Across the Globe - Europe
France
Parisian Networking Event

More than 150 BNI members and guests gathered to network and hear Dr. Misner at the Intercontinental Hotel, near the Louvre. The BNI energy and excitement are truly gaining speed in France and this event was no exception!

"We invited five major non-competitive networking organizations to take part in this event. Each briefly presented their network and explained the importance of networking in general," said Marc-William Attie, National Director of BNI France.

Following an informal meeting with 30+ BNI members, Ivan Misner presented his "Cave Dweller" speech with translation by Marc-William, and answered questions about the history of BNI and his vision for the future. An open networking session around the bar followed.


Germany
Dr. Ivan and Elisabeth Misner Won the Hearts and Minds of German BNI Members

When Thomas Jaeger, BNI Executive Director for the Berlin Region, welcomed 150 participants to the first BNI Members' Day on mainland Europe, he knew that BNI had an ace to play. Elisabeth Misner kicked off the Misner's joint keynote speech. "For more than 15 years," she started (in German), "I have been dreaming about giving a speech to German BNI members in German. Now today's the day and I am a little bit nervous." Despite her nerves she gave a splendid introduction to Ivan Misner's speech, "BNI from the CEO's Point of View."

The mixture of Ivan giving the big picture and Beth speaking of her own BNI experience gave a great impression of what BNI is all about—the Givers Gain combination of professionalism and the very human business amongst friends. For example, Beth said "When I started BNI I was a substitute for my boss who did not like mornings and five weeks later I was chapter President. At that time BNI had 22 chapters - as many as you have in Germany today."

BNI visitors from all over Europe—Austria, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, UK, Switzerland and of course all the other regions in Germany—enjoyed the British concept of a BNI Conference. Martin and Gillian Lawson, the parents of BNI Europe, helped put a fine first Members' Day together.

During his all English breakout session, which was attended by about half of the Members' Day attendees, Ivan Misner said the German speaking countries are expected to be one of the fast growing areas for BNI.


Spain
Summer Charity Ball

Julia and Eileen revel in the evening's success

Over 260 BNI Members and guests enjoyed an incredible night of entertainment, including seven high class acts, buffet dinner and dancing into the morning hours. The event raised an amazing Ten Thousand Euros for Cancer Support (MABS).

Julia Gilburt and Eileen Adams, members of 'Red Eye' chapter, turned their original barbeque fund-raising idea into an extravaganza beyond everybody's wildest dreams, in just six weeks.

Prompted by the sudden illness of two of their BNI colleagues, Julia and Eileen decided they would like to raise some money and set about organizing a barbeque for about 25 people. Within days and with the support of their fellow BNI members, the event had grown from a back garden affair to a full-fledged gala. The evening proved such a success that plans are already being made to do it again next year.

The funds raised will go to MABS, a group of people who have had cancer in one form or another and can offer support either by phone or by personal visit. All funds given to this charity support family and friends in need.

Congratulations to Julia and Eileen for their outstanding example of Givers' Gain!


United Kingdom
Fastest BNI Logo in the UK!

Dave Newsham at speed during his recent championship weekend at Oulton Park.

You may have to look twice to see it, but eagle-eyed members who follow motor racing should spot the fastest BNI logo in the UK this summer, as Inverness Highland chapter's Dave Newsham flashes across TV screens.

Dave, Managing Director of one of Scotland's major drink and snack machine companies, Norscott Vending Services Limited, is competing in the Legends British Championship. The 'Legends' series is being televised by Sky Sports and is arguably the most exciting of all motor sports, featuring classic US-built veteran sports cars all using the same 1250cc Yamaha motorcycle engine, racing at up to 140mph.

When Iain Whyte, BNI Executive Director for Scotland South and East, heard about Dave's TV appearances, he immediately decided to sponsor his championship season and get BNI's logo onto the side of Dave's 1934 Ford Coupe car.

As SuccessNet went to press, Dave had completed six rounds of the British series and currently stands fifth out of 28 drivers in the points table. Iain commented, "The potential for BNI exposure was too good to miss. Naturally we all hope that Dave not only completes every round, but finishes well in the final placings, before going on to the World Championships in San Francisco."


United Kingdom
Chocoholic Success at Halesowen

Dave Newsham at speed during his recent championship weekend at Oulton Park.

The Halesowen Chapter in the West Midlads is discovering that recruiting a PR consultant to your group can produce some unlikely results, like fierce weekly competitions for a small bar of chocolate.


"Since we started this, the quality of our 60-second presentations just gets better each week, making it more interesting for members and a great show for visitors. You wouldn't believe how much effort everyone takes to come up with something different each week - and all for a bar of chocolate!" she added.


Ireland
Cill Dara Brings Buzz to Kildare

Education Co-ordinator Kieran Horgan, Treasurer Brenda Farrell, Membership Co-ordinator Dermot Fitzgerald, and Chapter Director Kathryn Byrne

Barely two months old, the Cill Dara chapter has brought a new business buzz to Naas, the fast-growing county town of Kildare.

Famous across the world for its horse racing (three of Ireland's most famous courses are close by) and the home of the Irish National Stud, Naas is now also a burgeoning business centre - reflected in Cill Dara's growth to 23 members after just two meetings in the town's Osprey Hotel.

Kathryn, who runs Limelight Communications, said: "We are delighted with the chapter's early success. BNI is a great motivator and after just a few weeks the buzz and enthusiasm at our meetings is fantastic. It's noticeable that long after our formal agenda is over members stay on developing new synergies and generating business for each other."


Scotland
10,000 Referrals? It's a Piece of Cake!

Let them eat cake…because they certainly deserve it! Members of Scotland's very first BNI chapter - Glasgow Alpha - are pictured with a celebratory cake in the shape of a giant referral slip, after passing their 10,000th referral a few weeks ago.

The 30-strong group notched up its milestone referral exactly seven years after becoming Scotland's founding chapter, during which time members have found a remarkable £3 million worth of business for each other.

Chapter Director Euan MacLeod, a business manager with the Royal Bank of Scotland said, "Our members are dedicated to providing quality business referrals and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved over the years.

"It was a landmark moment when the 10,000th referral was passed at a recent meeting and the group continues to go from strength to strength, with positions in Alpha Chapter still eagerly sought after by would-be members."

While they may have earned their huge cake, health-conscious members decided it would be appreciated even more by the residents of Craigpark Home for children with special needs. "The Home is a really deserving local charity, and I'm sure the youngsters made short work of their treat," Euan added.