Across the Globe - North America
Mexico
First BNI Mexican Chapter Launched

Los Pioneros, which means The Pioneers, was formed by 21 members in March. There were around 130 people at the kickoff, and almost 50 turned in applications. Now the chapter is comprised of 39 members. With a pre-core group already in existence, over the next month two more will start--one in Leon and another in Mexico City.

Everybody thought the launch was a success. National Director Carlos Medina gave the 10-minute presentation, enthusiastically talking about why he wanted to bring BNI to Mexico. He also talked about the importance of BNI policies, the commitment it demands, and BNI's world-class training.

We can't wait to see what's next and have another kickoff.

Submitted by Lorena Medina, Co-National Director—BNI Mexico


Grenada
Grenada: 30th Country to Join BNI Family

After months of hard work and planning by BNI Caribbean Directors Curtis and Marva Belgrave and BNI Executive Directors for Grenada Laudwin and Carol Antoine, the first chapter of BNI Grenada, the Cornerstone Chapter was launched on June 27, 2006 at the Flamboyant Hotel.

The business community in this small state of 133 square miles with a population of just over 95,000 people, has welcomed the BNI concept of referral marketing.

The meeting was attended by over 40 persons and was filled with excitement. Also present were some BNI members from Barbados who flew to the island to give their support and share their BNI experiences with the members in Grenada.

The business professionals in Grenada are now excited about doing business following the BNI structure, which has proven to work over 21 years.

Submitted by Marva Belgrave, BNI Caribbean Director


United States
BNI Big Breakfast in Chicagoland

On Monday August 21st, BNI Marketing in Chicagoland hosted their "Gearing UP for Fall" Big Breakfast for about 50 participants at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake.

The morning's events included a skit to demonstrate the difference between three types of networkers: the Advocator, the Promoter, and the Creator. BNI Executive Director Jean MacDonald led an exercise that encouraged participants to share their success stories when networking. A "Panel of Success" offered some great ideas on inviting visitors, encouraging Dance Cards, chapter games and contests. And of course there was a great buffet breakfast and time for open networking.

Upcoming events in the Chicago area include a Regional Conference on October 13th and a Masters of Networking Gala on December 2nd. For more information about these events, visit www.bnimarketing.com.

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


United States
Visualize the Power of the Power Teams

At the Circle of Excellence BNI Chapter in Pittsburgh, PA, Cathy Brennan did her Keynote Presentation—aka Member Showcase—and helped the chapter visualize how one referral to her can become many referrals for others.

Click here to download the PowerTeam diagram.

Cathy is the owner and founder of A Cappella Marketing (www.acappellamktg.com). If Cathy receives a referral into a company needing her services, she is in the position to refer at least 11 other members of her BNI chapter. Her diagram listed the symbiotic professions as well as the names of the members of her Power Team. Cathy put a lot of thought into how she can GIVE as she GAINS.

Submitted by Linda Schumacher, BNI Director, Western Pennsylvania


United States
Oahu Million Dollar Launch

Oahu Kickoff

The Million Dollar Chapter—so named because their president inspires a "Million Dollar Attitude"—was launched with 50 new members on June 8, 2006. Chapter President Joni Redick, Vice President Danny Bohlman, and Secretary/Treasurer Eddie Goldman worked closely with Area Director Kathy Davenport to establish a record-setting launch in Hawaii. The initial group formed in January with half a dozen members. They set a goal to launch in six months and began a high-energy membership drive. The Leadership Team held twice-weekly conference calls and strategy meetings. Members were motivated to bring guests through weekly contests and prizes.

Chapter meetings were lively and fun. To capitalize on the enthusiasm, potential members were invited to join the Leadership Team at a "VIP" table for a Q&A session immediately following every meeting. The chapter would routinely receive three or more applications at each "VIP" session.

The launch itself was impressive with over 100 people in attendance. Each member and guest received a floral lei greeting. Balloons filled the room, and a slide show highlighted member photos and chapter achievements (which no doubt encouraged guests to join!). Supporting the chapter launch were Hawaii Area Directors, ambassadors, chapter presidents and BNI members from throughout the island.

Living up to its "Million Dollar" reputation, the chapter has already passed over $1 million in referral business.

Submitted by Kathy Davenport, Area Director for Oahu and member of Honolulu Metro Chapter


United States
Largest Chapter Launch in BNI History - 71 Members!

The Lake Country Connections Chapter in Brainerd, MN, was launched on April 4, 2006, with 35 charter members and accepted 37 additional applications for a total membership of 71. They have since added two more members for a total of 73. Brainerd is a town of 18,000 located two hours from Minneapolis. This is the second chapter in Brainerd; Leaders of the Lakes Chapter has 64 members!

The Core Group, led by Area Director Tom Schmoll, worked very hard during the weeks leading up to their kickoff. They sent out over 2,100 invitations to businesses within 50 miles of their town, and made hundreds of follow-up phone calls to confirm reservations. Almost 150 people showed up for their kickoff, and 53 applications were submitted - in addition to the 35 charter memberships.

Kari Barnes, president of the chapter, credits their successful launch to Tom and the rest of the team for "doing things by the book." Even before the chapter kicked off they had passed over $150,000 in business! You can see more pictures of this amazing event at lakecountryconnections.bni-mn.com. Stop by when you're in the area! They love visitors!

Congratulations to Tom Schmoll and the Lake Country Connections for raising the bar!

Submitted by Beth Anderson, BNI Minnesota


United States
Make More, Work Less

On June 28, 2006 the Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island regions hosted an event with Frank J. De Raffele, Jr. The event, Make More, Work Less and Have More Fun: The 5 Elements to Fantastic Profitability, was well attended. Since the material was more a business topic than a BNI topic, members were able to pick up knowledge on how to improve their marketing and sales process for their business. Frank also linked the topic to BNI, as an arm of their marketing. The region has been buzzing about it and wants Frank to return soon.

Following the event we had a director session, attended by 36 Directors from throughout New England. Again, Frank shared his knowledge and enthusiasm, giving tips on how to increase their credibility as a director in the way they work with the chapters.

The entire day was informative, high energy, and lots of fun!

This event was sponsored by Susan Rooks, The Grammar Goddess of Grammar Goddess Seminars, an AD in SE MA and D'vorah Lansky and Kelly Flynn of SendOutCards.com. D'vorah is an AD in CT and Kelly is an AD in Western MA. SendOutCards has a newly formed Strategic Alliance with BNI.

Submitted by Linda Macedonio, BNI Executive Director - RI, SE Mass., Maine


United States
2006 Member Extravaganza Results

This year's Member Extravaganza in Western Pennsylvania was a roaring success. Judge for yourself! Out of 26 chapters:

• 16 joint and single chapter Visitors' Days were held in April and May;
• 3721 invitations were sent out;
• 538 people attended the 16 events; and,
• 22 chapters gained 111 new members during the two-month period.

As an incentive for this year's Member Extravaganza, two all-expense paid trips for two for a Mexican cruise were up for grabs. The drawing for the cruises was held on June 22, 2006 at Jimmy G's restaurant in Sharpsburg, PA (owner Jim Guenther is a member from Network Connections BNI). Congratulations to winners Peggy Freyvogel and Dr. William Kalkstein!

In addition to the drawing, members networked and heard a presentation on communicating your unique selling position by Davin Hope from the Brian Tracy organization.

Submitted by Linda Schumacher, Assistant Director - BNI Western Pennsylvania


United States
Lights, Camera, Action!

The Capital City Connection Chapter in Providence, RI, decided to enhance their social gatherings. To attract a larger crowd and encourage more networking, they focused on their contact sphere and developed, "Lights, Camera, Action" (click here to view) a networking event designed to help professionals learn how to brand their business.

A mini-sound stage literally "set the stage" for this event, with television cameras, lights, and a recording area. Catered with a cash bar, this event included special activities, such as speed networking, live interviews, introductions to marketing representatives, and an opportunity to produce a 30-second radio spot. Media guides, which examined the process of effective branding and marketing, were distributed. Registration for the event was offered on the Capital City Connection website.

The social was a huge success! Over 100 people attended. And the chapter's overhead to host the event was only $24.37 (the $10 registration fee per attendee covered the remaining cost).

Submitted by Jennifer Driscoll, The Bright Idea Group