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What is the Point of Visitors?

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by Braith Bamkin, Executive Director – BNI Melbourne West & Geelong and Melbourne Central



If I knew what I know now about the purpose of visitors when I was a member, my experience of BNI would have been so much richer and I could have helped many more fellow members.  But as they say, better late than never and today I hope to share some insight into the value of visitors into your chapter.

Many people say to me at the Member Success Program that they resent having to bring visitors to BNI to ‘grow’ BNI.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  Firstly, any activity a member engages in is for the good of the chapter, which should be everyone’s motivation.  Secondly, no one, except the membership committee can actually invite anyone to ‘join’ BNI.

I had a situation once where a member invited her best friend to ‘join’ BNI in the lucrative Mortgage Brokers category.  To cut a long story short that person was not successful, not because she wasn’t a great person but the chapter was inundated with applicants and they chose a better fit.  But who do you think she blamed for not getting in?  Of course her (now former) friend.  Do yourself a favour and don’t invite people along to ‘join’ because it can end in disaster.

If you have a position to fill in your chapter, I like using Dr. Ivan Misner’s “we’re interviewing” technique.  Check out this podcast to learn more about that.

Did you know around 30% of closed business comes from visitors?  So if your chapter is bringing a constant source of potential new customers into the room, chances are, everyone will share in the spoils.

Most people won’t apply to join BNI – which is no problem.  But many of them will actually do business with someone in the room.  But there is one key thing Visitor Hosts MUST do to ensure maximum business opportunities occur.  At the end of visitor orientation, visitors hosts should say “Who in the room today would you like a personal introduction to now”.  About a third of visitors will actually ask to meet someone (usually because they want to buy from them).  This is a great reason to have a clear chapter trade sheet available to all members and visitors each week – but that’s a whole other blog post.

The second surefire tactic to increase visitor business is for the visitor host in the follow-up phone call to ask the same question, but obviously via phone or email connection.  About another third will ask for a connection because 48 hours later, they have identified a need a member can solve or the meeting information finally percolated into their sphere of relevance.

Either way, two thirds of visitors will actually want  a connection – how powerful is that for your chapter’s closed business?  Check out this podcast from our founder, to learn the real value of every visitor that walks into your chapter.  

In another post I’ll talk more about inviting, but now you know the reason behind a visitor, why not try inviting a few people this week to ‘meet your network’.  Afterall, when one of your chapter members solves a problem your visitor is having, it will be you that is the hero all round.

In another post I’ll talk more about inviting, but now you know the reason behind a visitor, why not try inviting a few people this week to ‘meet your network’.  Afterall, when one of your chapter members solves a problem your visitor is having, it will be you that is the hero all round.

Does Your Follow Up Provide Value?

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by Claudia Lowry, Executive Director, BNI North and South Peninsula, South Africa



It’s a great feeling when you receive a referral.  You feel a sense of validation, that you are worthy, and that someone was confident enough in your skills to recommend you.

But, alas, you just don’t seem to be converting the referrals into sales.  You do the check.

Phoning the lead within 24 hours – check!
Follow up with an email – check!
Wait a week and follow up once more – check!

Still no bites!

You ponder for days on what could be wrong.  Are the referrals just weak?  Does the referee just not understand what it is you actually do?  Is it that you are charging too much?

It could be all of those, but most times, it is because you are not providing value in the follow up.

The follow up, once initial contact has been made, is a key part of conversion.  At the time of first contact, the prospect may not have been ready for you and your wonderful product or service.  Hence, why a follow up is necessary.

But, often times, many treat the follow up as a “Hey, remember me. Just following up.  No, not now?  Oh, okay, no problem. When you are ready.”

Well, you just blew your chance of adding value and probably sealing a deal. What went wrong there?  Plenty!

Here are a few tips on how you can add value to your follow up calls or emails:

1. Special Offers
Add in a dangling carrot.  Who doesn’t like specials, right?  Sure, remind the client that you spoke to them a week or so ago, and you are indeed following up to check whether they are ready to chat.  But, by slipping in a special offer, related to what they are interested in, if you can, will leave a sweet taste in their mouth.  Who knows, from there you may even lead them to buying into something more than they initially had a need for.

2. Deadline Reminders
Often times, the prospect needs something by a certain deadline, but when you phoned the first time, they were far away from that deadline.  Be savvy the second-time round, and keep a note and a reminder of that deadline.  That way, you can use the reminder of the deadline as a reason to be phoning.  They will surely be impressed that you remembered.

3. Know your client
Stalking is good for a few things, promise! So, check out the prospect on social media – LinkedIn – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – etc.

If you see that something happened that is noteworthy, then mention it.  Keep it professional, mind you.  So, LinkedIn may be the place to go, as the posts are generally all business related, i.e. A business promotion, a new job, an anniversary of a job, and such.  Avoid the, “Oh, I see your granny turned 80, congrats!”

4. Solve a problem
There is always a problem to be solved.  Find out what it is right from the front, and keep that in mind.  If you can solve their problem before someone else can, then you’re sure to be in like Flynn.

5. Be personal
Don’t be fake!  Be you!  Let your personality shine though, especially when emailing. Emails can become rather stoic and too drab, leaving most with a bored “yawn” feeling.  So, be sure to engage your potential new client, and let them see you are a real person, not just a salesman wanting a sale.

6. Free Stuff
Much like special offers, everyone loves free stuff!  So, if you can, think about what you can offer as a teaser.  Be smart about it.  You don’t want to be giving away the exact solution to their problem.  You want to just hand over a little candy, something to entice and delight.  People generally deal with generous people.

7. Share tips
Without throwing the Google handbook at them, give them a few freebie tips.  You are the master at what you do, so impart your knowledge.  Givers Gain, remember!  We are not proposing that you give away all your trade secrets, no, just use your initiative and find out what little issues they may have.  Providing a solution or at least giving them some advice, will leave the potential new client with a feeling of satisfaction. And, satisfied is what you want them to be at the end of the day. Satisfied with you and your service.

Further, there is one thing you must not do, and that is to appear desperate.  Desperate people scare referrals away.  Yes, you need the business.  Yes, you want the sale, but showing that you need it, is a sure-fire way of making them run for the hills.

Confidence, not arrogance, and a warm “bedside” manner, is key to bringing people into your fold.  It may not happen today. It may not even happen in a few month’s time, but if you performed your initial contact, and your follow up, with grace and professionalism, you will find they will remember you when they need your service or product.

The Importance of Recognition

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by Thomas Geller, Discount Battery Supply, BNI Circle of Success, BNI Southwest Florida

Most people would like to believe that they can go through life without receiving recognition for accomplishments.  But, deep down, we all wish in some way to be recognized for achievements that we accomplish along the way.

The same is true here in BNI.  Each week in all of our meetings across the world, we point out and laud those who have had the most referrals or who have done the most One-to-Ones.  We especially make a point to praise those who have the most Thank You For Closed Business (TYFCB), for it is this number which best defines the success of a chapter.  The more closed business that a chapter is able to pass, the easier it is to attract new members.  The chapter that I belong to, Circle of Success, passed $4.2 million this past year.  That’s a lot of business being done between members.  Unfortunately, it is with large numbers like these that we sometimes look over some of our members.

In order to achieve large numbers in TYFCB, you need members whose professions bring in large amounts.  These professions include but are not limited to doctors, contractors, roofers, printers, etc.  You get the point.  These professionals do jobs where the average tickets are in the thousands of dollars.  When you pass millions of dollars in a year, you become accustomed to hearing these thank yous on a regular basis.  I’ll also bet you feel the obligation to applaud when these numbers are announced.  But, when was the last time you applauded someone who gave TYFCB in the amount of $100 or $50, or maybe even only $10?  My business, for instance, has an average ticket price of only $5.  I run a battery business and that is what I charge to install a watch battery (battery included).  Sure, I have other items I sell that bring in more money, but I can’t compete with the roofer in our group whose average ticket is in the tens of thousands.  Does this mean that my TYFCB is any less important than a fellow member whose numbers are hundreds of times greater than mine?

We need to remember that it takes a team to achieve a goal.  Whether it is a member who has a large TYFCB amount or a member whose numbers are significantly lower, it is all of our numbers put together that achieve the overall goal.  Our chapters need to take the time to recognize the smaller members more often, for if we don’t, not only will we eventually lose them, but it will become harder to attract them into our organization.  When Dr. Ivan Misner founded BNI, it was not his intention to only attract large businesses, but all businesses, big and small, who wanted to find better ways to grow their financial numbers.  Our economy thrives not just because of big business, but also due to all of the Mom and Pop businesses.  Next time during your weekly Chapter Meeting, see if you can’t find a way to honor them also.

November 2017 Updates from the BNI Foundation

Posted on by BNI Global

BNI Foundation Board Organizational Shift

 The BNI Foundation recently announced board changes to kick-start what is sure to be an amazing 20th year in 2018.  The Executive Committee of the Board has named founding Board Chair, Jeff Stay the Chairman Emeritus of the BNI Foundation and appointed Kevin Barber, BNI Foundation D-A-CH, to the role of Board Chair.

Read the full story here.

 

BNI Foundation Plans Big for BNI Global Convention

 With a variety of activities planned throughout the Global Convention, the BNI Foundation will provide attendees with many opportunities to practice Givers Gain®.  Helping BNI regions and chapters grow through Cause Marketing is the BNI Foundation’s focus this year.  Click here to see full list of BNI Foundation events.

 

Giving Tuesday is Fast Approaching

 On Tuesday, November 28, 2017, charities, families, businesses, community centers and students all around the world will come together for a common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving. Giving Tuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. Every act of generosity counts and each means even more when we give together as a BNI family through the BNI Foundation.  Stay tuned for upcoming announcement on bnifoundation.org. 

Friendship versus Membership

Posted on by Ivan Misner, Ph.D.

One of the strengths of a referral network like BNI is that the members of a chapter become friends. One of the weaknesses of a referral network like BNI is that the members of a chapter become friends.

Friends don’t like to hold friends accountable. However, accountability is the key to any successful referral network; therein lies the paradox. A referral network like BNI is not a friendship organization. It is a business referral organization. Granted, friendships must develop in order to make BNI work. However, those very same friendships can get in the way of maintaining accountability in a group.

Last year I read a newspaper article about BNI that made me really mad at first. The author started off talking about BNI and the fact that it met every week. He then compared it to a local, independent group that met every other week. The writer talked about BNI having a “strict set of rules” and then pointed out that attendance was “not mandatory” in the other group.

He showed how structured BNI was and how flexible the other group was. It seemed like a one-sided view of BNI, until, at the very end, he asked both group leaders how many members they had and how many referrals were being passed on average each month.

It turned out that the BNI group had 25 percent more members (not a big difference), and they were passing 600 percent more referrals. No kidding, 600 percent!

When I read that article, I realized once and for all that BNI is not for everyone. I hoped that the people who read that article and felt that structure and accountability were important would join BNI. And I hoped
the people who did not think these factors were important would join the other group.

The importance of accountability and support.
I’m not trying to be flippant. Over time, I have learned that a structured referral network like BNI is not for everyone. People who understand that structure and accountability are important are the ones I want in BNI.

Those who do not are best served in another group.

That said, I believe BNI is not as “inflexible” as some people may think. Remember, people implement systems. The BNI system, when implemented properly, works well and allows local control as well as a
certain amount of flexibility.

BNI is made up of sales people, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Running an organization with tens of thousands of people fitting this profile is a little like herding cats. It’s difficult to keep everyone on
track. In order to do so effectively, there has to be systems and accountability.

However, these systems and accountability have to be within a context of help and support. I believe that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. We strive hard to teach our
BNI directors to train and educate members to fully understand and implement that. Unfortunately, that takes time. And not everyone understands that these policies need to be applied in a way that shows that the group does have expectations and also cares about the members.

This is important. Referral networks like BNI chapters must create an atmosphere of both accountability and support. It is the paradox of friendship and membership.

I recently received an email from someone who said that BNI was too structured and that if we wanted to do well in the future we needed to be more flexible. Well, for all the things that we may be doing wrong, some way, some how, we have built an organization with thousands of chapters in 70+ countries, with hundreds of thousands of members speaking more than 30 languages.

I think we’re doing a few things right: we serve a population of the world that believes systems and structure will help them build their business. That might be part of the reason why every year we pass millions of referrals generating billions of dollars worth of business for our members.

Why accept mediocrity when excellence is an option? Accountability in the context of strong professional relationships can create excellence within a BNI chapter. The paradox of a referral network like BNI is that friendships must develop and accountability must reign. It is a balancing act that rests on the fulcrum of our philosophy, Givers Gain. We must both develop friendships AND expect accountability, which is applied in a way that shows we care about people and their success.

BNI’s Core Value of Accountability is paramount in all that we do. Check out our other six core values here.

4 Tips to Get More Referrals from Your Network

Posted on by BNI Global

Are you struggling getting referrals from other members of your networking group? Do you regularly have One-to-Ones, pass referrals to others, but still see little to nothing in return?

The key too effectively get referrals from others in your network is developing the right kinds of relationships. Are you trying to close a sale, or are you trying to train a salesforce?

To receive more referrals from your network, you are looking to train a salesforce. This means focusing on teaching the benefits of your products/service to those in your network, and helping them understand the why behind what you do.

How do you educate a network? Check out these tips to help you share with your networking groups the full story behind your business.

  1. Specific is terrific. The more specific you can be with your network not only about what a great referral for you is, but what products and services you exactly offer, can help you develop relationships beyond just closing a sale.
  2. Share the Lowest Common Denominators of your business as a starting point. Break your business into bite sized pieces that your network can easily absorb and remember. This will help them internalize what you do and help refer you to someone they know.
  3. Share stories of an exchange with a client that went exactly the way you’d want it to. By telling your network about your ideal business exchange, or about experiences with clients that went well, you can condition your connections to look for possible opportunities that fit this mold.
  4. Provide your network with collateral regarding your business. If you have catalogues, flyers, or other pieces that can help your network share your products and services with people in their lives, be sure to provide these materials to them. It will help them refer you if they can feel comfortable with everything they need.

What are your tips for helping people in your network get to know your business and act as a sales person for you? Join the conversation on Facebook!

How Much Time Should You Spend Networking?

Posted on by Ivan Misner, Ph.D.

VIDEO from the Founder, Dr. Ivan Misner!

People who say that networking played a role in their success spent an average of 6 1/2 hours a week networking and had half of their clients from their networking time. However, people who did not invest as much time networking also did not report as much reward. Therefore, spend about 8-10 hours per week networking and do the right things to build the relationships first when networking.

BNI Community Provides Support to Members Impacted By Natural Disaster

Posted on by BNI Global

Over the last few weeks, the U.S. has been faced with several natural disasters – including Hurricanes Irma and Harvey – which left great devastation across much of the southern United States. Members and Directors from around the world quickly offered their support to those in need. In total, nearly $45,000 USD was raised for the BNI Cares initiative and thanks to the generosity of many of you, BNI Members in Texas and Florida will receive a Back-to-Business grant to help them get their businesses back up-and-running.

As BNI’s Chairman & CEO, Graham Weihmiller, noted in September’s SuccessNet, when natural disasters strike, local businesses play an essential role in helping a community return to normalcy. Last month, Graham and BNI’s Global Support Team visited Texas to meet with impacted Members and learn how BNI can bolster support globally in such situations. According to Rob Gorecki, BNI’s Global Innovation Manager, “Our trip was an incredibly impactful experience, as the Givers Gain® spirit was on full display. We want to specially thank Mark Taylor and Kathy Mathy, the Executive Directors of the regions we visited, and Alisa Wenning of Pyramid Printing, a Member in the BNI Ballantyne Business Network Chapter in Charlotte, NC, who provided an amazing donation of branded BNI T-shirts for Members to wear during disaster relief efforts.”

BNI has set up a BNI Cares Facebook Group that we invite Members and Directors to join, and use as a platform to collaborate following disasters. Share a story of how you’ve been affected, or perhaps a way in which you can help a fellow BNI Member.  Sometimes, just a bit of encouragement can turn despair into rock-solid determination.

October 2017 Updates from the BNI Foundation

Posted on by BNI Global

This month, the BNI Foundation is excited to share four quick updates with you!

BNI Foundation Welcomes Four New Board Members

The BNI Foundation has added four new members, bringing the total to nine.

Kevin Barber oversees over 1,200 members in South-West Germany’s 39 chapters, the first of which he started himself in 2005. Kevin is also the BNI Foundation’s Global Special Envoy and is responsible for the Foundation’s operations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Shelli Howlett is one of the few female BNI regional directors running multiple large regions. Her geographic area includes Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio, Texas where there are 2,700 members in 105 chapters.

David Kauffman acts as managing
director and senior director consultant for the BNI Delaware Valley Region that
encompass 5 states and 125 chapters. David has years of experience serving
boards of charitable organizations and also founded and operates the Adaptive
Aquatic program for the Haverford, PA YMCA.

Jeremy Walsh is the worldwide director of support, training and documentation for BNI Connect. Jeremy and his team set up BNI Connect’s self-help forums, which see 52,000 visits a month from members searching its comprehensive library of hundreds of training materials.

Lead by chairman Jeff Stay, the BNI Foundation’s board of directors is set to do great work this year.  Take a look at our entire board here.

BNI Foundation – Charitable Giving Survey

BNI has a long tradition of reaching out to help schools and students. That charitable drive has become stronger and more focused with the help of the BNI Foundation and its Business Voices initiative. The Foundation is asking you to take part in its Charitable Giving Survey so they can fine-tune their program. Take a few minutes to tell them about your philanthropic activities.

Grants for Teachers

Our latest blog post is a great starting point for teachers searching for much needed funds for their classroom. In it we link to just of few of the many grants teachers can apply for to receive money for everything from school supplies to field trips. Then we give a few pointers on the grant writing process. Give it a look here and share it with the teachers in your life.

Givers Gain® Grant Cycle is Now Open

The BNI Foundation awards the Givers Gain® Grants to schools and educational organizations twice a year in May and December. Ten awards of $1000 each are typically awarded. The grants are used to enhance classroom learning with the goal of benefiting as many classrooms, teachers and students as possible.

Read our eligibility requirements and guidelines here.

 

BNI Foundation 2017 Grant Cycle Now Open

Posted on by BNI Global

The BNI Foundation is excited to announce the opening of the Fall 2017 Grant Cycle on September 15th.  The Grant Cycle will be open through October 15th. Please review our grant guidelines for the school/educational organization you are nominating to help us ensure only qualified schools/organizations are getting the link to the online application. Click here for the link to the grant application.

Grant recipients will be announced at the Global Convention in Long Beach, CA in November. If your nominated school or educational organization is selected, we will notify you before the general announcement.

Thank you for allowing us to partner with you. Together we are improving tomorrow’s business through education today.

Five Little Things You Can Do to Grow Your Business

Posted on by BNI Global

No, thanks, I don’t want to grow my business.

For most business owners and professionals today, this is a rarely uttered phrase. There is always a craving to grow and develop a little more than you already have. But where to start? Sometimes, growing your business can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out these small things that can have huge impacts on your business.

  1. Don’t just answer “How are you?” with “Fine.” You’re not just fine, you’re excited, optimistic, and looking to grow your business! When someone in your life asks how you are doing, or what is new, this is a great opportunity to mention casually that you’re growing or looking to find ways to grow. You never know who this person may know, or in what ways they can help you thrive.
  2. Ask for what you want! If you have a specific person in mind you’d like to be connected to, a specific part of your business you’d like to develop further, or a specific amount of business you’d like to do in the next year, ask for it! Be specific with your wants and needs – your network can only help you get where you want to go if they know what that goal looks like.
  3. When a client gives you a positive review, ask them to share it or for referrals. When a client tells you how much they enjoy working with you, or thank you for going above and beyond for them, ask them to share that positive feedback, either via your Facebook, pages like Yelp, or in writing so that you may share it on your website. Also ask them if they know anyone else who may benefit from getting the same great service you gave them.
  4. Thank those who help you grow your business. By publically showing appreciation for the people who helped you get where you are now, you’ll increase the likelihood that others will help you, either by referral, by advertising, or with day to day activities. People love to feel like what they do matters, and they are more likely to help people who have a history of showing gratitude. (Recommended article: Let Gratitude Grow Your Business)
  5.  Give referrals to someone in your network. By passing a quality referral to someone else in your network, you help build your own credibility. People want to refer business to others that they trust, and sharing referrals with others is a great way to build mutual respect. It’s what BNI meetings are based around – by giving business to others, you will get business in return.

What are you doing to grow your business? Join the conversation on Facebook! 

Will Social Media Replace Face-to-Face Networking?

Posted on by Ivan Misner, Ph.D.

I love social media.  I am active on social media. I have found that social media is fantastic for ‘brand building’ – and I also believe that social media will not replace all marketing efforts for most entrepreneurs and sales people.   In fact, for many businesses, it just does not generate a large percentage of their new business.

I know, I know, there are people out there right now that are officially apoplectic.  Take a deep breath.  Know that I love you and I love social media.  It has been a fantastic tool for me to retain my audience and keep them engaged.  It has been great as a brand builder.  I’ve also seen the marketing data and it is sobering.

Here’s a great example.  In 2011, the Freelance Industry Report did a very thorough survey of the industry.  One of the many questions they asked was “What has been your most effective method for finding and landing clients…?”  Four of the top five answers were all networking related (Word of mouth, Referrals, Personal/Professional network, Local networking).  These added up to 69.5% of all business development for the respondents.  Social media ranked as #8 with only 2.8%.   But wait, that’s not the most amazing thing.  When asked, “which… marketing methods are you planning on spending more time and resources on in the next 12 months,” Social media ranked #1 with 46.1%!

But wait, that’s still not the most amazing thing about this story.  You see, when the 2012 report came out, the networking related choices for how respondents actually generated their business that year, now moved up to 74.3%!  But where was social media you ask?  Well with all their commitment to focus more time and resources on social media, the report found that the respondents had moved the needle to 2.8%… oh wait, it was 2.8% in the previous year!  So here’s the most amazing part of the story: despite their commitment to put more time and resources on social media to generate their new business the following year, the respondents actually did not move the needle at all.  Zero.  Zip. Nada.

And now the really crazy thing – in 2012, 42.8% of the respondents said that next year they were going to focus more on – you got it, social media again!  There’s a saying for this: What’s the definition of insanity? Doing something over and over again and expecting a different result.

In two separate reports, these business professionals were generating 70% or more of their business from networking related activities.  They generated less than 3% from social media.  Don’t you think that it would be a good idea to increase their networking efforts as well?  I do.  That’s one of the reasons I keep writing books on the topic.  The data speaks for itself.  Networking is a great way to build your business.  It is not the only way, but it is still among the very best.  Why not spend more time honing that skill?  I’m just saying.

Called the “father of modern networking” by CNN, Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author.  He is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI (www.bni.com), the world’s largest business networking organization.  His new book, Avoiding the Networking Disconnect can be viewed at Amazon.com.

Traditions + Innovation are Key to Strong Organizational Culture

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by Claudia Lowry, Executive Director – North & South Peninsula, South Africa

Webster’s dictionary defines culture, as it pertains to business, as: The set of shared attitudes, values, goals and practices that characterises an institution or organisation.

There are many elements that go into building a successful organisational culture.  Each successful organisation has different factors that contribute to making its culture successful.  Typically, among these factors, both tradition and innovation play an important role. Traditions help to make a company distinctively who it is, and are instrumental in demonstrating to both employees and the world where it comes from. Without traditions an organisation pays only lip service to culture, and strong traditions that are applied throughout an organisation are one of the best ways to maintain a healthy organisational culture.

Often tradition is depicted as the enemy of innovation and vice versa. However, Ivan Misner, Founder of BNI has this to say, “These values may at first seem counter-intuitive but as the Apple example proves, it is the secret to success for contemporary businesses. Our traditions lay the foundation to who we are by showing where we came from. However, we must always be leading with innovation to stay current. This means that new advancements in technology and thinking must be absorbed into our process. Don’t lose touch with new changes in business and don’t be afraid to try new things at BNI.”

One way in which tradition and innovation are complementary organisational values may be as a result of innovation being a conscious facet of a company’s traditions. When tradition and innovation are at loggerheads within an established organisation, one way to combat any resistance to innovation, or change, is to backtrack to the origins of the organisation. It may be extremely beneficial to reconnect with the breakthrough innovations that in live in the history of the organisation and to share this tradition of innovation with employees and stakeholders.

If you wish to build innovation as a tradition within your organisational culture it is important to clearly define what innovation means for your company. Having a defined strategy with regard to innovation throughout your organisation puts paid to pursuing innovation for innovation’s sake. It may well also save wasted time and investment, preventing the desire to innovate from being a fruitless pursuit; particularly in the event that the goals for innovation within different departments within an organisation are contrary to one another.

Building a Nonprofit Organization through BNI and Givers Gain

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by Daniel Messmer, AFA Academy of LowCountry, BNI Okatie Referral Givers, BNI South Carolina and NE Georiga



I joined BNI at the end of July last year in 2016. Our Chapter chartered in September as a Hall of Fame Chapter. I had doubts about BNI when I joined, as I didn’t see how BNI would work for a nonprofit or as a business person. In fact, I wasn’t very engaging of a speaker, as I was nervous and didn’t think I was on the same level as many of these business people in the room. However, one thing I learned from Ron Kirby, our Chapter Area Director and now my mentor, was that BNI will give us the tools to succeed, but it was up to us to build relationships. 

Well it wasn’t until October 2016 after Hurricane Matthew wrecked havoc on our area that my life turned around. Three days after the hurricane I got involved with Samaritan’s Purse. I stayed behind as I was trained in Community Emergency Response Training (CERT Certified) and wanted to be here for our community. While doing this, I started opening up about what I was doing and started realizing I was networking without even realizing it. I was giving referrals while helping. That’s when I realize how BNI was going to help me.

Since Matthew, I have done over 400 One-to-Ones, passed over 100 referrals and completed over 200 Continuing Education Units. I took the responsibility of Visitor Host role in September, but after the hurricane decided to be more involved, and since then my chapter has embraced me. Now the new Leadership Team has entrusted me to be the Education Coordinator – me, the guy who a year ago felt he had nothing to offer in BNI. 

What set me apart from many others is we have 21 chapters, soon to be 22, in this area, and I have been to 17 of them. My One-to-Ones are directed at those who I wanted to learn from, those who could help grow and evolve. I chose Director Consultants, Ambassadors, Leadership, business people and veteran BNI Members. 

Why, you may ask? Well easy who better to learn from. Who better to help me understand or give me some pointers. Now people come to me which is a great feeling. I visit other chapters and now several want to tag along with me. I’m trying to explain to everyone that if your seat is open in another chapter then use that opportunity to grow your business. Also to learn how other chapters operate and possibly take that info back toward our own chapter. 

 Strangely AFA, my nonprofit, is still a work in progress as I’m trying to open our academy, but money has been slow. Members support my fundraisers by donating, sponsoring, participating or volunteering. Many know I work for free until we open so now members are diligently trying to help me make this a reality. Problem is families here don’t have private insurance, as they rely on Medicaid which doesn’t pay much. Our tuition is $36,000 per individual, which most insurance pays 100 percent. My goal is serve my community here in the Hilton Head area and in the Savannah area, as for me Givers Gain is about giving back. 

One in 68 are born with Autism and there is no cure, but with therapies we can help give these kids the resources they need. I know this well, as I’m a father of two on the Spectrum. Fortunately for me someone did this for my kids so it’s my turn to give back.

On that note, please give back to your community as that is what Givers Gain is all about. Having a nonprofit in your chapter will bring your chapter closer together like mine and several of the others we have here. Nonprofits have to be engaged in the chapter, as we rely on all of you to help us grow. The difference is you all are very much apart of this.

I would I join BNI again if I had to do it all over. BNI has helped me in so many with the tools to succeed, the confidence and most of all the relationships and friendships I have made. 

Thank you for everything BNI has done for me and I hope I can do you proud by making AFA Academy of the LowCountry a reality, so together all of us can help these families and their kids for a better tomorrow. This to me is the true meaning of Givers Gain. 

I’m so proud to be a member of BNI.

BNI Foundation: September 2017 Update

Posted on by BNI Global

Share
Your Business Voices Stories

The BNI Foundation’s Business Voices
initiative is gaining serious momentum, and a big part of that is due to the
stories that Business Voices teams share about the great events and programs
they put on. The shared stories are inspirational and help to motivate others
to get involved and make Business Voices a part of their BNI regions and
chapters. Make sure to share your Business Voices stories with all of BNI by
filling out the Business Voices form here. The
online form allows you to describe your team’s event, who participated, how
many kids were impacted and more. You can also add photos from the event.

Sharing your story through the form
is the only way to get it told through the BNI Foundation’s website and social
media channels. Now there is another exciting reason to share your stories. The
very first Business Voices Team Awards will be presented at this years BNI
Global Convention taking place this November in Long Beach, CA. Keep those
stories coming and good luck.

Charitable
Giving Survey

Our recent blog
post about cause marketing, spells out the ways that everyone benefits when
companies and non-profit organizations join forces to put out their message. We
hope that the post spreads some awareness among BNI members and administrators
about the power of these partnerships. To learn more about your philanthropic
efforts we have posted a charitable giving survey. When you fill it out we will
use your responses to develop more ways for the BNI Foundation to partner with
BNI regions and chapters, as well local business, to make a positive impact on
the schools and children in our communities. Take the survey here. 

Givers
Gain® Grant Cycle

The next Givers Gain® grant cycle opens on September 15th.  Schools and educational organizations that
have an active Business Voices team in their area are eligible to apply for a
$1000 grant. In addition, the school or educational organization must be an
approved public 501c3 (non-profit).  Five
grants of $1000 each will be awarded during the BNI Global Convention in November.
Applications are available by email at info@bnifoundation.org or by phone at 704-248-4800,
Ext 91.

You can also click here for more
information.

Back
to School Appeal

Our Back to School donor appeal campaign is kicking off in early
September. While our current drive is a push for funding before school starts,
there are many needs that arise throughout the school year, and our continued support
is critical. We ask that you consider giving to the BNI Foundation to support
this and other similar important
causes. Funding raised during this campaign will directly impact those
in need.  Keep an eye out for the
donation letter or feel free to donate here.

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