in the results. This was the largest attendance to date in this region. The BNI Network Plus Chapter truly "walks the talk." They are a great example of what a BNI Chapter can be when you "trust the system."

Submitted by Marilyn and Bob Haldane, Executive Directors, BNI NSW South Coast


Germany
BNI 19 in Berlin: A Tradition in the Making

Four times a year, BNI Berlin hosts a networking event and invites all members and handpicked visitors. The time of the event, 19:00 hours, is basis for the name: BNI 19.

More than 200 participants attended the April 2007 event, hosted by the Volkswagen Dealership Autohaus moebus. The goals of this event—to get to know BNI members of other chapters and to win new members—are already being met. Nine new members have been added to various chapters, and many referrals are leading to new business.

The star of the evening came unexpected and a little late. It was AUDI's brand new super sports car the R 8, which was to be introduced in Germany two days later. The R 8 arrived from the AUDI plant in Ingolstadt and was driven right into the main showroom where BNI 19 was taking place.

The April BNI 19 was the fifth such event held in Berlin, and it has all the chance of becoming a tradition.

Submitted by Thomas Jaeger, BNI Berlin


United Arab Emirates
Misner Urges Cross-Cultural Chapter Visits

John Flower, Membership Committee Member, BNI Business Eagles Chapter; Anna Shah, Co-National Director, BNI Middle East; Tanya Carter, BNI Munich, Germany; Bernhard Sonntag, BNI Munich, Germany; Erik Kling, San Francisco; Bijay Shah, National Director, BNI Middle East

In Dr. Misner's 3rd BNI Podcast, "Planes, Trains & Automobiles," he urges members to visit a BNI chapter when they are travelling in another region or country. Here is part of the transcript of the podcast, which you can listen to at http://www.bnipodcast.com/:

It is incredible. Oftentimes, members only see the tip of the iceberg at their chapter. We have the opportunity to go out and visit chapters. It is very exciting. I urge BNI members all over the world. If you have a chance to drop in and visit another chapter, do it. First of all, they roll out the red carpet for members from around the world. Call them in advance. Let them know you are coming.

If you don't know who to call, go to BNI.com or your national BNI website and look for the names of the directors in other countries. You can get that from BNI.com by going to 'Find a Chapter.' Find a director in that country. Tell them you are from another country and that that you would like to visit one of their chapters. Ask for one of the best chapters in that area and visit it.

They will roll out the red carpet. You will have a blast. It may even be a different language, but do you know what is great? You will know exactly what is happening throughout the meeting even though it is in a different language. I urge members to go to these.

While Dr. Misner was recording his podcast, BNI Members in Dubai were doing just that! They were rolling out the red carpet to a contingent of BNI Members from Munich, Germany. To find out more about this please read "The Global Networking Village" story by Tanya Carter, BNI Member from Munich, Germany, in My BNI Story.

Submitted by Bijay Rajnikantt Shah, National Director, BNI Middle East


Israel
International Networking Day Activity Keeps on Paying

As a result of the International Networking Day, BNI Israel developed a strong relationship with Derby University in Israel. This has led to BNI Israel organizing and participating in regular networking meetings between Derby alumni and BNI business people. Both organizations received accolades for these events. When seasoned and experienced business people meet academia, great things develop.

During the month of April we conducted seven leadership trainings all over Israel for the incoming Leadership Team. The participation was record-breaking, which represents the growth of the organization over the past couple of years. We can attribute this growth to the BNI members and the Executive Team led by Co-National Director Yarden Noy.

On May 8th there was a trade show coupled with an evening networking event between MTI (the government center for entrepreneurship) and BNI. The event was a huge success. This also came about as a result of the International Networking Day activities.

These results point to the importance of strategic alliances, constant networking activities, and a great team. BNI Israel is definitely making strides in establishing itself as a leading networking organization, and we are proud of this growth.

Well done. Keep up the good work.

Submitted by Sam Schwartz, Executive Director, BNI Northern Virginia; National Director, BNI-Israel, BNI-Hungary, BNI-Romania, BNI-Bulgaria


India
BNI India Off to a Strong Start

The members of BNI Alpha Chapter are indebted to Mr. Niri Patel and Mr. Niiraj Shah, national directors of BNI India, for bringing BNI to India. Their entrepreneurial efforts have made BNI a great resource for entrepreneurs across India.

Over the last 18 months, our chapter members have followed step-by-step the well structured and detailed system developed by BNI. The "Givers Gain" philosophy has led to outstanding results. More than Rs.4 crores (US $1 million) of business has already been transacted through 2500 referrals passed by the members. We've averaged Rs.16000/- per referral, and we have only just started.

BNI training has allowed our members to thrive. Members who once could hardly speak publicly now beam with confidence in front of large groups. Members are dreaming big. And members are developing a razor sharp focus. Because of the training, new leaders are rising up.

Submitted by Chapter Directors, Keshave Rao, Bhende, Parag Shah, and Kiran Ajwani


United States
Merrimack Valley's Recipe for a Successful Visitors Day!

Our Visitors Day was successful simply because our members were willing to participate. Every member was asked to invite as many people as they could (at least ten) by letter.

Jim Munro asked for confirmations and reminded us to follow up with the guests. This kept members on their toes. It's easy to get your letters in the mail, but if you don't follow up, the guest might get busy and forget.

When the visitors did arrive, members arrived early and became visitor hosts for the day. Several of the guests commented on how friendly we were and how much they appreciated the warm welcome.

This is the simple recipe: Put in members. Stir in a lot of involvement, mix with motivation, and add participation. Slowly blend in e-mail, phone, or communication of your choice. Sift in reminders; add a dash of follow-ups; and, a pinch of dollar signs. Set aside. In the next six weeks, repeat entire recipe every three to four days. When ready to serve, top it off with kindness and helpfulness. Serve your visitors and enjoy.

Submitted by Louise Southmayd, Andover Marketing Group


BNI Minnesota Tops 3,000 Members!

In April BNI Minnesota inducted our 3,000th member.

We also passed another milestone. In the last 12 months our members have passed over $50,000,000 in closed business. We are in our 10th year, and are growing bigger and stronger each month! Congratulations BNI Minnesota!!

Submitted by Beth Anderson, BNI Minnesota Assistant Director


United Kingdom

Jim Edgar from NatWest Bank, Dr. Ivan Misner, and BNI-UK National Directors Martin and Gillian Lawson

Ivan Misner Visits BNI UK

On April 24, 2007, Dr. Misner arrived in the U.K., the last stop on his event-filled presentation tour. BNI U.K. National Directors Martin and Gillian Lawson welcomed him. During the course of his five-day stay in the U.K., Dr. Misner presented two talks, "Truth or Delusion" and "Networking Resonance," participated in several Blackstar and Ecademy networking events, met with BNI U.K. directors, held an "Ask the Founder" session and Q&A for the BNI United Kingdom Members' Day, had a Dance Card lunch with BNI members, and attended an Awards Dinner for BNI U.K. directors.

In a letter to the BNI UK directors after the Members Day event, David Morris wrote: "I left at the end of the day with my head like the proverbial box of squirrels—so many good ideas to put into practice, so many new opportunities to explore, and enough inspiration and motivation on board to last me for months! I'm running out of superlatives, except to say to anyone who wasn't there: 'You missed something really special!'"


Gold Cup Chapter Visitors Day

BNI Gold Cup Chapter in Cheltenham was delighted to welcome BNI Executive Director Robert French to speak at their meeting in May. Robert gave an inspiring talk on his wealth of experience with BNI in the UK, Spain, and Malaysia. He spoke about the importance of visitors, and welcomed the 15 visitors present. BNI Gold Cup Chapter members warmly received his motivational words. Having heard more about the fantastic benefits of attending the KL 08 International Conference in Malaysia, many members are seriously considering booking their places.

BNI member Claire of Casasa Catering won Robert's book Handy Guide to Networking (available at www.bni-worldwide.com). Chapter Director Charlie Smith had previously asked Claire to bake a cake as a prize for the member bringing the most visitors. This fantastic organic carrot cake was won by Terry of Video Interactive whose BNI Gold Cup video appeared in the April 2007 edition of SuccessNet Online.

Submitted by Susie Godwin, BNI Assistant Director




Britain Visits Spain

On behalf of Bournemouth Bay Chapter, I would like to thank the Picasso Chapter for the kind hospitality you showed us during our visit in early April. All ten Bournemouth Bay members enjoyed the visit, and some very good contacts were made. We also have ideas to share back home that we gleaned from your chapter meeting. We look forward to returning the hospitality by hosting a party in Bournemouth in the fall.

Submitted by Tony Patching, Twinning Coordinator



Portugal


Ivan Misner Visits Portugal

Dr. Ivan Misner visited Portugal for the first time, and everyone was overwhelmed with his enthusiasm and knowledge!

After a relaxed lunch with the regional directors, Ivan was interviewed by the business press and recorded BNIPodcast 004.

We listened to the fantastic "Truth or Delusion?" presentation, which was followed by a gorgeous dinner at the VIP Executive Hotel at Parque das Nações.

BNI Portugal wants to say thank you very much to Dr. Misner for his stay and visit to our country!

Submitted by Hélder Falcão, National Director, BNI Portugal