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6 Easy Ways Entrepreneurs Can Boost Productivity

Posted on by BNI Global

What could you do with an extra hour every day? For most entrepreneurs, finding ways to increase productivity can be game changing for their businesses. In honor of Microsoft’s National Entrepreneurship Week from February 20 through 24, consider the following simple ways to help make the most of your day.

  1. Stick to a timeline. Break your days up into 30-minute time blocks, and schedule your work and meetings around those. Having your day accounted for in such detail can keep you accountable as you work toward finishing your projects, and can help you make sure that you aren’t overburdening yourself. Try to keep your daily schedule in a place that you can refer to it regularly throughout the day so you can ensure you are on track, whether that be your email calendar, a physical day-planner or even a bullet journal.
  2. Stop multi-tasking while you work. Most people do it, and some even pride themselves on how well they can multi-task. The most effective way to work is to be 100 percent present, so dividing your attention can slow down your process, despite the fact that you are working on more than one task at a time. Whether you’re writing an email, completing your upcoming budget, or exploring for a new vendor, give it your full attention.
  3. Give yourself breaks. Take regular breaks away from your phone, computer or desk in a day to help you refresh. Ten minutes every hour spent taking a walk down the hall and back to your desk can help you come back to projects with fresh eyes, and let you have a bit of time to decompress. This time is also great if you do something that requires you to spend time looking at a computer, because it gives your eyes a break, too.
  4. De-clutter your workspace regularly. It’s perfectly natural for your desk or office to accumulate stray papers, books and sticky-notes. Whether you realize it or not, the build-up of stuff is negatively affecting your productivity. Not only can it be stressful to look around you and see reminders of your to-do list, looking for things you need in piles can suck endless amounts of your time. Take time each week to tidy up your desk, your laptop bag, your computer desktop and anywhere else you may just leave things to “get to later.”
  5. Delegate. You may be the boss, but that doesn’t mean you need to do everything. Employees, business partners and agencies can be great resources to help you get done everything that your business requires. Being an entrepreneur isn’t about doing everything yourself, it’s about making the resources you have at hand line up to help your business flourish.
  6. Keep your network up-to-date. Your referral network is one of your business’s greatest assets, so don’t let it fall to the wayside as your work in your business. Regularly connecting with referral partners can help you develop new clients, expand your business and ultimately multiply what your business can and does offer. As you grow your client-base, you’ll be able to invest in new resources and new opportunities will follow. Along with updating your current referral network, always look to grow your network, too. Joining a BNI chapter can help you find new connections, develop credibility and expand your business. Click here to find a chapter near you.

The Change You Wish to See

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by Sam Orfanidis, Spectac Health Fitness and Performance, Prosperity BNI, BNI Vermont

Businesses change and adapt. They evolve, overcome, thrive and repeat. The question is, how do we look at change?  How do we reflect on 2016 and improve? We change, and never stop growing. Keep working until you have been the change you wish to see in your company and in your business world. To improve, we change.

Now, think of BNI®.  How has BNI changed your business? Have you changed since you first heard of BNI? Has the way you talk, listen and market your business changed? To make those changes, we must be willing to adapt and work through the things that may be causing stress or hindering business growth.  If we do not want to grow and excel, why stay in business?

Look at all your numbers from last year. You did One-to-Ones, which is great. Out of those One-to-Ones, how many were repeat meetings? How did these One-to-Ones change your thoughts on a fellow member’s business?  Did any meeting spark the idea of a new business venture, or a different way to market your business?  If so, that is a successful meeting. A better question is how many referrals did you give last year?

As you’re reading, if you are anything like me, you are asking yourself, “Why are there so many questions in this article?”  Well, how many times a day do you ask yourself these questions? To change, we must challenge ourselves every day, and you should always ask yourself the questions that you would ask someone else, notably, “How did your business perform and if you could, what would you do differently?”

Use BNI as your tool for change.  After you look at your numbers, ask yourself another question, “How can I do better?” That may be more One-to-Ones or more time spent in the community. Whatever it may be, use the tools that you are in this organization for. Go to member events and talk to people. Challenge yourself every day to do something you normally would not do.

Questions aside, businesses change and hopefully for the better. Change with your company and change with your employees.  How we change directly impacts our bottom line.  Why would any business want to take a step backward? 

Unless that step backward is to strategically advance. How do you want to be remembered? A boss or a leader?  BNI changed my outlook and changed my business.  I challenge everyone to change.  

Repeat Training to Bring Added Value to You and Your Chapter

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by Sharon Cirillo, Alliance Insurance, BNI Referrals in Paradise, BNI Soutwest Florida

I was one of the original members when the first BNI® chapter in Southwest Florida was formed, in 2004, Referrals In Paradise.  There were only six members at the time, and I remember when I was personally asked by a good friend of mine who sold cars to visit. He had to ask me three times before he finally convinced me to visit and, ultimately, join. 

I was a little hesitant, as I had never been involved in any networking groups before. I have been in the insurance business for about 25 years, and thought I was getting all the business I needed. Boy, was I wrong.

My business has grown exponentially with being involved with this organization. I love the concept, I believe in it and enjoy the many training sessions they provide for their members. 

I recently attending a Member Success Program session, as I had not attended one since becoming a new member over 10 years ago. While most seasoned members think they don’t need to revisit this training, think again. There were so many changes and ideas that I was able to learn and bring back to my chapter to help us all improve.  When I look back and see where I was back then, I see how much my business has grown since joining, and it has been phenomenal.

I estimate that 20 to 30 percent of my business comes from BNI.  I have been heavily involved with my chapter, and I was even elected President, among other job duties that I have performed. It is by far the best experience I could ever had in educating myself and my fellow members, and bringing back valuable information to my insurance agency.

Opportunities Available for Qualified Franchisees in the United States

Posted on by BNI Global

Five years ago, Vickie Wacek became the Executive Director of BNI® Vermont. Since then, she has focused on building a positive, enduring culture of success through coaching on all topics related to referral marketing. Those who know Vickie personally would attest to her unrelenting dedication to her members. Her results speak volumes. Last year membership in her region grew by 16 percent.  Even more impressive, since taking over as Executive Director, her region has grown by an astounding 185 percent.   

We are highlighting Vickie because we think she is a great representative of a well-rounded, positive and accountable Executive Director. In short, BNI wants more people like Vickie to take on some amazing ownership opportunities available right now in the U.S.  Exceptional leaders are hard to find and we need your help. BNI is looking for exceptional business leaders who are personally engaged in growing the brand and exemplify the BNI Core Values every day.    

We are actively seeking new and passionate franchisees in the following markets: 

  • Alabama
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Maryland
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington, D.C.

Who do you know that would make a wonderful addition to our team?  Please email Joe Ross, U.S. Franchise Development Manager, at franchise@bni.com, or click here to learn more.

Win a Trip to BNI’s 2018 Global Convention in Bangkok

Posted on by BNI Global

We are now recruiting passionate business leaders to lead the development of BNI? in new countries as a BNI National Director.

We will be awarding an exciting complementary trip to BNI?s 2018 Global Convention in Bangkok, Thailand to any current BNI Member, Director Consultant, Executive Director or National Director who refers us to a business leader who is approved and becomes a new BNI National Director!

Visit bnifranchise.com to learn more about the types of leaders who make great BNI National Directors.? We?re focused on expanding BNI into these countries this year but are open to referrals for professionals for any country in which BNI currently doesn?t have a presence.? Please reach out to Marcel Portmann, BNI?s Director of Global Franchise Development, with any questions at franchise@bni.com.

Rules & Qualifications:

  • Only current BNI Members, Director Consultants, Executive Directors and National Directors are eligible for this program.
  • Referrals must be emailed to Marcel Portmann at franchise@bni.com?to be eligible.
  • In order to win, referrals must be approved by BNI?s Global Support Team by March 31, 2018.
  • Only original referrals (i.e. that BNI wasn?t currently aware of) are eligible for this program.?
  • You can win multiple times, and an unlimited number of prizes can be awarded.?

Prizes:

Individuals who provide us with a successful referral to a new National Director will win:

  • Two (2) complimentary round-trip coach airfare tickets to/from Bangkok for BNI?s Global Convention, taking place November 8-10, 2018.
  • Two (2) complimentary tickets to BNI?s 2018 Global Convention
  • Complimentary hotel reservations for four nights at the Convention Hotel
  • Exclusive One-to-One with Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI
  • Exclusive One-to-One with Beth Misner, President of the BNI Foundation
  • Exclusive excursion with other winners and Graham Weihmiller, Chairman & CEO of BNI

How to Provide a Referral:

Email Marcel Portmann (franchise@bni.com) to refer qualified business professionals for consideration.? Thank you.

?

*Note: There will be a maximum value of $7,500 USD per winner for items noted above.? If the combination of the airfare, hotel and/or convention tickets exceeds $7,500 USD, winner will be responsible for all costs and fees exceeding $7,500 USD.?? Winners are solely responsible for the payment of all local and governmental taxes associated with winning the prize. US Citizens subject to receipt of Form 1099-MISC. BNI reserves the right to alter or cancel this program at any time.? All determinations regarding any aspect of this program will be made by BNI in its sole discretion.? Void where prohibited by law.

Pictured above: Lumphini, Bangkok, Thailand

BNI Foundation? Welcomes Starr Director to Team

Posted on by BNI Global

The BNI Foundation? is pleased to announce that Stephanie Starr has joined the team as the new Executive Director for the Foundation, based out of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Smiley face

With a focus on children and education, the BNI Foundation
received its non-profit status at the end of 2016.??The BNI Foundation?is poised for a watershed year due to the support of our newest team member,? said Board Chair, Jeff Stay of Miami, Florida.

Stephanie graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor
of Science in Psychology and Hunter College School of Social Work with a Masters
of Social Work. She obtained her Project Management Professional certificate in
August 2016 and has been a licensed clinical social worker since April 1997.

?Stephanie?s 14 plus years of leadership and management
experience in both for-profit and non-profit agencies will benefit the BNI
Foundation?s operations,? said Stay.

Starr?s former roles included directing complex strategic
business initiatives in the areas of process improvement, organizational
transformation, organizational restructuring and human capital management. Some
of her accomplishments in her last position at a non-profit agency include increasing
the agency budget by 67 percent, increasing annual campaign gifts by 41 percent,
implementing a comprehensive and integrated client and donor software system,
rebranding the agency (including logo), updating the agency website, developing
a donor stewardship and legacy program and revamping all workflows and
operations.

?We are very excited to bring Stephanie into the BNI Foundation
to help us achieve our ambitious organizational goals,? said Stay.?

Stephanie has lived in Charlotte for almost 21 years with her
husband, Steve and their three children. ?I am very excited to use my skills
and expertise to benefit a non-profit with such a great focus and opportunities
as the BNI Foundation,? said Starr.

To learn more about the BNI Foundation, visit www.BNIFoundation.org.?

The Three-Step Follow-Up Formula

Posted on by Ivan Misner, Ph.D.

Featuring guest co-author Brennan Scanlon

We often see people make the mistake of meeting many individuals at networking events and then not having a system in place to follow up with the new contacts afterward.  Here’s a simple follow-up formula we recommend; it’s called the 24/7/30 System.

When you meet someone at a networking event, drop them a note within the first 24 hours. It can be a personal handwritten note or an e-mail. Use whatever approach you will do consistently.  Let them know that it was a pleasure meeting them and you hope your paths cross again.

Within 7 days, connect with them on social media. Make a connection via LinkedIn or Facebook. Follow them on Twitter or join them on Google+. Find ways to connect and engage with them via the social media platforms you use the most. Do not do this as a way to sell to them; do it as a way to start establishing a meaningful connection with them.

Within 30 days, reach out to them to set up a face-to-face meeting. If you live near each other, meet in person. If you are far away from one another, set up a meeting via Skype or by phone. At this meeting, find out more about what they do, and look for ways to help them in some way. Don’t make it a sales call; make it a relationship-building opportunity.

If you use the 24/7/30 System to follow up with people you meet, you will establish a powerful routine that will help you make your networking efforts meaningful and successful. Use technology to help remind you to follow up at the appropriate intervals. After you send the first note or e-mail, set up reminders on your phone or calendar to follow up at one week and one month out. As the late, great motivational speaker and author Jim Rohn, used to say, “The fortune is in the follow-up.”

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. Dr. Misner is also the Sr. Partner for the Referral Institute, an international referral training company (www.referralinstitute.com). 

IFA Leaders Share Expertise at Advanced National Director Training

Posted on by BNI Global

For the first time in organization history, BNI Global invited franchisees from around the world to participate in an Advanced National Director Training in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, from January 27 through 28. Over 40 BNI country heads attended the training, which featured a presentation by the International Franchise Association (IFA) in advance of their 2017 Convention, also hosted at the end of January in Las Vegas.

Members of the IFA team shared with BNI representatives best practices in international franchising, and the upcoming IFA Convention, where BNI represents one of the largest global delegations in attendance.

Many thanks to the IFA representatives for sharing their expertise and time with BNI country leaders. Those who presented for BNI include: Robert Cresanti, IFA President and CEO; Scot Lehr, Senior Vice President; Josh Merin, Director of International Relations; and Paul Rocchio, Vice President.

In addition to sharing best practices, IFA representatives also aided in facilitating introductions to leaders in global franchising for BNI leaders.

How Leaders Can Ignite Innovation

Posted on by BNI Global

Innovation doesn’t have to be disruptive. All it takes is one small advancement to make a major difference in whether you are going to increase revenue, enhance customer service, or minimize cost. In 2017, it is more important than ever to ignite innovation as a way to help propel your business forward. To help you along the way, here are a few ways you can begin igniting innovation in your business.

Identify problem areas

The first thing you have to do is identify any problems in your business. You cannot begin to solve a problem until you know what the problem is in the first place. As soon as you know what the problem is, you can work on solving it. Solving problems within your organization requires a team of individuals who have engaging minds. By joining together to solve the problem, you will invigorate innovation and change within your business.

Find the right team of professionals

Companies need more than one person who is innovative if they are going to succeed. While society wants you to conform to what they think is the standard, that doesn’t mean it is going to be in your best interest. You should be different. Stand out in a crowd and command attention. You need people who can embrace the trend and think outside of the box. You need innovative thinkers, even though society may say you shouldn’t be innovative.

As a business owner, you can only do a few different things: create, maintain or destroy. If you are going to be innovative, you have to ask yourself whether your team members are helping you create something or whether they are destroying something. If they are destroying your business model, you need to find new employees. When you understand what it is that you are dealing with, you can begin innovating more efficiently and moving your business model forward.

Spend time focusing on your core business model

For a business to grow, it has to look for and identify areas of growth. To do this, spend time searching within your core business model to see where you are now and what you can hope to gain. However, you cannot stray away from your core business model. You want to maintain your current foundation and build upon it. After all, it is all about what your customers want and need. You can only make money when your customers are able to see the true value in what your service or product has to offer.

Be willing to change

Innovation is all about being willing to change at a moment’s notice. You have to be ready to jump on the next big idea and go with it. Continuously define your roadmap to success and focus on sustaining your leadership in an ever-changing market.

By signing up and attending a BNI meeting, you can witness firsthand how to grow and improve your business. At BNI, we have a trusted network of professionals that are dedicated to helping other businesses succeed. Our philosophy, Givers Gain®, is centered around the premise of by giving business to others, you will get business in return.  

BNI Global Celebrates 32 Years

Posted on by BNI Global

On Sunday, January 8, 2017, BNI® celebrated 32 years of growth. The first official meeting of The Network, the original name of BNI, was held by Dr. Ivan Misner and friends in January 1985 in Arcadia, California. At the time, BNI was a bi-weekly organization, and started with less than 20 members in the first chapter.

By the end of 1985, BNI had expanded to 20 chapters. Since then, over 211,000 business professionals around the world have found their referral network through BNI. Operating in 70+ countries, with nearly 8,000 networking meetings a week, BNI is truly the world’s leading referral organization. In 2016 alone, our member businesses generated over $12.5 billion USD in referred business for one another.

To learn more about BNI’s rich 32-year history, visit our history timeline here.

Are you Selling to Your Network? Well, Don?t!

Posted on by Ivan Misner, Ph.D.

I?ve noticed that people in business networking groups have a tendency to ?sell? to others in the group. Educating your network about the type of referrals you want is much more important to your networking efforts. This demands a shift in how you see your networking partners. They are not the clients! They are, in effect, your sales force! In order for any sales force to get out there and sell you effectively, they have to know who to sell (or refer) you to and how to sell (or refer) you.

When people join a networking group they tend to focus on convincing people in that group to try their product or service.? They show them all the finer points of what is available and attempt to close the deal with their networking partners.

I don?t disagree that in order for the members of your networking group to refer you effectively, they must be familiar with what you have to offer; however, when you are in front of them, it?s important to resist the urge to sell to them!

Below are four tips for incorporating what I call the ?3+1 Process of Networking? with your referral partners:

1. Does ?anybody? know ?somebody?? I often hear members of networking groups say things like ?anyone who needs?? or ?everyone who is looking for?? Usually, when I hear anyone or everyone, I tune out, because I know so many ?anyones? and ?everyones,? that I end up referring no one! This is an interesting dynamic, but I think it has a lot to do with information overload. Using a catch phrase that is so broad and generic will limit the effectiveness of the results you will get.

2. Specific is terrific.? Break your business down into specific products or services. It is very tempting to start out your personal introduction with a statement like: ?we are a full-service business that does XYZ.? Resist this urge! Don?t waste the opportunity by painting with the ?full-service? brush.? Instead, over the course of a year introduce a specific element of what it is that you are selling or providing with each and every meeting. Get detailed! Educate your networking partners week by week with key elements of your business based on a specific product or service that you provide.? Sharpshoot your talk, don?t shotgun it!

3. Teach your network members what your ?dream referral? looks like. If you could come to your next networking meeting with a walking, talking dream referral in tow, what would he or she be like? Be very descriptive of this person as you talk to your networking partners, so descriptive that it?s like that person is in the room with you. The more details you provide, the greater the chance that your partners will recognize that person when they come across him or her outside of the meeting!

Plus one more: Share customer stories. This is a highly effective way to educate your networking partners about what it is that you are looking for as a new customer or client. By sharing the qualities and aspects of your current clientele, you are illuminating the canvas for the rest of the group so they can see the picture you are portraying for them. When appropriate, consider bringing in a customer or client to talk about how you have helped their business. These kinds of interactions go a long way toward educating the group as to the type of person you wish to have referred to you.

You should be trying to ?educate a sales force? instead of trying to ?close a sale.? Shift your intention in the group and you will find that the quality of referrals will shift for the better, as well. Your time to close the sale will come when you are with the referrals that you will receive. By keeping your focus on educating your networking partners about what type of referrals you wish to receive from them, you will find that the referrals will be a higher caliber.? Most importantly, those referrals will have a better chance of becoming closed sales than if you try to sell the members on what you are offering. Keep in mind that when you join a network like BNI, you are partnering with a group of people who will become your sales force so, educate, educate, educate them on how to refer you.

What go-to phrases do you use to educate your network on the products and services you offer? What tactics have you tried that simply don?t work?

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, the world?s largest business networking organization.? His new book, Avoiding the Networking Disconnect can be viewed at Amazon.com.

Presenting Your Business Through Yourself

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by Jackie DesLauriers, Office Environments, Prestige BNI, BNI Vermont

We all have an idea how we should present ourselves to our potential clients, new clients and clients who have done business with us for many years. Whether we are trying to do business with someone new or not, we should always carry ourselves in a manner that makes them feel comfortable around us. We want them to trust that we will deliver and get the job done well. We should look at members in BNI®, those in our networking circles and those outside of our group, and adhere to those same expectations.

How would you submit a proposal? Would you want it to be neat, with clean pages and easy to understand? Would you pay attention to the request and make sure to address it thoroughly in your response? Would you submit it in on time?  Or would you submit it with crumpled pages, hard to read, late and maybe miss some of the points they were hoping to get answers to? Now compare this to how you present yourself to your referral partners. Are you showing them you are reliable by showing up on time to meetings? Are you delivering everything you say with a clear and concise message? Are you following one of BNI’s Core Values, Givers Gain®, by continuously looking out for your peers? These are some things that we, as business professionals, should think about when we think of networking and how we present ourselves.

Every week in BNI when we meet with the members of our chapter, we are educating them on who we are, how we do business and asking them for a qualified referral. How we present ourselves to the members of our chapters should align with how we present ourselves to our clients. We are, after all, training them weekly to trust in us as business professionals and to give them the confidence that we will take great care of the referrals they have passed on to us.

Along with presenting comes preparation. You should always be prepared with your ideal referral and something new to share about your business. Presenting the information clearly and effectively is key in getting your message across and presentation skills are in some capacity required in almost every field. A common goal for all BNI members is to continuously improve your weekly presentations. Career growth necessitates presenting your ideas to others, and your presentation skills are important to not only individual success but to also the success of an organization.

Presentations are your opportunity to educate your network, and give them the marketing content that they take with them for the week to find you qualified referrals. 

Living in Abundance thanks to BNI®

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by Craig LaMar, Crye-Leike Real Estate Services, BNI Givers Gain® 4 Life BNI Alabama

I was recently asked in my Givers Gain® 4 Life meeting to share in one word about what BNI® means for me. My word was abundance.

I’m on a life journey, and during that journey I find myself traveling between survival, stability and abundance. Of course, I hate living in survival, and love living in abundance.  Because of experiences in BNI, I am closer to living in abundance every day, and that is a great place to live and work.

Before joining BNI, I found myself winding up in survival too often. That’s a place I don’t like and always dread. I’d ask myself, “How in the world did you get back here, Craig?” Usually it is because I didn’t watch the signs along the way, or didn’t look at my map or just ignored which way I was going.

I think success and finding abundance has a lot to do with accountability. BNI brings accountability to my life journey and offers me the tools and the process to hold me accountable. If I do my One-to-Ones, learn from my Continued Education Units, go out each day with intent to refer my connections’ services to the people I know who need them, I know that I will not be stuck long in survival and can move on to stability.

Stability is a much better place to live and work. When I find myself in stability, the thought that I love and which inspires me is that with the help and support of my BNI partners, processes and systems, I can move quickly to abundance. I just have to work within the system and support my partners. In stability I feel more confident – my map and path is very clear. Each day in stability is wrapped in the attitude of being grateful. Every day begins with affirmations and mantras of things for which I am grateful. Every day begins with how can I help someone else today. And the BNI attitude of Givers Gain keeps that focus razor sharp.

Living in abundance, which I am much closer to now than ever because of BNI, is something that motivates me. As I learn the principles and practice the systems, I can live in abundance. It’s a fantastic place to be. Thank You BNI’ers around the world!

Persistence Leads to Business Growth Through Referrals

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by Steve Cain, All Vacuum Center, Inc, BNI Kenton-Boone Chapter, BNI Southwestern Ohio/Northern Kentucky, U.S.



My BNI® story isn’t about one particular success, one great connection made, nor how it has increased my business. It’s more.

BNI was introduced to me by a friend and business associate almost nine years ago. After being reminded I should visit every week for a year, I consented, mostly to appease him.

When I attended that first meeting, I saw three customers of mine sitting in the room. Then I saw my high school senior class homeroom teacher, whom I hadn’t seen in over 25 years. She was now in the website creation business with her husband.

Not only did I receive testimonials for my vacuum cleaner retail business from my current customers, I left with credibility and knowing I was on to something that I never knew existed for the past

31 years in business, all thanks to my persistent friend, Matt.

Now in my ninth year of BNI, it has proven to be beneficial to my business and my life. The amount of friendships I have developed is large, but the personal relationships and development are immeasurable benefits I have received in BNI.

Were it not for that friend, who to this day is still in BNI and urging his contacts to visit a chapter, I don’t know that I would have discovered what has proven to not only be a vehicle to grow my business, but to grow as a person using the Givers Gain® philosophy.

Active Networking Leads to Tremendous Growth

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted Tibor Billwachs, UFS Group, Business Advantage, BNI Hungary



I have been working for UFS Group, a financial adviser firm, as a partner for years, and have been a BNI® member for over a year, although my road to become a member was not so easy.

Besides my financial advisory work, I was teaching financial basics and company management for young adults. As team leader, I usually spent a day each week with my students, from whom I first heard about BNI. Due to the fact that some of them have already been members, they talked about the organization among themselves but nobody invited me to attend a chapter meeting as a visitor. Back then I felt that visiting BNI was an opportunity that needs to be grabbed, so I registered myself via the website and attended the first meeting in April 2015.

The atmosphere, the fellow members and the idea behind the organization were all convincing, but what truly inspired me to apply was the business opportunity. At the meeting, members gave thank you cards to each other worth 35 million Hungarian forints (about $118,000 USD). Sitting there, I was thinking that if within a year I could be able to achieve only 10 percent of this amazing result, the decision to join would be worth it for me. These experiences proved to be more than convincing so I immediately applied, and a month later participated in the chapter meetings as a member.

What’s more, the opportunities available appeared so great that another firm I chair, BiztosAcél Kft, was also integrated slowly into the Fehérvár chapter. In the first half of 2016, nearly 30 percent of the firm’s income was achieved due to the referrals and new social capital of BNI.

As with everything else in life, BNI membership only works when we are active in it. Paying the membership fee and waiting for a miracle is not enough, because it will not arrive. The more shows up and works for success, the more they become known and can generate more opportunities. One of the best ways of becoming visible is taking active part in the life of the chapter. I became the chapter’s Education Coordinator after three months, then I was part of the Membership Committee, and since April 2016, have supported our members as Chapter President.

One of the important things I have learned is that BNI is a marketing technique, which you can use the way you want. If you do not put anything into it, there won’t be any results. So if you do not take advantage of the opportunities provided by networking, it is a waste, but if you are active and participate, it can be repaid in a short period. It depends only on me, if I spend time on it. If I do something, I do it full swing. I do not pay to sit there, but I sit there to help the time, energy and capital invested get repaid.

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