May/June 2006
Art of Networking
Barbados4th Chapter Launched in Barbados
On April 13th we launched the fourth chapter in Barbados, "BNI Hibiscus Chapter," with over 35 people in attendance.The enthusiasm of the Hibiscus Chapter members was very high during our Core Group Meetings. Members were excited about the BNI General and Administrative Policies as they recognized how these policies can help them in their everyday tasks as entrepreneurs. The networking spirit was evident as members were already doing business with each other during the Core Group stage. This resulted in 21 referrals being passed on Launch Day.
This surely bodes well for Hibiscus' future success!
Submitted by Marva Belgrave, Co-National Director, BNI - Barbados
MexicoUpdate from Mexico
BNI has taken its first steps in Mexico. The Pre-Core group meetings have been a success. We have realized we all speak the language of referrals. The group, which meets every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:00, started with nine members and is comprised of business professionals including a travel agent, lawyer, graphic designer, insurance agent, veterinarian, and an architect.The group dynamic appeals to visitors, and the system sells itself. All members are enthusiastic and can't wait to see BNI Mexico grow--and for its members to give lots of referrals!
Submitted by Karin Beltrán, Executive Director - BNI Mexico
Canada"Coach" Ivan
Dr. Ivan Misner was made honorary Canadian hockey coach on his visit to eastern Canada. "Captain Misner" was presented with the Canadian Expos hockey jersey #85 (for the founding year of BNI - 1985) by Derek Podorieszach.Ivan spoke to more than 600 BNI members, guests, and media representatives in both Ottawa and Montreal during February. Both events were videotaped, and the Montreal event featured simultaneous translation for our French-speaking members.
For much more on Ivan's visit to Canada, go to http://www.bni.com/Default.aspx?DN=1073,661,1,Documents
Submitted by Don Morgan, National Director, BNI Canada
CanadaIvan Misner Electrifies the Eastern Ontario and Outaouais Region
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| Ivan Misner with the West Island Team Chapter |
Nearly 300 members and guests who filled the Centennial Ballroom were mesmerized by the founder's dynamic presence. His presentation, "Networking for Cave Dwellers," motivated and convinced members that today's way to do business is by word-of-mouth referrals and that BNI needs to be part of their marketing strategy.
The next morning, Ivan was whisked to "The A Channel" and the "Ottawa Citizen Business TV" studios where he wowed yet another audience. The next meeting was set for the Courtyard Restaurant in downtown Byward Market, where Ivan talked to members and guests at an informal question and answer session.
Imagine the excitement and surprise of the BNI 212° Chapter members when the directors strolled in with Ivan at their regular Friday morning meeting where he was asked to do the 10-minute presentation! Denis Brisson and Jocelyne D'Aoust who are celebrating their sixth anniversary as directors for Eastern Ontario and Western Québec stated that they and the members of the region will have long-lasting and fond memories of Ivan Misner's visit to their region.
Submitted by Denis Brisson & Jocelyne D'Aous, Executive Directors/directeurs exécutifs
Canada212° Chapter Get a Surprise Visitor
When the 19 members of BNI's 212° chapter walked into Wally's Restaurant for their regular Friday meeting, they had no idea who would walk through the door: Dr. Ivan Misner.No sooner had Chapter President Shane Silva called the meeting to order than in walked Dr. Misner himself, accompanied by the BNI Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec Executive Directors Jocelyne D'Aoust and Denis Brisson. Misner had just completed a TV interview and expressed a desire to attend a BNI chapter meeting. There are four chapters in the Ottawa area that meet on Fridays, but it was obvious to the Directors which one they should visit, based on the spirit and success of the 212º Chapter.
Chapter members were delighted to hear Dr. Misner again during the speaker portion of the meeting, as the scheduled speaker, Caroline Midgley, a Nikken Wellness Consultant, graciously gave up her allocated time. It was a meeting to remember for a long time.
For more information about BNI and the 212º Chapter, visit www.bnieast.com, or call Shane Silva at 837-0011.
Submitted by Bill Horne, Member - BNI 212º Chapter
CanadaGearing Up for Referral Generation
Across Canada, BNI Directors gathered in four regional locations for a day of sharing strategies and techniques to help BNI members optimize referral generation. Staff set goals and prepared to implement new programs (Chapter Health Status) or to tweak existing ones (Chapter Mentors and Power Teams).Submitted by Don Morgan, National Director, BNI - Canada
United StatesDollars and Sense
April Thomason, US Bank branch manager of the Scottsville Road branch in Bowling Green, KY, was recently recognized at the Business Network International (BNI) Annual Awards Banquet for the Western KY & Middle TN region. April received an award for hosting the most visitors at the weekly BNI chapter meetings. April hosted 58 visitors throughout the course of 2005, nearly double the second best effort in the region.April is the current president of the Dollars & Sense Chapter in Bowling Green, KY. The Dollars & Sense Chapter also won several awards at the regional banquet, including "Silver Chapter of the Year." The chapter passed over 2200 referrals, which resulted in $816,372.77 of revenue for the 35 members in the chapter. BNI Kentucky, Southern IN, & Middle TN congratulate April on her recent honors and commend her for her outstanding leadership in the year 2005.
Submitted by Bart Giles, Assistant Director, BNI-KY/Southern IN & Middle TN
United StatesAn American in Singapore
While reading the BNIOfficialGroup e-mail correspondence, I noticed that the Vice President of the Singapore chapter, Edwin Raphael W., invited anyone visiting Singapore to contact him. My wife and I were planning on being in Singapore for vacation the following month, so I decided to contact him and ask if I could attend a meeting.
He not only agreed to allow me to visit, but Edwin graciously made the arrangements and picked me up at the hotel.
I found the mood of the chapter to be dynamic and enthusiastic. I was warmly welcomed by the whole group and also by each of the people I met during the pre-meeting networking. Every single member gave a highly professional 60-second commercial.
After the meeting, Edwin spent one-on-one time not only with me but two other visitors. The personal touch he offered was outstanding. Before Edwin dropped me off at my hotel he offered to help in any way during my stay.
My first trip to Singapore was greatly enhanced by being able to participate in a BNI meeting. I would like to encourage everyone to visit other BNI meetings while traveling for business or pleasure.
Submitted by Ira Bland, The Lunch Bunch Chapter, Burbank/Glendale, California
United States8th Annual Awards Breakfast
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| Tyson Hermes, Andy Furman, Chad Martin and Erik Hermes following the presentation of the "Referral of the Year" Award. |
Over 75 awards were passed recognizing members for outstanding attendance, referrals, and visitors. Dr. Ron Savignano, a Northern KY area Chiropractor, led the region in referrals with 149 given in 2005. The "Most Referring Chapter Award" went to the 5 year old Commonwealth Chapter for passing 1700 referrals in 2005. Finally, the "Referral of the Year Award" went to Chad Martin, member of the Kenton-Boone Chapter, for passing a $1,400,000 referral to fellow members Tyson & Erik Hermes of Hermes Construction. Photo credit and a big thank you goes to BNI member Dave Capano of Capano Photography for capturing the event on film.
Submitted by Brennan Scanlon, BNI Area Director
