Across the Globe

Malaysia
The Synergy Chapter Story


You can't miss warmth, professionalism, and commitment toward success when you visit a Synergy Chapter meeting. Although their weekly meetings and agendas are no different from other chapters, this one seems to be more enjoyable and energetic.

Synergy Chapter, established six years ago, has experienced its fair share of challenges—from members with weak businesses to members who will not "play the BNI game." With no experience, and only the belief of business through trusting relationships, a few people came together. Although networking is a way of life in Asian culture, systematic networking was yet to be at that time. These members might not have known it, but they had adopted one of the most powerful ways in building business success.

Synergy Chapter took three years to develop a core group of members who would grow their business together. When this vision was crystallized, members who did not share the same vision made way for others who believed. Although it was a tough decision to let go of friends, Synergy Chapter can confidently look back and be proud of what they have accomplished.

With 43 members today and with several millions worth of business transactions over the past 12 months, it's clear the change in culture was a great and fulfilling one.

Submitted by Avryl Au, National Director, BNI Malaysia


Australia
The Versatile BNI Card File




How much use are you making of your BNI card file? In Australia, several directors are showing members other ways to make this valuable BNI tool work for them. As part of the Member Success Programme in Brisbane, National Director Geoff Kirkwood and his other directors offer the following suggestions to new and established chapter members:

1. Give card files to top clients
Purchase 10 BNI card files, arrange for chapter members to bring extra cards one week, fill the 10 card files with 2-3 copies of each member's card, and then give one card file to each of your top clients. Explain to each client that:
a. they are a top 10 client and you appreciate them;
b. this is in recognition of their business;
c. the people in the card file are businesses you would recommend; and,
d. you will be happy to organize a personal introduction to any of these people.

2. Give card files to potential clients
At the end of a presentation to a prospective client, when you are asking for their business, give them a new card file (with all members' cards) and say:
a. you appreciate their time and the opportunity to speak to them;
b. in return you would like to give them something; and,
c. if they ever need any of the products or services in the file, you would be happy to organize a personal introduction.

This approach changes the energy at the end of a sales presentation. You are giving rather than asking to get, and this is perfectly in line with "Givers Gain."

3. Give card files to visitors
Some chapters are now giving card files to visitors. The chapter members contribute to buy a bulk lot (say 20 or more) and fill them with 2-3 members' cards.

Then each visitor is given one. If the visitor joins, then he or she already has a card wallet, and the new one that comes as part of their membership kit goes back into the chapter stock.

If they don't join, at least they have a lasting memory of a professional organization and are very likely to use some members' services/products. Who knows, they may even come back at a later time to join.

In all three situations there are no losers—everyone wins.

Submitted by Geoff Kirkwood, National Director, BNI Australia

To order the large vinyl card holder with the BNI logo, go here.


United States
Become a Supplier to Your Competitor


Thinking of your competition as a profit center is a thought you may never have considered when developing your marketing plan. But Laura Olivares, of B-Organized, and Camilla Dadey, of Memory Box Video, shared this concept with the BNI Providence Partners, Libertyville, IL, through a weekly education segment of their meeting.

Gary Ferguson, of Ferguson Windows & Doors, decided to act on this challenging idea. Gary approached a national chain competitor to supply products which they did not stock. As a result, Gary has become a supplier to his competitor.

He'd like to thank Laura and Camilla for their dedication to the Giver's Gain philosophy.

Submitted by Alana McKinney, Executive Director, BNI Marketing, LLC.


Barbados
Brits Revisit Barbados

Five years ago, I helped Curtis and Marva Belgrave set up the first BNI chapter in Barbados. In celebration of the five-year mark, they invited me back to teach a workshop. I presented two presentation skills workshops in front of approximately 100 members over the two days.

There was 98 percent attendance from four chapters, and I was delighted to receive a standing ovation on each of the two workshops.

Although the attraction of golden beaches and crystal clear water were a bonus, my wife Pandora and I were overwhelmed by the reception we received and the kindness we were shown. In BNI we all speak the language of referrals—and I am confident that referrals will ensue from our visit, as many members in Barbados have connections with the UK.

Submitted by James Cruickshank, Executive Director, BNI East Anglia


Canada
Vancouver Member Warmly Greeted in Berlin

Berlin BNI Fuchs Chapter Leadership Team members with international guest Elinor Warkentin

Earlier this summer, BNI member Elinor Warkentin from the Big Tsunami Chapter in Vancouver was in Germany on business. While she was there, she visited the Berlin BNI Fuchs Chapter.

Their meeting took place in a beautiful old building that housed antique cars. They were extremely hospitable, even arranging for their members to give her tours of Berlin. After the BNI meeting, Harold Rettich, owner of Graffiti Frei (Graffitti removal), took Elinor on a tour of one of his worksites. He also took Elinor on a heart-wrenching tour of the Jewish memorial.

Elinor strongly recommends that traveling BNI members take some time to visit local BNI chapters—especially Berlin BNI Fuchs. Elinor adds, "I am not sure if I can suitably thank my new BNI friends. When I arrived at the meeting, their president said they were all so excited to have an international guest, that they were implementing an 'international guests are on the house' policy."

Submitted by Darrell Ross, Executive Director, BNI British Columbia


Canada

Spicy Idea to Spread the Word

The 2007 Fire & Ice Festival in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, was a great success. The Oceanside BNI Chapter had several volunteers who cooked up chili for the event. According to Michelle Butts, Oceanside BNI's events coordinator, "From the moment we 'opened' at 11 am to the final ounce of chili served at 2:20 pm, we heard, 'Yum!' 'Delicious!' and 'This is the best!'"

She adds, "In our humble opinion, we do believe we cooked a terrific 'brew.' It was lots of work and lots of fun, building camaraderie and promoting our chapter to the community."

Submitted by Darrell Ross, Executive Director, BNI British Columbia


St. Lucia
St.Lucia Launch

The island of St. Lucia has now joined 37 other countries around the world in doing business in a new and exciting way through the BNI referral marketing concept. Just three months after National Directors Curtis and Marva Belgrave held the first BNI informational briefing in St. Lucia, the BNI Premier Business Chapter was launched on August 7 at the Glencastle Resort.

Members of the chapter are excited about the way business is done in BNI. They've already started to build their chapter through Power Teams, and some have made business contacts with other BNI members in the neighboring island of Barbados—what a magnificent way to start!

St. Lucia is 238 square miles with a population of 165,000 people. From an agricultural economy of bananas, the island has become one of the most popular tourism destinations in the Caribbean. It is the only county in the world with a drive-in volcano and the majestic twin mountains Petit Pitons. There is a very strong French influence on the island since it was once ruled by the French. It is only a 10-minute flight from the French island of Martinique.

Submitted by Marva Belgrave, National Director, BNI Barbados and St. Lucia


Mexico

Misners Visit Mexico

Ivan and Beth Misner recently visited BNI Mexico in León. It was a very fruitful visit that generated interest in BNI around the country. Dr. Misner did an interview that was published in two of Mexico's leading newspapers, as well as an interview with Expansión, a leading business magazine. (To see these articles, visit our In the News section.)

During an "Ask the Founder" session, a few members asked how Dr. Misner visualized BNI's future in Mexico. He shared that the Pioneros de BNI de León, the first chapter formed in Mexico, started with the largest-ever number of members for a new country. So the prognosis is very good!

A week prior to this visit, Carlos Medina, national director for BNI Mexico, held a conference at a marketing event organized by Universidad de León. More than 300 students attended the conference, called "Word of Mouth: Ally or Enemy?" The goal was to educate people on advertising by word-of-mouth. This was also a great opportunity to promote Dr. Misner's books and his visit to León.

This was the first of a series of conferences that Medina will be giving throughout the country. They will help us promote BNI and the idea of using word-of-mouth—and that BNI is the expert on the subject.

Submitted by Lorena Medina, National Director, BNI Mexico