October 2008
Art of Networking
South AfricaAmbitious Director Resurrects Remote Chapter
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| Rowena and Sally (center), two of the three rebuilding members of Nelspruit Chapter. |
Being so far removed and not having a benchmark, he had no limiting beliefs about growing his chapter. Within eight months, he took those original three and turned them into 33 members.
Then he started another chapter, which also grew as large. Now another one is about to launch. Nay-sayers said there was not enough business activity to sustain a chapter, but clearly there is more than enough for Go Givers Chapter!
Submitted by Mike Levin, National Director – BNI South Africa
South AfricaBNI CEO Looks through God's Window
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| BNI CEO Norm Dominguez in God's Window |
Submitted by Mike Levin, National Director – BNI South Africa
United KingdomBNI Northumbria Gets Press
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To the right, Turner Chapter members are donned in pyjamas, ready to do business!
Click here to read one of the articles.
Submitted by Lynley Robb, Executive Director - BNI Northumbria, UK
ScotlandMember Pipes at Beijing Olympics
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Of the experience, Billy added, "We were in Beijing for almost two weeks and did three dress rehearsals to a full stadium (91,000 spectators) each time.
"We didn't venture out into the stadium until it was time for the athletes to make their entrance," he said. "So my main memories are of the many performers milling around backstage, then of the athletes running up to our stage later for a quick photo! Many of the Chinese performers had obviously never seen a Western face before, never mind ones with a 'skirt' and a 'furry hat'!"
The spin-off performances since the games have kept Billy busy. However, he wouldn't change it for the world.
"Since our return, we have played in front of Bush, Putin, and many other world leaders, as well as enjoyed a reception with Scotland's First Minster Alex Salmon," he said. "Our humble pipe band came from nowhere to the world stage, and we are enjoying every minute."
Submitted by Sid Grant, Area Director - BNI Scotland North
United StatesBNI International Conference - Members Invited!
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You don't want to miss this opportunity! In addition to hearing a keynote speech by Brian Tracy, the best-selling author and international speaker who has helped millions achieve success, you will have the chance to attend workshops with directors from all over the world and to network with other BNI members and directors alike—so bring plenty of business cards!
Included in the $40 registration fee are a continental breakfast, an event manual, BNI gifts and more! Reservations must be received by 10/31/08 and seating is limited, so REGISTER NOW!
*Tickets will NOT be sold at the door—you must pre-register.
TO REGISTER: Please print out the PDF document below, fill out the form, and submit the completed form to BNI Headquarters via fax (909) 608-7676.
Members Session Flyer
United StatesBrian Tracy Comes to Chicago!
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The seminar Maximum Achievement/Relationship Selling Strategies was presented to 700 attendees.
"I especially appreciated the segment on 'How to sell faster, and easier in a tough market,'" said Alana McKinney, Executive Director, BNIMarketing.
Each member that stopped by the BNI tables at the event received a "BNI- I Refuse to Participate in a Recession" button.
Click here to see a video clip of the day's events.
Submitted by Alana MeKinney, Executive Director, BNIMarketing
United States1st International Networking Conference: Get Connected 2009
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The goal of Get Connected 09 is to connect business professionals who believe in word-of-mouth marketing. This conference will feature world-renowned experts in networking and referral marketing. Additionally, it will highlight International Networking Week to the world, and promote the BNI philosophy around the globe.
Inspired by BNI Europe who hosted two member conferences in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, over the past three years, BNI Minnesota Directors LuAnn Buechler and Beth Anderson created Get Connected 09.
This conference is open to all networking professionals, as well as BNI members, so everyone will have a chance to "get connected." Members and non-members will enjoy a weekend of networking, education, and relationship building. Sponsorship opportunities are available for people interested in showcasing their business to the world of networking professionals.
The keynote address will be delivered by BNI's Founder & Chairman, Dr. Ivan Misner. Other featured speakers include BNI Executive Directors Frank DeRaffele and Jeff Stay. For a complete list of speakers and activities visit the event site http://www.GetConnected09.com.
Register by November 1st to get a $100 Early Bird Discount!
For more information or to register go to http://www.GetConnected09.com.
Submitted by LuAnn Buechler, Assistant Director - BNI Minnesota
United StatesBNI South Africa Visits BNI Missouri-Southern Illinois
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On a humorous note, Pat wanted to let everyone in the U.S. know how polite we are as drivers (that caused an instant chuckle from me). In South Africa, motorists drive on the left side of the road (as in the U.K.). Pat accidentally took off out of a garage and went down the wrong side of the road in front of several drivers. He said that a trick like that in South Africa would have been welcomed by a symphony of horns and gestures thrown his way. In St. Louis, people just politely got out of his way!
South Africa and the United States are countries with diverse cultures, but we share many commonalities—especially business by word-of-mouth. Because of our visit, we truly connected with each other. I value that relationship.
Submitted by Mike Tobin, Director of Marketing, BNI Missouri-Southern Illinois
United StatesSouthern Maine Profit Partners Learn Joy of Giving Referrals
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2006, the hostess of the restaurant where we held our meeting shared that one of the gals who worked there had a question about health insurance.
Of course I was happy to speak with her. Upon doing so, I discovered this young woman, a senior in college working two jobs, had just lost her mother to cancer. Suddenly, our team had a purpose: help this young woman cope with a major loss.
After I found suitable coverage for her situation, I referred her to the financial advisor in our chapter. From that point, she and I worked together as a team to help this young woman find financial stability.
Next, to ease the mind of this woman—who was worried about freezing pipes—a non-profit organization on which our financial advisor served as a board member, made a donation of a tank of oil; it was purchased from the oil dealer in our chapter.
Then the real estate broker in our group met with her to help assess the home she inherited from her mother. He advised that it would make more sense to do some work on it and wait before selling in this challenging market. He walked away from a potential listing because it was the right thing to do.
At that point, the referral went to our loan officer so she could refinance the mortgage. From there, as is customary in this chapter, our title company performed the closing.
This example demonstrates how our chapter is committed to service. We are caring, compassionate, and community-minded. I am proud to be a part of such an exemplary group of colleagues and friends!
Ginger Leigh Smith, President - Southern Maine Profit Partners, South Portland, Maine
United StatesCentral Indiana BNI Introduces Two New Area Directors
Travis Sims and Marty Cotterman were recently named area directors for Central Indiana BNI. "I'm very excited about Marty and Travis coming on board," says BNI Executive Director Hazel Walker. "Their increased involvement will support the members more effectively, while helping to grow the organization."
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| Travis Sims |
In his new role as BNI's Area Director for the Southern Indiana region, Sims is focused on growing the organization within the 33 counties he manages.
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| Marty Cotterman |
Submitted by Rebeca Simpson Holloway, Designed Write Public Relations, Inc.