November 2007
Art of Networking
SwedenA Visit to BNI Manhattan 34
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I recently spent some time with BNI Chapter 34 in Manhattan. (There are more than 35 chapters in the area—I only had to click on http://www.manhattanbni.com to find them.) I arrived at Jack's Bistro, the Chapter 34 meeting place. When I first entered, I received the member information form that contains everybody's Memory Hooks. This was used later when the whole team performed her/his memory hook. New members were introduced. During the introduction process, Lisa announced BNI's "Code of Ethics," and the new members repeated each line. This made a deep impression on me.
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| Chapter President Lisa Skye greets Lars Berglöf |
Later, member Joshua Barbieri, hairdresser and groomer, told us that he is traveling to Stockholm in two weeks! Peter, a hairdresser on my BNI team, will of course meet Josh at BNI Diplomat Stockholm. There's always great networking through BNI!
It was thrilling to be introduced to so many positive and helpful people focused on business. Don't miss visiting another BNI chapter when you are abroad. Many thanks to Lisa and her inspiring team!
Submitted by Lars Berglöf, eReport Sweden, BNI Diplomat Chapter, Stockholm, Sweden
United KingdomA New Business Success
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| Ruth Moody and Helen Virgin with Ken Hames. Hames is one of Farscape's lead trainers as well as a well known TV presenter of documentaries such as "Beyond Boundaries," BBC2 |
In 2006, Ruth Moody (Hadlee Chapter) and Helen Virgin (St. Swithins Chapter) started Farscape Development Limited, a company that develops employee and business performance. Farscape has developed what clients call "the ultimate learning experience." They understand that people need to be inspired to learn, and believe that any environment can be a classroom. Farscape delivers their programs indoors or out—or even overseas. They see dramatic results because they banish boredom, lift morale, and change attitudes.
BNI has clearly worked in their favor: Farscape is growing and doing well with both national and local clients. It's also offering training events for BNI chapters. Helen has even been asked to become a chapter director.
According to Helen and Ruth, "We weren't sure exactly how BNI would help us. But it's grown our business and helped us develop our strategy. BNI also gives us support, access to top-class suppliers, business advice, and lots of fun—which is definitely needed when you are starting out in business."
Submitted by Andy Burkitt, Regional Director for St Swithins Chapter, Bristol, UK
KoreaBNI Korea Prepares to Launch
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| HW Choi, Robert French and YP Lai with Korean businessmen |
The presentation, held at Peoplecare International, was received with energy. A lively discussion ensued as various members of the group began to consider who would be needed to fill the chapter.
Mr. Choi kindly hosted an excellent dinner afterward at a local restaurant. Training in Kuala Lumpur will follow for those who expressed an interest in becoming directors for BNI in Seoul.
Submitted by Robert French, National Director, BNI Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Spain
MalaysiaRegional Directors Training in Asia
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It was an extremely successful 2-day event with 14 participants from Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. National Directors Avryl Au, Robert French, and YP Lai conducted the training. Participants were taught how to effectively start new chapters, manage and grow the chapters, select and train leadership teams, conduct the Member Success Program, and run effective and energetic BNI meetings.
"The energy level was simply amazing because of the passion of participants from each country," said Kollakit from Thailand. "Everyone wanted to share their country's best practices and learn as much as possible to take their BNI chapter to higher levels."
Chien from Vietnam shared, "It was inspiring to learn how other countries started BNI. It gives my team confidence that we can successfully duplicate the system in Vietnam."
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the training, and national rivalries resulted in the setting of some ambitious goals for BNI development. The sumptuous meals following the training helped build camaraderie. The training also included a visit for the new directors to the 30-member showcase Achievers Chapter.
Submitted by YP Lai, Regional Director, BNI Malaysia; National Director, BNI Thailand, Vietnam, & Korea
MalaysiaInternational MSP
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This was one of the most exciting BNI MSPs ever held. The wealth of experience and the diversity of backgrounds of the trainers and participants led to useful sharing and a robust exchange of ideas.
All participants were happy with the new international contacts they made, and many expressed that this was the best MSP they ever attended.
Submitted by YP Lai, Regional Director, BNI Malaysia; National Director, BNI Thailand, Vietnam, & Korea
MexicoChapter Union Launch in Mexico
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People all over Mexico are interested in BNI, so it should continue growing.
Submitted by Karin Beltran, National Director, BNI Mexico
United StatesLeadership Training Kickoff in California Central Valley
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Our members went wild from the first event, the scavenger hunt Dawn organized, to the last words Mike shared regarding the size of a chapter: "Even a blind squirrel can find a nut … in a room full of nuts." Word about the presentations quickly spread, and members and directors attended two, three, and four meetings just to get more. Mike and Dawn pointed out that millions of dollars of referrals in our region are waiting to be claimed by the savvy BNI member.
The benefits of hosting powerful speakers for regional events are incalculable. We were reminded that power resides within each of us—members, area director, and executive director alike—to bring prosperity to our region. More than 300 members of BNI Central Valley, 50 visitors, all area directors, and Central Valley staff attended the events. This sparked huge attendance at our Leadership Training events in September.
I would recommend all members and directors support the events organized by your leadership. It is the easiest way to do business and energize your chapter, your region, and yourself. Just imagine what attending the International Conference will be like!
Submitted by Eva Lisle, Co-Director, BNI Central Valley
United StatesMasters of Sales Comes to the New York City Outer Boroughs
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| Dr. Misner (center) & Tim Houston (top row, far left) with the members of the BNI Advantages Chapter in a special, by-invitation-only Ask the Founder session |
The sponsors of the event were the BNI Advantages Chapter from Rego Park, New York, and long-time BNI member, Trademark Graphics, Inc. of Brooklyn, New York. The members of BNI Advantages and Avery Marder, the principal of Trademark Graphics and member of the Brownstone Business Connections chapter in Brooklyn, were invited to a special, one-hour "Ask the Founder" reception with Dr. Misner. Dr. Misner answered questions and offered advice. He spoke about the beginnings of BNI and how networking allowed him to spend a week with Sir Richard Branson and several other prominent business leaders on Necker Island in the Caribbean.
Before Dr. Misner's keynote presentation, a networking cocktail hour and sponsor exhibitor show was held. Dr. Misner talked to almost everyone in attendance.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Area Director and Masters of Sales contributing author Tim Houston. Tim introduced Dr. Misner to the crowd of over 150+ attendees and was greeted by a standing ovation as he took the stage. His Masters of Sales keynote presentation was energetic, entertaining, and educational—especially the "jellyfish story" he recounted from Masters of Sales called, "Why Make Mistakes When We Can Learn from Others?" Dr. Misner left the stage to another rousing, standing ovation.
The event concluded with a book signing reception; Dr. Misner personally autographed each and every copy. After the event, many members emailed with positive comments:
"Dr. Misner is full of enthusiasm and fun, but very serious about education and hard work. Putting Tim Houston and Dr. Misner in the same room was electrifying and important for future BNI success."
— George Natali, BNI Advantages, Rego Park, Queens
"Thank you for the great event. It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Misner and hear him speak. The opportunity to meet and network with so many business people was priceless!"
— Lori Pedone, BNI Morning Money Makers, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
"Dr. Misner is a fountain of knowledge. Each time I hear him, I learn something new to take to the battlefield of relationships and sales."
— Randy Brickman, BNI Advantages, Rego Park, Queens
"Dr. Misner gave a great presentation. The next time he's around, all should try to attend!"
— Dan Lombardozzi, BNI Richmond Network Alliance, Staten Island, New York
"Dr. Misner consistently reinforces something that I was never taught in my various courses on selling: it's all about RELATIONSHIPS."
— Mickey Green, BNI Prosperity, Brooklyn
Submitted by Tim Houston, Area Director, BNI, NYC Outer Boroughs Region
United States |
On September 14, BNI Team Western New York held its first Networking for Success Regional Conference at the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo, New York. Nearly 160 members and guests participated in the half-day conference, which featured networking, resource-sharing, workshops, and presentations. Presenters included Dr. Ivan Misner, BNI founder and chairman; Patti Salvucci, district director, BNI Northeast Region; David Zemer, executive director, BNI Wisconsin; and Bob Moses, managing director Dallas-Ft. Worth-Austin, Texas.
The highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Dr. Ivan Misner, BNI founder and chairman, live via webcam. Following the keynote address, the audience was treated to an open-microphone Q&A forum with Dr. Misner.
Some comments from members who attended the conference:
"It was a pleasure to hear from Dr. Misner personally and have our questions answered. His friendly, approachable style of communicating makes everyone feel that he truly cares about the BNI members and their individual success. I believe that he sees the potential in all of his members and works to help us move toward our goals."
— Christine Bailor, The Body Essential, BNI Executive Marketing Team
"Very inspirational! People have passion and are very competitive in WNY. I have a sense Dr. Misner is the same. I loved his secrets to success."
— Doug Sefried, Niagara Awards, BNI Buffalo's First
"Loved getting perspective from the expert, Dr. Misner."
— Mike Webster, Vacuum Cleaner Center, BNI Business Networkers
"Great subject matter, Master of Sales."
— Michele Morabito, Key Bank, BNI Business Link
We plan to make the regional conference an annual event, as more than half the members in our region participated. We thank the presenters who took time out of their busy schedules to make the conference an overwhelming success. It's a privilege to be part of an organization where Givers Gain is practiced by everyone, from the founder to directors to our most important resource— our members!
Submitted by Jerry Graczyk, BNI Western New York
United StatesSuper Bowl Champion Chapters
Two Indianapolis-area chapters are using the allure of a football game—featuring the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts—to drive their membership recruitment.The Tuesday morning Southside Business Connection chapter in Indianapolis and the Greenwood Thursday lunch chapter, Networking Unlimited, have implemented visitor contests that encourage chapter members to invite and bring more visitors to meetings. The prize for those who participate is a chance to win a pair of coveted tickets to see the Indianapolis Colts play in their home stadium.
Early reports from the chapters confirm a competitive response from members and increased visitors. Both contests are slated to end by December 1.
Submitted by Jill M. Bode, "BNI Central Indiana PR Chick"
United States |
I never thought I'd be proud of the fact that I drank champagne in public at 6:45 am. Why toast at this obscene hour? On the morning of September 25, 2007, more than 40 of my esteemed colleagues, friends, and fellow BNI members raised their glasses to commemorate the finale of a fantastic first term and to celebrate a new leadership team.
The BNI Accelerators Chapter out of Waltham, MA, has been in existence for less than a year, yet the ceremony was fitting considering our accomplishments. Tuesday morning's toasts painted a clear picture of how hard everyone worked and our determination to forge a memorable path.
Due in part to our first leadership squad, the Accelerators have maintained a phenomenal history of service events. We hosted the first annual "Bring a Young Person to Networking" event, in which we assembled a group of powerful guest speakers including mayors, a previous New England Patriot, and a distinguished graduate of the Ron Burton Training Village (an organization that provides support and direction to young men in the Boston area). The Accelerators also hosted a charity softball tournament to raise money for the Ron Burton Training Village.
We are extremely proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization. Although "Givers Gain" captures the essential concept of BNI, it only scrapes the surface of what BNI can do. It expands your sales force, provides long-lasting friendships, develops key business relationships, gives back to the community, and gives access to a powerful tree of knowledge. By joining BNI, you are immediately giving yourself access to a wealth of knowledge that would otherwise be unattainable.
Submitted by Matt Niamoli, Accelerators Chapter, Waltham, MA
United StatesThe Powerful Difference Between "Yes" and "No"
The following is based on a presentation given at the Fall Leadership Conferences in St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri.
According to outgoing VP Rick Sharrard, one of the key factors surrounding the successful turnaround of the Edwardsville Chapter was the membership committee's decision to:
1) Define the kind of members they were looking for, and2) Say "no" to applicants who didn't fit that description.
They use this formula to define the ideal member:
H ungry for business
A ttitude is everything
S ingle membership
P ersonality fits group
O ne business interest
W ants to give referrals freely
E xpectations are realistic
R eady to make commitment
The ideal member has the power to contribute to the growth and development of the chapter insofar as he or she meets those eight criteria. Your chapter might have different criteria, but attracting the right members begins with defining the qualities you're looking for.
How do you define your next member?
Submitted by Mike Tobin, BNI Director, Central and Southern Missouri, and John Suarez, BNI Director, South St. Louis County/Southern Illinois
United States |
| Executive Director Jerry Schwartz cuts the ribbon along with Director Deborah Frantz and Ambassador Tom Balsamo. |
The BNI Bowie Crofton Wednesday Breakfast Chapter is the 100th chapter for BNI Maryland!
BNI is in 33 countries and only four countries have more chapters than BNI Maryland. Maryland is ranked 19th in the USA population census—but 9th in BNI chapters!
Submitted by Jerry Schwartz, Executive Director, BNI Maryland