My BNI Story
Making the Time to Lead
Because leadership matters!

The following was received in response to the From the Founder article "You Need a Pilot to Fly," about the importance of leadership training. To read this article, click here.

I have been a BNI member for about seven consecutive six-month leadership team terms. This is my fourth time on the membership committee, and I appreciate what Ivan Misner stated in his article, "You Need a Pilot to Fly."

I have not been to enough Leadership Team training programs. As the "champion" application processor for the membership committee, we view our role in the chapter as if we are the HR department to the individual members and our Power Teams. Using the various forms of training equips us in finding and identifying the "right people to get on the bus."

In the business world and in life we need leaders. Keith Ferrazi, author of Never Eat Alone, states, "Take a leadership role in outside organizations that interest you. …Get involved…become one of the leaders of the group. Being a leader in life takes practice—so practice! The possibilities for making new contacts and reaching out to others will grow and grow."

Becoming active with our BNI leadership roles helps us cultivate positive characteristics and inspire and motivate others. We lead our employees, work mates and family members. Our friends would be happy for us to lead them to great things. Even our customers should want us to take charge and lead them to their success.

Choosing to lead is not about whether we have enough time. I'd say the best and most effective leaders do not have any free time. They make the time. Leading is about stepping up and doing things right. That is the choice, and it takes training—lots of continuous training. Leadership training surrounds us with the materials, tools, people and systems to get it right.

Ed Woods, BNI Referral Masters Chapter, Clearwater, Florida


Rules of Integrity
Why BNI flourishes because of policy.

As a Visitor Host for over three years, I always sell the rules of BNI. It is a point I always enjoy making when I review the application process with our guests: the rules of BNI are set up to promote integrity while honoring creativity. BNI's tried and true rules are why there are thousands of healthy, vibrant groups of professionals striving to improve as individuals.

BNI deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for bringing humanitarian values into the business world!

Veronica Laboure Slaughter, BNI Power Lunch Chapter, Marin County, California


Even Artists Need BNI

I am a full time sculptor and was a member of BNI last year through the Referral Masters Chapter in Austin, Texas. Over the winter I received a studio residency in Santa Fe, New Mexico for ten weeks. I transferred my membership to a BNI group in Santa Fe for the ten-week period and had a fantastic experience.

Walking into a new city without really knowing anyone, BNI provided an instant network. Artists rarely have the sense to use an organization like BNI, but I have found it incredibly valuable. I am now back in Austin and getting ready to move to Santa Fe in October and am grateful for what BNI has provided me over the past year.

Besides a few referrals (that have been worthwhile), the education in networking and word of mouth referrals has been worthwhile. Many of the members that I have met may or may not be able to help me in my field directly, but the networking has been easy to apply in my industry with great rewards.

I look forward to renewing my membership back in Santa Fe.

Kevin Box, www.outsidetheboxstudio.com


A Worthwhile Interruption
Why work can wait when the topic is BNI.

Right now in Australia the Government is conducting our Census. Census collectors are roaming the streets with forms for all of us good citizens to complete.

One day, I was working away on BNI business when a census collector knocked at my door and interrupted my train of thought. Great! I thought, sardonically.

"Hi" he said. "I notice your BNI number plates! What chapter are you in?"

I replied, "I run BNI in most parts of Sydney, mate."

"Great," he said. "I just bought a Watch 24 Franchise and was looking into what chapter I could join."

"Step into my office," said the spider to the fly.

Not only did he leave me with a census form but he left with a BNI application—with the names and phone numbers of two chapter presidents to contact!

Maurice Gilet, Director - BNI North Shore, North West, CBD & South Harbour


Hooked on BNI
A skeptic turns into a BNI enthusiast.

BNI has been a truly wonderful experience for me and my business. Like many others, I had no idea what I was in store for when I attended my first chapter meeting. With most decisions I make, I first look for what is wrong with something before noticing what is right. So, I was skeptical going in.

To my surprise, the meeting was actually fun, insightful, and very well organized. It started on time and ended on time, which is extremely important to me. By the end of the meeting I was interested enough to return one more time to see if it was just "that" meeting. I was not disappointed. As a matter of fact, I was hooked.

That was merely three months ago. Since joining, the referrals that have been generated for my business have produced over $18,000 net profit for me. I cannot say enough about BNI. I would gladly invest the yearly membership for a return such as I am enjoying. Being with a like-minded group of committed businessmen and women has improved me. As it says in the Bible, "Iron sharpens iron." BNI is truly a blessing.

Matthew Woodard, Woodard's Todai Dojo


New Venture, Big Gain
How BNI helped one new member improve his fledgling business.

I have belonged to the BNI group for about three months now, and I run a bottled water company called Water Works 4 Women. BNI has changed my attitude when I approach potential clients. I have become much more confident and try to bring the momentum from my chapter meetings to my clients. Sales and marketing have been a new venture for me, and so far the company has been well received. BNI has helped me take my business to the next level. Thank you!

Todd Taylor, www.WW4W.net, BNI Wakefield, Rhode Island


The Hard Facts of BNI
BNI works for you, if you work hard.

I opened my own flooring maintenance business in February and joined a BNI group in March. The first few weeks of BNI, I, like many others, thought it was a lot of work. I had a hard time seeing how I could operate my business and fully contribute to BNI. Then I took a seminar that explained the functions and purpose of BNI. I also received a copy of Givers Gain.

After reading the first chapter, I realized why many people feel BNI is too hard—or that you have to go too often. They're the type of person hoping that by just joining they would suddenly have an enormous amount of business, that they wouldn't have to go and market themselves anymore.

These people don't grasp the concept of Givers Gain and end up making several excuses why BNI will not work for them, instead of the focusing on the several reasons why it can work for them.

It's true that this organization is not for everyone. If a business owner does not give a 100 percent, they should not expect even as much as 70 percent in return. Granted BNI may be a better fit for certain industries, but that does not mean that it cannot work for all industries.

Austin Reinders, Mid Day Power Partners Chapter, Santa Rosa, California


Misner Creates a Buzz Down Under
A guest visit by BNI Founder generates enthusiasm.

Thank you to Dr. Misner for coming to Australia. Attendee feedback has been abundant, and I know your insights will continue to be a huge benefit to my regions.

One of my mates, with whom I went to university, wanted to know more about what it is that I am doing. I invited him along to the BNI Big Breakfast. As a mechanical engineer he is not a candidate to join BNI, but he was absolutely amazed with Ivan Misner's presentation. He is already looking for potential members that he can refer to BNI from his contact base.

Two of my directors in Sydney were absolutely buzzing with enthusiasm following the Directors Training Session.

I will be doing my best to ensure that we hit our goals so that we can earn another visit by Ivan Misner again in three years.

Brett Emery, Executive Director - BNI Brisbane