Simon Foxwell (forefront) with Peterborough City Council's Chief Executive at the opening of Welltech's new business headquarters.

My BNI Story
"99% of My New Business Comes Through BNI"

Not even two years ago, Peterborough technology specialist Simon Foxwell launched a one-man business from his home, offering IT support to small businesses and home users.

Simon had realized most IT support companies were only interested in chasing big contracts with major firms—ignoring the needs of smaller firms and home-workers. He created Welltech IT Limited to fill this void. He promptly joined BNI's Thorpe Wood Chapter.

"I know many BNI members attract a lot of new business through chapter colleagues, but in my case 99% of all our current contracts have come directly or indirectly from BNI sources," said Simon. "I am so pleased that I made the decision to join when I branched out on my own. It has been the making of Welltech, and enabled us to grow quickly."

Welltech recently moved into their new business headquarters, an event he says would not have been possible without his Thorpe Wood Chapter colleagues.


Not Just Another Referral

Maria Babb, with Middlesex Savings Bank, brought a visitor to our Wednesday morning meeting. After hearing my 60 second presentation, the gentleman approached me and handed me a referral slip. His church in South Attleboro was looking for a new sign. After several months of competition, I won the bid and we designed and installed a 14'x10' custom sign that included a large digital Electronic Message Center (EMC).

The EMC allowed the church to program messages and images from their office computer onto the sign for the congregation and the world to see on a daily basis. The following is from a letter I received from the South Attleboro Assembly of God this past February:

"…This week a young gentleman who was suicidal came in to speak with our pastor. He drives by the sign everyday and sees the messages that are posted. On Wednesday, he turned into our parking lot and came into our office. Our pastor talked him out of committing suicide, prayed with him, and showed him the way to faith in Jesus Christ. This sign is doing more than advertising a church location …"

One never knows where their business will come from or what ripple effects a small gesture, such as a referral, may have on someone's life. The referral was worth $40,000 in business for me, but priceless for the young man given new hope for his life!

Jeff Newman, President, SIGN*A*RAMA, (508) 875-7446
MetroWest Networkers Chapter, Middlesex, MA


On the Move with BNI

Recently, three colleagues and I relocated our office. In the process, two additional colleagues joined us. We moved into a previously unoccupied space, installing all new office equipment and lots of new furniture. As we were getting settled in our new office and I looked back over the entire experience, I realized how much my BNI contacts had impacted the entire process. All of the following were accomplished through one of our two BNI chapters:

• Located and leased office space
• Office design and layout
• Property and casualty insurance
• Mass mailing to clients and contacts with new contact information
• State of the art copier/fax/scanner/printer
• Conference room, reception and individual office furniture
• Phone system
• Welcome flowers from several colleagues who had been previously introduced to BNI florist
• Glass protection for desks

BNI was the first place we looked for each decision we made. I often think of BNI in terms of the dollars in my pocket. This experience has reminded me of the value in terms of the services I can receive and creating a win-win situation. Thank you, BNI!

Rebecca Hooman, American Express Financial Advisors
Circle of Excellence Chapter, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania


The Value of a Visitor

I conducted a Visitor's Day at the Lookout Chapter in Chattanooga over a year ago. The manager of a publication "American Classifieds" was in the audience. He didn't join, but he did take my card.

Eighteen months later, the phone rang. It was the same gentleman that had declined membership. He told me that the regional "American Classifieds" office had hit a rough spot. Turnover was at an all time high especially in the payroll department.

He needed help—now. I suggested we meet and talk more about the problem he was facing. I also asked permission to bring along an associate from BNI named Sean McDaniel, who happened to be a payroll expert. He agreed.

The three of us met and flushed out the primary issues that "American Classifieds" was facing. Within the week a one-year contract was signed and the payroll issues were solved.

The value from the visitor who did not join? $25,000 and the beginning of a long-term client relationship that can lead to more new business through word of mouth from a satisfied client!

Does BNI work? Depends on you and how you work it!

Edward L. Adams, SPHR, Executive Consultant
BNI Assistant Regional Director, East Tennessee Region


When a Coach Learns from a Student

I have been a chess professional for 25+ years. Throughout the years I have enjoyed playing chess on the highest level, coaching players and writing. Over the last 10 years, I have been doing all these things part-time while also juggling family and a full-time job.

In 2003, I met Dr. Ivan Misner and began coaching him in the game of chess. As it turned out Ivan in turn coached me in the games of networking and entrepreneurialship. During this time I was asked to be a contributor to Dr. Misner's bestseller "Master of Success." In the book, I shared the impact that chess had and continues to have on my life.

As a result of our discussions on entrepreneurial skills in the publishing world, I am now the published author of "Chess Exam and Training Guide: Rate yourself and learn how to improve." The book is for players at any level. The exam helps players identify their strengths and weaknesses, while the training guide outlines training strategies.

Today, five months after its release, I can say that the book is a success! The book has received worldwide coverage in prominent publications and is now carried in over 12 countries. You can find it on my website www.IamCoach.com, at www.Amazon.com or at a specialty store in your area.

Thank you Dr. Misner!

Igor Khmelnitsky



I joined the BNI Edmonton Chapter about a year ago not caring much about the referrals I might get from the group. My main intent in joining was to be a part of a group of experienced business people. Business people who could help me escape from a situation where I had not only stagnated in my business but was quickly free falling without a reserve.

I'm in the fraud investigations business and a year ago my main source of revenue was drying up. Insurance companies were cutting back and I knew that if I wanted to maintain a market share I would have to drop our fees, however, my costs were steadily increasing.

When I joined BNI it had been 4 to 5 years since I actively networked. BNI's Executive Director of Northern Alberta, Mr. David Donnelly took me under his wing and helped me re-learn the basics of communication, sales, marketing and presentations.

David has had a huge impact on the way I do business. Now I feel confident enough to talk to anyone about our products and services as well as identify and network new markets!

Martin Maylor, Marwen Consulting Group Inc., www.marwen.ca.



Bill Mills, BNI Executive Director for Orange County, California was asked to speak at a Financial Women International meeting this past February. He invited all the members of OC-BNI to the presentation. I decided to attend the meeting.

When I arrived I found myself seated next to Melissa Curzon from the San Clemente California Bank and Trust. We chatted for a little while and I told her that I was in the travel business. She immediately told me that the Financial Women International Association was in need of a travel agent for their upcoming international conference this September and then asked if I was interested.

I am now the contact person for any and all travel needs within the organization. I am delighted and so thankful that Bill invited me to attend that meeting! You just never know where that next lead is going to come from.

Teddi Boston, Gallery Travel, teddi@gallerytravel.com



I joined BNI last September with a fear of public speaking and entirely unsure I could explain homeopathic medicine effectively. Since then things have really changed. This April, I accepted the President's role in order to further challenge my leadership skills and my business has grown by 50%! BNI has helped me find a venue to facilitate my own personal growth in addition to moving my business forward.

Allyson McQuinn, Arcanum Wholistic Clinic, Doctor of Homeopathic Medicine
Power Lunch Chapter, Eastern Ontario, Canada



When I was first introduced to BNI, I viewed it as just another networking group looking for members that would not offer much in return. However, I decided to give BNI a try. I needed networking help because I was in the process of changing my business to web design and development. Within six months of joining I had a good core client base—all BNI referred. Two years later I have a thriving web design business—still all BNI referred.

Through BNI I am surrounded by a network of professionals that I trust enough to use and refer. I recently sold my house and purchased another. I had easy access to a real estate agent, a mortgage broker, a banker, a home inspector, a home appraiser and a lawyer. What other venue could help build or increase your business and simultaneously provide quality professionals to rely on?

Pat Gauthier, President, WebSupport 4 U
Ottawa South Chapter, Eastern Ontario, Canada

Submitted by Denis Brisson & Jocelyne D'Aoust, Executive Directors, BNI Ontario



I joined BNI in April of 2004. When I reviewed my business at the end of December, just eight months later, I realized that over 50% of my overall business came directly from BNI.

I project that my business will grow 80% in 2005—from BNI alone! I never thought that BNI would generate such a tremendous volume of business for me. What a superb network of people! I don't doubt that my business will continue to grow because of BNI. That's why I signed up early for my 2-year renewal.

I love BNI-ing!

Kenny Hoo, Geomantic Research, Uptown Chapter, Malaysia

Submitted by Avryl Au, National Director, BNI Malaysia