May 2008
Art of NetworkingTestimonials to Givers Gain
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In March 1993, I was invited to Laguna Hills BNI, and 15 years later, I'm still a member. In fact, this year I've been honored to serve as president of the chapter.
Over the years networking continues to be about giving referrals and building relationships. The BNI system encourages people to thrive … the system worked 15 years ago and it works now.
Many things have improved with age. The biggest difference is that BNI training has evolved to make members more successful. Also, because of the Internet, members are connecting with each other and expanding their referral patterns.
The foundation and essence of what BNI is and how it works, remains the same—Givers Gain.
Brigitte Archer, Laguna Hills BNI, CA
Submitted by Sue Mills, Executive Director - BNI Southern California
Click here to read about Laguna Hills' 15th Anniversary.
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I became a member of BNI in mid-2003 and never had to make a single cold-call as I grew my copywriting business in Miami and Miami Beach. In less than two years, I had a firmly established firm, and was a true believer in the Givers Gain concept of BNI. In the middle of 2006, a long-held dream came true: I moved to Manhattan!
It was a bit nerve-wracking, leaving what I had built in Miami. But because of the relationships I developed through BNI, I was able to keep most of my clients I had in Miami and get enough immediate business in New York to completely maintain my income.
I waited a little over a year before joining BNI in New York. During my hiatus, however, I remained involved with BNI. I contributed a piece to Master of Sales, by Dr. Ivan Misner and Don Morgan, and helped them edit the book, among other projects. However, the minute it became time to start "filling the pipeline" again, I went to the Manhattan BNI web site to find a chapter.
When I visited Chapter 37 the first time, I was hooked. The president, Sonny Thadani, was a dynamic meeting leader, and I could tell right away that his energy—and that of the entire group—matched mine. It was easy to see why Chapter 37 had shared an award as "Rookie Chapter of the Year" just this past year. I joined right away, and enjoyed having weeks full of "Dance Cards" and meetings, as well as giving and getting some great referrals.
A mere six weeks after joining BNI again, I was introduced to the president of a boutique design firm. We had a great meeting, and four days later, I was asked to join them for a great three-week gig as an editor/project manager, to finalize their biggest project of the year.
This incredible referral, which has since led to several "spin-off" referrals for different clients of this design firm, developed from a most fortuitous meeting at BNI.
Julien A. Sharp, Manhattan BNI - Chapter 37, www.jaswritingservices.com
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I had my picture taken with Dr. Misner and a BNI member whom I did not know. Little could I guess that she and I would do business together and that it would be a success. She wasn't even in Tritons Chapter with me, and yet, the connection was made.
Both Dr. Arti Chopra Amin and I were attending Dr. Misner's presentation How to Increase Your Income through Networking. After the photo, Dr. Misner asked me about what I do. As I explained that I train business owners on process improvement and systems to accomplish goals, Dr. Amin said, "We need to talk."
Dr. Amin, a member of Velocity Chapter, was successful in her NuSkin business, but lacked a business structure and system to take her to her goals. I was just what she needed!
The very next day, Dr. Amin and I met to get processes in place for her team of 20 people. Since that time, Dr. Amin's team has tripled in a few short weeks.
Dr. Amin says, "I had my entire team of reps on a teleconference and shared with them our system and vision. Now everyone knows where they are going and how to get there."
Giselle Chapman, Chapman Business Solutions, BNI Tritons Chapter
Submitted by Sue Mills, Executive Director - BNI Southern California
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Nearly six years ago, I met a BNI member who changed my life forever.
I had just joined in Southern New Hampshire. Dan Wilson (Wings of Awareness) became my Life Coach in the Fall of 2002. He educated me on the Law of Attraction and encouraged me to pursue my passion for speaking and motivation. I have since established my company, Inspired By Steve, and now work as a professional speaker (motivation/humor). One book has already been published and two more are nearing completion.
Over the years I have enjoyed numerous leadership positions, been part of 31 Member Success Programs, served as an ambassador, and, for the past year, been an assistant director in New Hampshire.
BNI connections plus the Law of Attraction equals success. The latest: I've had two recent appearances on Oprah & Friends XM Satellite Radio at the request of Law of Attraction author Michael Losier.
A huge thank-you goes out to Mike and Debbie Roberts of BNI-NH and Coach Dan (still my coach) for the many rewards the last six years brought my way.
Steve Gamlin, InspiredBySteve.com
BNI Helps Launch a Successful Tech Career
In a previous career, I was a police officer for 13 years. No longer in love with the job, I began my own business.
As a computer hobbyist, I loved the challenge that came with it. From that passion, I started ITEK Solutions.
ITEK Solutions didn't have an advertising budget, so we aggressively sought to develop the business through word of mouth. I joined the local chamber of commerce, and did everything I could to get ITEK Solutions in everyone's mind.
Unfortunately, Irvine is a very "tech" oriented area, and I found myself in competition with at least 20 other IT companies. I was disheartened, but I pushed on for the next three years.
In January of 2007, I was referred to the BNI Ontario chapter, which had an opening for an IT person. I showed up at the meeting and everyone was unbelievably friendly. I knew by the end of the meeting that BNI was for me. I signed up, paid my dues, got accepted, and immediately began doing 1-to-1's with the members. Within three weeks of joining the group I had a referral that led to a $10,000 contract.
By the end of 2007, BNI referrals had accounted for $80,000 worth of business. I'm working harder than ever just to keep up with the referral business. Thanks to Dr. Ivan Misner for developing the mechanism that changed my business and my life, and for allowing me the opportunity to work with such incredible people.
Phil Blende, ITEK Solutions Inc., www.iteksolutionsinc.com
Savoring the BNI Library
I am the owner of North Sounds Professional Research in Everett, Washington, and a licensed private investigator specializing in background investigations.
I recently joined a BNI chapter—the Northend Networkers. One of my goals related to BNI for 2008 is to read all of Dr. Ivan Misner's books. At our last meeting, I checked out It's in the Cards. I finished this amazing book in one sitting. I was impressed with the number of different card styles. However, I found the chapter on etiquette to be the most beneficial.
I look forward to reading all the other books with as much enthusiasm.
Matthew Combs, BNI Northend Networkers
An 80% Increase
I have been been a member of the financial district of BNI for over eight years. My business has increased 80 percent since I joined BNI. In the last three years I have received over $100,000 per year in business as a result of BNI referrals.
Ronald Rice CPA MST MBA, President of Weiner and Rice PC
Big Gains the First Year
I joined BNI just before I opened my FASTSIGNS franchise, and in our first year, over 30 percent of our business originated from BNI. Since then we've averaged over 15 percent and this year I am projecting that we will secure over $60,000 in business from BNI referrals. Thank you to Dr. Misner for creating BNI.
Tristan Welling, Poughkeepsie 3000, Hudson Valley, NY
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I enjoyed the BNI Big Breakfast held in Chelmsford, Essex, UK. It was a valuable morning of networking—which was well-intended.
Having been a BNI member for four years, I've enjoyed my membership and learned a great deal about building a business through networking and relationship building. I'm sure it will continue to play a major role for me in years to come. I'm also learning a great deal since joining Ecademy. Both organisations work very well for me, and more importantly give me an opportunity to contribute.
Andrew Morgan
Networking Wide and Deep
I am a member of BNI Putney in London and met Ivan Misner a couple of years ago when he came to speak at BNI Victoria before a conference at Parliament Square.
I also heard him at the Big Breakfast at Lords. I really appreciated his advice on networking both wide and deep. I have tried to do that by diversifying my network through BNI.
I have been a member for three years and wouldn't have a business without it. I've gained trusted suppliers and great clients.
The 1-to-1's make such a difference for "going deep," and you can really spot the difference between the 90-minute members and the ones who put more in.
Enasha de Zoysa
Have you listened to BNI's weekly internet recording, also known as the BNI Podcast?