International Networking Week Events Across the Globe

Sweden
Networking Events Sweep Sweden


On February 5, 2008, networkers from three regions of Sweden held two major activities in the same day.

Starting in Norrkoping (150 km south of Stockholm) in the early morning, some 100 networkers met at Pronova to meet in the boxing rings—one for each power team. The boxing rings helped to find the right spot to meet the people you wanted to meet. The result of the morning was so overwhelmingly good, that many of the participants asked for the next occasion to be scheduled right away.

The 2007 Networker of the Year for the Ostergotland region was announced: Stephan Adner, of NETcommunity in Linköping, has brought an impressive 36 visitors to the chapter.

In the afternoon the activities continued in Vasteras (100 km west of Stockholm). You can be sure new contacts were created. In addition to the networking, Mikael Espenkrona, our National Director of Training, presented a highly appreciated seminar. The meeting finished up with "Business Card Bingo."

The 2007 Networker of the Year for the Sodermanland region was announced: Henrik Bergquist at Ohrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB. Henrik also proudly wears a BNI Gold Badge.

Submitted by Kristina Wahlberg, BNI Sodermanland and Greger Kling, BNI Ostergotland och Vastmanland


Switzerland
Berne Switzerland Celebrates with 3400 Referrals

Nearly 100 business people attended the big meeting during the International Networking Week in Berne. All nine chapters of the Berne Region were represented, and many visitors of other networking organisations attended the meeting. In this BNI-Region, which is directed by Martin F. Nussbaum and Erika Schürch Nussbaum, BNI members passed over 3400 referrals in 12 months. This represents about two million Swiss Franks worth of business for our members. More information about BNI in Switzerland at www.bnischweiz.ch.

Submitted by Martin F. Nussbaum, BNI Berne Region


Malaysia
BNI Super Meeting

In conjunction with the International Networking Week, all eight chapters from BNI Penang Region had a combined BNI meeting at the City Bayview Hotel on Tuesday, February 5, 2008. Over 300 business owners and entrepreneurs from diverse industries were present for a morning of business networking. The aim of the event "BNI Super Meeting" was to generate more business opportunities for participants and to assist business people to develop business relationships for long term business growth.

During the event that took place from 7:00am to 9:00am, guests from different organizations, including the Lions, Rotary, Toastmasters, Young Entrepreneurs Associations, and Junior Chamber International, were presented with the parts of the BNI meeting, and shown the benefits of being a BNI member.

All the guests were impressed by the professionalism of BNI members, how well the BNI meeting was run, and the high level of energy that was present in the room. Many were interested in becoming BNI members.

The "BNI Super Meeting" was given extensive coverage by the Malaysian News Agency and was given nationwide TV exposure in the business news.

We look forward to an even bigger event for the 3rd International Networking Week in 2009.

Submitted by Y.P. Lai, Regional Director - BNI Penang, National Director - BNI Thailand, BNI Vietnam & BNI Korea


South Africa
Breakfast Served the Networking Way

Vice President Pippa Truter, Executive Mayor Eleanor Bouw-Spies, Trish Thompson Regional Director BNI Garden Route, Oyster Catchers President Allen Thompson

Representatives from various local networks gathered for breakfast on February 5, 2008, at the Cruise Café in Knysna. Hosted by BNI in observation of International Networking Week, the breakfast aimed to bring both business and community leaders together. Representatives had the opportunity to introduce their networks and explore ways in which their networks could assist each other.

Special guests included Knysna Executive Mayor Councillor Eleanor Bouw-Spies, Marlene Boyce of the Women's Network, Lesley Satchel of Rotary, Brendon Darrol and Bev Moody of Business Outreach, and Colin Vermeulen of "Broewors Bash," and a variety of Knysna's small business owners—many of whom are members of BNI. The importance of networking both as a business tool and as a bridge between community and business was highlighted during the morning.

Submitted by Catherin Owen, Membership Committee, Oyster Catcher Chapter




Thailand
BNI Thailand Officially Launched

On February 5, 2008, BNI Thailand conducted the biggest International Networking Week event in Thailand at The Emerald Hotel, Bangkok. With a total of six chapters, three core group and visitors, there were more than 300 participants at the event. Mr. Kollakit Thalerngnawachart, BNI Thailand National Director, said that this event is the official launch of BNI Thailand to the public, with four newspapers doing interviews and cable TV broadcasting the event on the news.

We successfully created the voice of Changing the World the Way does Business to Thai business owners and entrepreneurs. On those days, SME organization, SVN (Social Venture Network), Rotary, Lion, and Business Professional Women Club joined the event to show that relationship networking is essential.

Thirty visitors showed interest in joining BNI, and more than 100 visitors would like to visit BNI chapters. Also, many overseas business owners who have offices in Bangkok Thailand want to join BNI Thailand. As a result, we will start our first English-speaking chapter core group by end of February 2008.

Thanks to all members for making this event a success. Now BNI is visible in Thailand.

Submitted by Kollakit Thalerngnawachart, National Director, BNI Thailand


Canada
Canadian Communities Bring the Networking World Together

Saskatchewan BNI pulled out all the stops this year to help celebrate International Networking Week. Numerous official jurisdictional proclamations were made in recognition of this important week.

Click to view the proclamations of the following cities:
• Saskatoon
• Regina
• Swift Current

Saskatchewan may be located in the middle of vast Canada, but the BNI directors believe they are located in the middle of the world. Using the power of the Internet and instant communication technology, Steve and Gina Bell sponsored the Second Annual International Networking Week TeleSummit, a two-day world wide conference. With speakers from Australia, North America, and England, Steve and Gina brought together networking experts to share how networking is transforming the way we live and do business through-out the world.

Not only were Steve and Gina Bell using networking experts to spread the message, they also uniquely employed the World Wide Web to share this message about networking.

For more information go to www.thenetworkingmasters.com.

Congratulations Steve and Gina, and we look forward to an improved and more dramatic Third Annual International Networking Week program in 2009!

Submitted by Don Morgan, National Director - BNI Canada


Canada
Two Countries Network at the Falls

BNI Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York (WNY Region) and BNI Hamilton/Burlington, Ontario (Golden Horseshoe Region), were truly "international" in celebrating International Networking Week by participating in a cross-border luncheon on February 5, 2008, hosted in Niagara Falls, NY.

Over 100 participants attended from the communities, including BNI members from 14 chapters, representatives from area chambers of commerce, and even participants representing the "Hard Rock Cafe".

The attendees enjoyed lunch with Dr. Ivan Misner through his International Networking Week Video. Presentations were also given by Executive Directors Jerry Graczyk (Coach G) - USA and Christel Wintels - Canada.

The "fun" was kept in the fundamentals with BNI-GO, a humorous take-off on a BINGO game. Attendees accumulated signatures in squares where an appropriate attendee could sign. For example, "Speaks a Foreign Language" was easy for a savvy attendee. All either spoke American English or Canadian English! A little more challenging example: "Knows what QEW stands for." Answer: Queen Elizabeth Way.

The traditional rules for BINGO applied with the squares being drawn from collected business cards. Winners received a copy of Masters of Sales, the latest in the BNI Masters series of books by Dr. Don Morgan and Dr. Ivan Misner.

Of course the attendees networking efforts resulted in many new contacts. The event was so well received by its participants that the regions have agreed to make the international luncheon an annual event.

Submitted by Jerry Graczyk, Executive Director - BNI Western New York


Barbados
Barbados Recognizes Young Entrepreneur

Fashion Designer - Shanika Burnett. Member of the BNI Flying Fish Chapter.

International Networking Week created many opportunities for BNI members in Barbados to do better business. Events included two workshop presentations by BNI members on the topics of Investing & Financial Planning and Health & Wellness. There was also a Members' Showcase Day in the city of Bridgetown where members showcased their products and services to the general public.

On February 5 we held a Big Breakfast meeting with over 125 members and visitors in the room. One highlight of this event was the BNI Young Entrepreneur Award. For the second consecutive year, BNI Barbados has recognized and awarded one young entrepreneur with prizes for their initiative, drive, ambition and determination to succeed in their business.

Shanika Burnett, a member of Barbados Youth Business Trust (BYBT), was the winner of this award. BYBT is a founding and accredited member of Youth Business International whose mission is to help young people turn good ideas into good business.

BYBT Executive Director Marcia Brandon was present at the breakfast meeting to witness the presentation of prizes to Shanika from BNI and BNI members, which included:
• One year free BNI membership
• An award donated by M Pact Incorporated
• $1,000 in accounting services from Dowell's Advisory Services Inc.
• $1,000 in legal services from Beverley Nicholls, Attorney-at-Law
• $1,300 in leadership coaching from BJT Communications
• $500 in printing services from Premium Designs

Shanika is excited about the prizes she received, which will enable her to develop better management skills that are necessary for her company to reach its short-, medium-, and long-term goals. No doubt her BNI membership will help position her to penetrate the global market with her unique product.

Submitted by Marva Belgrave, National Director - BNI Barbados


United States
Recognized by the US House of Representatives
In the public sector and in the political realm, the power of networking is recognized as an integral component in the way business is conducted today. Or so thought Alana McKinney, BNI Executive Director - Northern Illinois Region, when she contacted her Congressman, Mark S. Kirk (Rep - IL) to request February 6th be proclaimed as International Networking Day.

On Wednesday, February 6, 2008. The Honorable Mark Steven Kirk recognized International Networking Week on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Significantly, the announcement was made on International Networking Day, an initiative of BNI.

Click here to read a transcript of Representative Kirk's speck in the House of Representatives.

We are appreciative of this act Representative Kirk made for one of his constituents and for BNI, particularly in light of his father's passing on February 4, 2008.

Submitted by Peggy Nuelle, Executive Director - BNI Northern Illinois


United States
Texas Joins In on the Fun

Susan DeLoren, Executive Director of San Antonio and South Texas, has worked with her Texas State Representative to obtain a Resolution from the Texas State Legislature proclaiming February 4-8, 2008 as International Networking Week in The State of Texas. Specifically commending all those affiliated with the San Antonio and South Texas chapters of BNI, this proclamation is inclusive of the entire state.

Click to view declaration.

Submitted by Susan DeLoren, BNI Executive Director - San Antonio and South Texas


United States
Dr. Ivan Misner Speaks at Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island BNI Breakfast

The Southeastern Mass and Rhode Island BNI Region hosted a special Big Breakfast with BNI Founder and Chairman Dr. Ivan Misner, in recognition of International Networking Week on Tuesday, February 5th at the Cape Codder Resort and Spa in Hyannis. The event ran from 7 to 9:30 a.m. We had over 150 regional chapter members in attendance. Highlights of the event included the following:

• Members participated in a scavenger hunt, with the five winners rewarded with the "prize" of delivering their Sales Manager Minute to members present.
• Erin Madden, our region's Member Extravaganza winner for 2007 spoke about her Member Extravaganza experience and then proudly introduced Dr. Misner.
• Our keynote speaker, Dr. Ivan Misner, presented live via video feed, answering questions from chapter members in attendance. Dr. Misner presented a Founders Award to two chapters, Best Won (Harwich, MA) and Village Business Partners (Osterville, MA), and recognized Village Business Partners as a Hall of Fame chapter (currently 57 members).
• Warren Rutherford, assistant director, presented "The Head, the Hand, and the Heart: How Your Thinking Style Impacts Referral Marketing."
• BNI Executive Director Linda Macedonio provided each participant with a copy of the New York Times bestseller Masters of Sales and signed copies for members present.

Submitted by Warren Rutherford, Assistant Director


United States
Skills Brought to the Table in Minnesota

Core Connections Chapter

BNI Minnesota held an entrepreneurial education event in celebration of International Networking Week. We provided three hours of skills-based training in a trade show environment. Each attendee received a copy of the BNI Networking Secrets three CD Set. Despite blizzard conditions, attendance was high.

Nancy Giacomuzzi, BNI Minnesota's Executive Director, was the keynote speaker, talking about how success is a choice. Sara Minnis and Flynn Nogueira of del Fuego Companies then shared two hands-on workshops, teaching us how to close a deal and how to make sure we have the life we want while being successful entrepreneurs. Dr. Misner capped off the day with a Q&A session via webcam.

Some comments from attendees: "One of the best BNI big events I've been to!" … "Nancy and the del Fuego (not really) sisters were fantastic!" … "When can they come back and show us more?"

One of the highlights was the presentation of "The Smartest BNI Chapter" award, given to Core Connections, the chapter with the most visitors and members in attendance.

Submitted by Beth Anderson, Assistant Director - BNI Minnesota


United States
Eastern North Carolina Celebrates Success

The International Networking Week event held in Eastern North Carolina was a huge success. We had 40 people in attendance and we did mini 60-second presentations, and mini one-to-one's as our networking activities. Our speaker was Rob Kaiser from our local business journal.

Many of the guests have encouraged us to do the event on a quarterly basis, because they do not want to wait until next year to do it again!

Submitted by Toby Baccante, Area Director - BNI Coastal North Carolina


United States
Magic Happens in Southeastern Virginia

We held two identical events and had 375 people attend. Our theme was "Magic of Referrals." Our presentation started off with a man on the street asking people, "What is BNI?" At our event he announced that the was disappointed to find out the "Magic of Referrals" was only a metaphor so he asked his friend, a magician, to demonstrate what he discovered about BNI through magic.

Our region has an international award-winning magician, Paul Krendl, in a chapter. He demonstrated:

1. Interdependence - Elevating each other up through our strengths and understanding our weaknesses. The picture attached has District Director Mark Carmody in the front. In the end all four people held each other up without the chairs.
2. Understanding the Value of your chapter - This complicated trick ended with him knowing the value of coins and bills in 7 people's pockets.
3. The lemon trick demonstrated how you should never judge a book by its cover - you never know how someone can help you. Inside the lemon was a $100 bill that the man signed with his name.

Submitted by Lisa Renz, Executive Director - BNI Southeastern Virginia