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35 Reasons to Give

Posted on by BNI Global

Last year was the 20th anniversary of the BNI® Foundation, but as you would expect from an organization that embraces “Givers Gain®”, BNI chapters have been supporting their local communities from day one. In truth, that is what happens when business owners come together and use the Core Values of BNI to help each other grow their businesses – they want to help others too! 

To celebrate 35 years of BNI we are excited to announce that Dr. Ivan and Beth Misner have generously made us an offer we cannot refuse. They will match every donation of $35 made via the BNI Foundation’s website between 8th January 2020 and the end of International Networking Week 2020 with their own $35 donation up to a total of $10,000. What better way can there be to start the year? 

To participate, please visit our donation page and enter $35 in the amount box and complete the form. This gives us a great chance to kick of the new year with a realistic and generous goal of raising $20,000. These funds will then be used to repair or rebuild a school in a place where our help is most needed – in line with our mission of supporting Children and Education around the world.

But that is not all… The Foundation Board has set another ambitious goal: In addition to the 9 countries in which we already have a formal BNI Foundation presence (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, UK, USA) we are aiming higher than ever and aiming to launch in at least another 35 countries by the end of 2020. 

By launch we mean one of two things:

1) The formation of a legal entity BNI Foundation, duly constituted and registered under the laws of that country.
2) The establishment of a Business Voices program represented by a specific “go to person” appointed in cooperation with the respective National Office.

Business Voices is integral to the foundation, giving chapters a perfect opportunity to work actively with local schools and other organizations. They do this by teaching children and young people basic business and networking skills, thereby ensuring that they are better prepared for the adult world. Business Voices is a global social movement and if this interests you, and you would like to know more, please write to us at info@BNIFoundation.org, David Kauffman at Davidk@bnifoundation.org or myself, Kevin Barber (kevin@bni.com) directly. 

Here’s to lots of 35s – $35, 35 new countries and the next 35 years of Changing the Way the World Does Business! Thank you and a Happy New Year.

Your BNI Foundation

Founder’s Reflections

Posted on by Ivan Misner, Ph.D.

Reflections from Dr. Ivan Misner

35 years ago, I put together about 20 people in a small coffee shop in Arcadia, California for the very first meeting of BNI®. However, it was not called BNI at first. The original organization, “The Network”, was run from a small bedroom that was converted into an office inside my house in La Verne, California. I recognized back then that I had struck a chord within the business community.  Networking is not taught in colleges and universities anywhere in the world, although businesspeople are hungry for referrals. They simply had no viable way to generate them regularly back in 1985.

What’s amazing is that BNI has had 35 consecutive years of growth – each year growing over the last.  Very few companies in the world can say that. I was in Rotary Club when I started BNI and it took Rotary 80 years to get to 10,000 clubs. I dreamed back then that one day we would have 10,000 chapters, and here we are in only 35 years just shy of that goal with 9,400 Chapters.  It’s important to dream big, work your plan and do everything possible to make those dreams come true. 
 
It is very humbling to me to see what BNI has become. I simply had this nugget of an idea 35 years ago. If it was just me, it would be two chapters, not approaching 10,000. It was all of you that made the dream a reality. BNI’s impact on the world of business and on individual lives continues to flourish. I feel so proud of how the Givers Gain® philosophy has been embraced by millions of people and expanded around the world.
 
In celebration of BNI’s 35th anniversary, I share this video story of BNI’s beginning and my astonishment at just how successful BNI has become.  Thank you. 

A Foundation of Action

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by David Kauffman Vice Chair BNI Foundation, Managing Director BNI Delaware Valley Regions

We had a GREAT convention and I would like to thank all those who supported the foundation at this historic event!

A number of our supporters flew in early to help us with the first “Givers Gain In Action” event where we went to a local library and helped with a beautification project. We had over 25 National Directors, members of the Global support team, and several local members volunteer their time for this event. All of us who attended brought books in our home language to add to their library. 

Here is a link to the video of the event. It was an incredible experience.

We then went to the Daniel School and visited with the children and staff to see how the grant given to them a few years ago has made a difference. We learned that they have grown from 1 school to over 30! 

We took the time to speak to the children and asked what they needed. Their response was quite surprising to us… They asked for English tutors, PE teachers, microscopes and chairs. Why chairs? They do not have enough tables and chairs to eat their lunch, so many of them sit and eat on the floor. We were able to give them a Givers Gain Grant to buy 6 microscopes and several large benches to sit on. This is how your dollars are helping local children!

  • During our main stage presentation at Convention, we were proud to present the following awards: The Ivan Misner Excellence in Giving Award which went to our long-time supporter Meena Srinivasan
  • The BNI Foundation Award of Excellence which was presented to Elisabeth Misner for her many years of service to the foundation.

From the main stage, in conjunction with our overflowing round tables, we were able to raise global awareness about the BNI Foundation and Business Voices (the boots on the ground). Members and directors learned how the BNI Foundation belongs to them and how they could get involved and truly make a difference in a child’s life.

Dr. Ivan Misner spoke about the creation of The Misner Endowment and our goal of growing it to at least one million US dollars. We had several members, directors and countries step up and donate to help us reach our goal. We would like to thank all those who have donated to this project. We were able to collect over ½ of the pledged donations at our booth.

We would also like to thank Jean-Michel Steber and Team France for creating and donating the Tree of Hope which was used to collect donations and then raffled off at the gala on Saturday night. Along with other prizes donated by Ester Wong and Kevin Barber, we collected over 600 envelopes with donations and pledges.

We are working hard to grow the foundation and hope to be up and running in at least 6 more new countries before the next Global Convention in Miami. The Business Voices teams around the world keep growing, even in countries that do not yet have foundations or may never have a formal foundation. 

We need to get your stories. If you are a part of a team, please send us your stories here. If you would like more information on the BNI Foundation or Business Voices Teams, please contact us at info@bnifoundation.org

Embrace your Passion & Dream Big

Posted on by BNI Global

This Member Success Story was submitted by Clara Overes, Member and Director Consultant from the Energiek chapter in BNI Netherlands.

In 2014, I attended BNI’s Global Convention. During a session led by Jannet Attwood I was challenged to write down a goal for my business. I wrote down: “I will deliver Passion Test workshops in Dubai.” It took some time, but five years later that dream became a reality through BNI. 

My company, The Passion Test.nu, is all about helping business owners find their passions so that they can best focus their efforts for personal and professional growth. Research from Gallup in 2017 shows that only 13% of the working people in the world are engaged and happy with their work. I’m hoping to change that by helping professionals work in areas where they’re most passionate. Imagine if 100% of the world was working in areas where they’re truly passionate. The world would be a much better place! 

I’m currently a member of the BNI Global Power Team, the only online chapter where members focus their efforts on growing their businesses internationally. It’s made a world of difference. My weekly 45 second presentation really challenges me to focus on the needs of my business, so I can get the best referrals possible. 

Since 2014’s Global Convention, I’ve asked month after month for contacts in Dubai – no leads. Finally, I had a 1-2-1 with BNI Global Power Team member Dirk Hinze from Lausanne. He introduced me to the Global Director of IDCN (Internationale Dual Career Network) and that was my foot in the door to leading my first workshop in Dubai, just a few short weeks ago – my dream fulfilled! 

Not only that, I was soon connected with an event agency that has agreed to sell my workshops throughout the United Arab Emirates. I’m confident that I’ll continue to host workshops in UAE.

At this point, all my international clients come from BNI – every single one. And it’s not just that. Often the international clients I get through BNI end up leading to more referrals! 

Through the BNI Global Power Team, I’m also working with chapter members to take my workshops online where I can offer virtual Passion Test workshops. This will make my services accessible from anywhere. 

My goal was to host my workshops in UAE but in BNI I’ve gotten so much more – workshops, increased referrals, and a business that’ll be accessible around the world. 

I am very grateful to Dirk Hinze for this powerful introduction to IDCN and to Paola Devescovi for supporting me with the technical delivery of my online pilot. 

The Passion Test is all about connecting people with their passions so that they can better connect with themselves, their friends, their families, and their colleagues. It has the power to change the world. With BNI as a partner and a support system, I’m sure we’ll get there. 

Plug in and Grow!

Posted on by BNI Global

This Member Success Story was submitted by Dutton Smith, BNI Vermont Ambassador

When I started my business, I was 60 years old.  I did not see HomeSmith Services growing beyond me, myself and I.  I viewed it as my sunset career, doing a few inspections a week.  A nice way to ease into retirement.  I soon realized that I needed to do more than that.  I wasn’t prepared for the added cost of being in business for myself, and the loss of benefits (like health care) that I was getting as part of my previous job.  I needed a way to ramp up my volume to pay for all of this.

Along came BNI.  I was invited to the kickoff event for the Middlebury BNI chapter the same month that I started my business.  I thought, “This is perfect.  Another way to generate a few leads and keep me busy.”  I remember my interview for membership when they asked the question, “What are your plans for business growth?  Are you of a mindset to grow your business as we give you referrals over the years?”  I responded that I didn’t really have any plans for growth other than to keep myself busy.  I certainly was NOT going to hire employees and expand my company.  What would be the point?  I’m too close to retirement.  Well… BNI had other plans.  I was not prepared for the amount of work the BNI network would throw at me!

My business is seasonal.  Spring, summer and fall are my busy times.  That’s when people tend to be looking for, and buying houses.  My second year in business, I had to turn away almost 100 jobs because I could not meet their schedule needs.  The same thing happened in my third year.  As 2019 began, I asked myself, “Why not position the company to handle all that extra work?”  I knew what that meant, of course.  I had to hire an employee.  Just the thing I said I would never do!

I really did not want to hire employees because of all the extra work, insurance, payroll, training, etc.  Then it hit me.  All the resources I needed were already available in my BNI network!  The whole process turned out to be much easier and less expensive than I thought.  I received expert guidance from my accountant, insurance agent, bookkeeper, and payroll service, (all part of BNI) and was able to get everything set up with a minimum of hassle.   I hired another inspector at the beginning of the summer to keep up with the work that was coming in, and I am contemplating hiring an administrative employee next year.  On top of that, I’m working on a plan to sell the business to my employee.  That was never in my plan, but BNI has made it possible.

BNI is a powerful system!  If you are serious about growing your business, just plug into the BNI system and your business will grow.  It’s that simple.

BNI, A Family Affair

Posted on by BNI Global

This Member Success Story was submitted by Daniel L. Haverman, President Business Exchange Chapter and Ambassador Palm Beach Region.

We all know that BNI is a community of business leaders, but for some… it’s more than that. 

How would you feel if you found out a member of your BNI chapter was actually a member of your family? Such is the case of Giselle and Zoraya Camilo, whose story is the epitome of a serendipitous encounter.

In 1969, Juan Camillo and his wife, natives of the Dominican Republic, moved to the United States. Years later, while living in Miami, Florida, their daughter Giselle Camilo was born.

Concurrently, Juan’s first cousin, Felipe Camilo, was living with his family in the Dominican Republic. Upon reaching an appropriate age, his daughter, Zoraya Camilo, moved to the United States. She ended up settling in Palm Beach County with no knowledge of Giselle’s existence.

As coincidence would have it, Giselle who was a longstanding BNI Member owns an Allstate Insurance Agency in the same county.

One day, Giselle was contacted by her chapter’s home inspector whose client was in the process of purchasing a home. However, before the client could close, they were in need of home insurance – a service that Giselle often provided.

Sight unseen, Giselle quickly contacted the referral, who… if you haven’t already guessed, was Zoraya Camilo. While discussing the various options available, Zoraya asked Giselle if Camilo is her maiden name, which it is. Zoraya enthusiastically responded in kind, as that is her maiden name as well. They both then realized that they were from the Dominican Republic, further fueling their interest in each other’s backgrounds as the surname is quite uncommon in the Dominican Republic. They both jokingly agreed that “they must be related”.

What happened next would change their lives forever. After a little research and a few phone calls to several family members, they found out that their fathers are first cousins. Not only have they become close, but Giselle believes that she found more than a long-lost cousin. In her mind, “Zoraya is like a sister to me”.

At BNI, we often talk about building relationships, and this story goes to show how our Core Values go beyond just business. They become ingrained in our everyday lives and are reflected in our actions, both personally and professionally.

Zoraya, who saw the power of referrals first-hand is now joining BNI as part of Giselle’s new Core Group. An incredible addition to our growing community of leaders.

And that’s not all – thanks to BNI, not only are Giselle and Zoraya united, but their fathers, Juan and Felipe, have had the opportunity to reconnect as well. BNI truly is a family affair!

Learning to Play Well With Others

Posted on by Ivan Misner, Ph.D.

Remember your elementary school report card where your teacher graded you on your – ability to play well with others?   Well, things haven’t changed.  I believe your success in business and particularly your success at networking means that you need to learn how to collaborate (in other words, play well with others).

When I was thirteen years old, my mother gave me a paperweight that said, “Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way.”  She went on to say, “honey, I love you but you are a bull in a china shop – you just run people over.  You have to learn how to work with people.  Most importantly, this is about collaboration, not manipulation.”  This advice was a major influence on me for the rest of my life.

You can’t always choose who comes to the playground and you won’t always get a say in who you’re working with. You don’t have be friends with everybody. You don’t even have to like everybody. It’s also important to recognize that different personalities add different perspectives and that, when managed well, can actually make a group more productive.

Don’t let other people control your actions. This begins with some tolerance. Tolerance has to come into collaboration.  Tolerance is a highly used word and an underused practice.  I want to discuss how to use it as a practice.

Let’s talk about Mr. or Ms. Jerk.  I’m going to call them “J.” for short.  Not the name Jay – just the letter (so as not to confuse them with the amazing people out there whose name is Jay).

Remember, keep your eye on the ball and try not to be too sensitive about the jerk – I mean J.  Here are some techniques that will help you with this process.  (I think the last one is critical).

When you’re talking with J. consider these 5 things:

  1. Listen without arguing.  (This is important – especially when it comes to the last point I’ll discuss today).
  2. Ask questions.  Not argumentative questions – but questions that will give you more insight into J.’s point of view.
  3. Show interest in their point of view.  You don’t have to agree to show interest.  Trust me on this one!  I have done this a lot.
  4. If you can, get them to focus on the solutions to the issue and not just the problem!  If all we do is focus on the problem we become an expert on problems.  Say to them: I get it, I see the issue.  Now, the real question – what’s a realistic solution.  Problems are easy to understand, it takes real smarts to find solutions.  So, what’s a solution?  If they give you a lousy solution, then say ok, that’s one possibility, what’s another realistic solution.  Coach them into calmness.
  5. Clear, open, honest and direct communication is the best way to deal with J. or to deal with other people that are dealing with J.  Every single time I’ve had big challenges with people is when one side or the other held back in the communication.  That doesn’t mean unload on people, it means talk to people professionally.

Here are six things to be aware of:

  1. Make yourself invaluable to people by focusing on solutions.
  2. Stay clear of drama and rise above fray. You can do this by checking your emotions and focusing on results.
  3. Don’t complain – be positive. Complaining is not an Olympic sport.
  4. Stay aware of your emotions.  Don’t let others limit your success.
  5. Use your support system.  Talk to others about the solution.
  6. Be a leader not a leaver.

Don’t let “J.’s” craziness drive you to a direction you don’t want to go.

Here’s my last point:

Dysfunctional people are really challenging.  In the book, The Triangle of Truth, Lisa Earle McLeod  says: “I discovered that what actually puts us over the edge towards craziness ourselves is not other people’s dysfunctions; it’s their denial of their dysfunctions. You know, how they go out acting all normal, and even self-righteous, as if we’re the ones who are loopy.”
Don’t give power to others to control your success.  Leaving an opportunity (or a network) because someone’s a jerk gives them power over you AND it gives them free reign to do it to others.

Don’t give J. that power and don’t let others control your success.

Called the “father of modern networking” by CNN, Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author.  He is also the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI (www.bni.com), the world’s largest business networking organization.  His latest book, Who’s in Your Room, The Secret to Creating Your Best Life,  is available at bookstores and at Amazon.com.

Dreaming with Purpose

Posted on by BNI Global

As we look towards the future of BNI®, we must recognize that the road forward is paved by leaders who Dream Big. But how do we separate a Dream from fantasy; how do we make Dreams achievable?

The simple answer is that we stay true to our purpose. By doing this, and focusing on our most profound dreams, we enhance our lives and transform the lives of others around us.

BNI Leaders at this year’s Global Convention learned this first-hand when they were treated to an exclusive presentation from visionary thought leader and best-selling author, Marcia Wieder. As founder of the Meaning Institute and CEO of Dream University, Marcia has taught people to create and live fulfilling lives for over 30 years.

Her message, powerful and inspirational, reminds us that while it’s vital to have a concrete strategy and action plan in place, don’t act on them too quickly. Dreaming Big is about swinging for the fences, but it requires commitment and passion. If you don’t have these, then you’re at risk of compromising your dreams down to what you think is realistically possible.

That’s also why articulating a clear direction and expressing belief in yourself is so essential. If you have clarity on what you want, confidence in yourself and chose action over fear, then you’ve taken the first step to making your Dreams achievable.

Lastly, if you have a clear vision, driven with a clear purpose, you’ll attract others to your cause. A strong support network provides a strong foundation for your Dreams.

Marcia’s message, timeless and inspirational, is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big. 

A Message from Marcia

BNI began with a Dream; one that would change the way how the world does business.

With a global network in over 70 countries, your passion and commitment have made that Dream a reality. By sharing it the world, and inviting others into your network, lives are being transformed in a positive and purposeful manner.

And while it all starts with a Dream, it’s critical that you take action. That’s why the most important thing that you takeaway is that Dream is a verb. Yes it’s also a noun but in taking action on your dreams you make them real.

And one more thing…

If you have a Dream, whether personal or professional, I want you to take the first step to making it a reality. Within one week, think about the one action step that you can take towards achieving that dream. Once you have decided what that step its, take it… no matter what. Don’t compromise your dreams. 

A Gift from Marcia

As you think about what action you can take, Marcia would like to leave you with a gift, a link to her recent Tedx talk  – “Why Just Dreaming is Not Enough“ and how critical it is to take action.

In addition to this compelling video, you’ll also find 10 valuable steps on how to make Dreams come true. Click here to access this exclusive content.

If you would like to contact Marcia directly to explore speaking opportunities, you can contact her at Marcia@DreamUniversity.com.

About Marcia Wieder

For over 30 years, Marcia Wieder has been CEO of Dream University, impacting hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. As a long-established thought leader on visionary thinking she founded and leads, The Meaning Institute, where she teaches people to create and live fulfilling lives. She’s been a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, writes for Huffington Post and is the author of 15 books. Her newest, DREAM: Clarify & Create What You Want premiered at #4 on the Wall Street Journal best seller list and was #1 of all non- fiction books and #1 in 10 countries on Amazon.

She appeared as an expert often on “Oprah” and was featured in her own PBS-TV show called “Making Your Dreams Come True”. She taught at Stanford’s Business School and as president of the National Association of Women Business Owners, she assisted 3 U.S. presidents. She is a member of the Nobel Women’s Initiative supporting the work of Nobel Peace Prize winners. She served on boards for Make- A-Wish and the Unstoppable Foundation, where she helped finance and build 14 schools in Kenya. She is a long-standing member of the prestigious Transformational Leadership Council with many other luminaries in this field.

Testimonials

“Marcia’s right! You have to be able to identify what you really love and really want, before you can get it.”

Oprah Winfrey

 

“Marcia is the best Dream Coach on the planet. With her help, I’ve taken my life to a whole new level.”

Jack Canfield

Three Reasons to Include the BNI Foundation in Your Power Team

Posted on by BNI Global

As I travel around the world, speaking in BNI Regions about the BNI Foundation and our flagship program, Business Voices, I am becoming absolutely convinced that the foundation can be a force for business growth and more referrals in the Chapters.

  1. Being a part of the BNI Foundation amplifies your brand in your Chapter AND in your community: we are at the point in our social milieu that it is simply expected for a business to be involved in charitable/philanthropic service. Making certain your brand or company is engaged in outreach gives you a leading edge with your prospective customers, as well as creates raving fans out of your current clients. Think about it—when you are shopping for anything, say teas, water, or even jewelry, the brand that lets you know right up front on their packaging and advertising that they are involved with social causes of some sort is the one you are statistically most likely to choose. When you get involved with the BNI Foundation at the local Chapter level, you have a turn-key outreach program at the ready. You are joining thousands of other business professionals who are working together to be a positive presence in children’s educational programs! This sets you apart in your community and gives your business great visibility.
  2. Relationships between members grow stronger and go deeper when you get involved with the BNI Foundation’s Business Voices projects. As you work together outside of the weekly Chapter meetings on the outreach projects so needed by the schools and educational organizations who benefit from our time and talent, the bond between Chapter members grows faster. We’ve seen this dynamic over and over. And this is true for your Chapter and it is also true for cross-Chapter relationships. When several BNI Chapters work together on a project, all of the members find they are strengthening their relationships, and that translates into more business by referrals as the members get to know each other at the heart level. There is just something quite special about serving children, schools, and educational organizations as a group. It’s a powerfully effective way to forge close ties and strong bonds with each other. 
  3. We are filling the BNI pipeline with new members coming up from the next generation! This is a by-product of the work we are doing to improve the educational experience for the youth of our communities. When we first started our Business Voices program, I intuitively knew that our work would help to prepare all of our companies’ future employees by ensuring that their educational backgrounds were as strong as they could be. What I have come to see more and more clearly is that we are familiarizing these same young people with the concepts of business networking and the identity of BNI. My husband, Dr. Ivan Misner, laments that we are not teaching business networking in colleges and universities. But why wait until college or university? As we have seen in numerous situations, there are BNI Members who have come to us as a result of learning about business networking and BNI through our outreach programs to youth. This will only be magnified as more and more Chapters and Members get involved in Business Voices and the life-changing work of the BNI Foundation.

So, what can you do to include the BNI Foundation in your Power Team? Learn more about Business Voices at www.BNIFoundation.org under the Take Action tab.  Reach out to your BNI Director to get help to include the BNI Foundation in YOUR Power Team today. Let us know if you would like one of our Business Voices coaches to work with you. We’re here. We’re ready. And we’re more than happy to help. 

“If I Grow, My Business Grows”

Posted on by BNI Global

Charissa Renee is a proud BNI member and owner of Grace to Organize. Learn how her personal growth is helping her grow her business. Charissa is a member of BNI Rocky Mountain Business Builders Chapter in Colorado Springs, CO.


Tell us a little about your business.

I’m the owner of Grace to Organize in Colorado Springs, Colorado. My vision is to help people find the space and time to do what they are called to do. Everyone has their own purpose, and they need the space and time to focus on that. I help them to declutter, organize, and simplify their schedule so they can do what is most important to them.

What led you to BNI and what impact has it had on your business?  

I had visited several BNI Chapters before I actually joined. It wasn’t until I found the “right” group for me that I felt compelled to join. I can’t even say there was anything specific that drew me to my group, it just felt comfortable, and like I was at home.

BNI has helped me so much personally, and that is the greatest impact it’s had on my business. As a small business solopreneur, if I grow, my business grows. I’m investing in myself and my knowledge and experience, and my business is growing because of it.

What about BNI inspires you?

BNI inspires me to become excellent at networking. Before BNI I was a “popcorn” networker. I would show up to a random meeting here or there, and hope to plant seeds, and be memorable enough for others to refer me. But, BNI challenged me to be consistent, and professional in networking. It also challenged me to become better at articulating who I am, the services I offer, and how to be creative in sharing those.

What’s the most important networking tip that you think other BNI members should know?

My most important networking tip is to be open-minded. I have seen people say no to opportunities because they don’t see the value, and it’s disappointing. We can’t always see what is on the other side of a 1-2-1, or an event invite. There are many secret doors in networking that have to be opened. It’s important to be available and willing to try new things and meet new kinds of people. I have met some great friends through networking that I may have never met otherwise.

Is there anyone that you would like to recognize at BNI?

I would love to recognize Donna Austin who sponsored me in BNI. She has a great business and for quite some time I encouraged her to do her business full time. I saw the potential she had for really making great money. I got to see her quit her part time job that was not fulfilling her and was not paying well at all. She joined BNI as part of her effort to be successful and ended up inviting me to her group that I instantly clicked with. I had visited other chapters but never felt the need to join until I went to hers! 

Click here to learn more about how Grace to Organize help you achieve your personal and business goals. 

It’s All About Relationships

Posted on by BNI Global

Karan Dewan, creative director at London Animation Studio, is a member of BNI Commonwealth chapter in London, England. Read how he quickly embraced the mentality of Givers Gain®.

When I first heard of the BNI model, I didn’t quite know what to expect. It sounded like an interesting way of doing business, but I wasn’t sure of how it all worked.

I’m the creative director at London Animation Studio. We aim to help businesses convey their message through impactful animation, while being affordable. We believe telling a story is the best way to connect and resonate with your customers.

I was initially invited to BNI by a member who was always praising it. I attended a few chapters around London before finally landing on a chapter that truly felt like home – BNI Commonwealth.

Before BNI, I had to invest time and money into paid advertisements to attract new clients to my business. It was expensive, time-consuming, and the leads were hit or miss. But now, I do virtually no advertising. I’m consistently getting new business from members of my chapter, especially my power team. It was just two months before I’d recouped my joining fee and I know that my future in BNI is bright.

I’m glad that I get to work so closely with other hardworking business owners. We all have deep respect for each other and strive to help and support each other – truly living out Givers Gain. We’re all helping one another so all our businesses are growing together.

When it comes to networking, relationships are everything. There are a lot of places you can go that’ll teach you how to sell but at BNI, we’re building powerful relationships. If I go to an individual and give them a sales pitch, I’m only reaching that one person. But if I can build a relationship with that person, they’ll sell to forty people on my behalf. I’m no longer on my own. That’s the power of BNI, building relationships to help one another’s businesses.

I’m grateful to BNI members Timea Kadar and Caroline Somer, who took the initial step to build a relationship with me when I first became a BNI member. They helped me to get settled and strategize how to get (and give) the most in BNI. Their hard work is definitely paying off!

Click here to learn more about London Animation Studio.

Please see this creative video the Karan developed to help explain BNI to potential members visiting his chapter.

Hold That Door! 7 Rules for an Elevator Pitch

Posted on by Ivan Misner, Ph.D.

I used to hate the expression: “Elevator Pitch” − it just drove me crazy. But everybody is using it all over the world, so I officially give up − I’m going to go with it!

The expression developed out of the idea that you are literally in an elevator with only one minute or less to say who you are and what you do. What would you say? I want you to keep in mind that your elevator pitch is not a sales pitch . . . it is a creative and succinct way to share who you are and what you do that will generate interest in the listener.

With that in mind, here are my rules for creating an engaging Elevator Pitch: 

  1. Don’t do your pitch in an elevator! An unsolicited pitch in an elevator is basically face-to-face cold calling.  I’ve been a victim.  Don’t be a perpetrator.  Unless someone asks what you do, just say good day to them. The elevator pitch is meant to be taken out of the elevator and into the right environment.
  2. Make it tight.  It needs to be short. This is a quick pitch not a reading from War and Peace. Your pitch should be more like a work of art than a science project.  It should be succinct and expressive. It is something you must practice carefully to be able to present cohesively and professionally.  You also need to be natural. You want to rehearse but not sound rehearsed. You want to avoid sounding staged and canned. 
  3. K.I.S.S. Keep it simple. Don’t try to explain everything you do in the short amount of time you have. It will either be too much information (breaking rule number 2) or it will be too vague to be of any value. By keeping your elevator pitch simple, you have more of a chance to catch the listener’s attention, engage them with your creativity, and create interest in your product or service.  
  4. Don’t use jargon.  If at any point someone has to say, “what does that mean?” you have officially lost them.  Push the button for the next floor and exit now (I know, you’re not really on an elevator – however, you have really lost them).
  5. Share your USP. A USP is your Unique Selling Proposition.  It can serve you well in your Elevator Pitch. One example of how to craft a pithy USP is to compare a bland, general statement such as “I’m a coach and consultant” to saying something like “I help people work less, make more, and create referrals for life” instead.  This is short, powerful, and informative − the perfect combination for part of an effective Elevator Pitch.
  6. When crafting your Elevator Pitch, consider starting out with precisely how your listener will benefit. My friend, Andy Bounds, calls this the “Afters.” For your Elevator Pitch, this could be something as simple as, “I help people increase their sales by 33%, improve their closing ratio to 80%, or double the number of new clients they take on per month.” Focus on the “After” of the product or service you provide.
  7. Pass the eyebrow test. Another good friend, Sam Horn, author of Someday is Not a Day of the Week, and Pop!, writes about the eyebrow test. When you give your Elevator Pitch watch the listeners eyebrows.  If what you say in your Elevator Pitch, causes the listener’s eyebrows to go up, you’ve got ’em! By doing this, you literally will leave the listener wanting more, and that’s precisely what you want your Elevator Pitch to do.   On the other hand, if the listener’s eyebrows scrunch down – you’ve just confused them.  Find a new pitch.
    Keeping these seven rules in mind when you create an Elevator Pitch will set you apart from the crowd. It’s time to press “Open Door” and step on out of the elevator do your pitch.

Keeping these seven rules in mind when you create an Elevator Pitch will set you apart from the crowd. It’s time to press “Open Door” and step on out of the elevator do your pitch. 

The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship

Posted on by BNI Global

Submitted by regular Virginia Green, PhD, MBA – Member, BNI Pipeline, Redondo Beach. This month’s submission also includes an incredible story of resilience from fellow chapter member, Lisa Marie, survivor of the 2017 Las Vegas Mass Shooting.

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” Steve Jobs

I am one of 582 million people,  almost 8% of the global population, who have devoted their lives to entrepreneurship. This means that for the past two decades I have been in the process of either starting or running my own business.

An entrepreneur has been described as someone who passionately and creatively pursues an idea from concept to actualization as a result of a discovered need or challenge in the market.

The mental health crisis in start-ups

In a recent study by the University of San Francisco researcher Michael A. Freeman, approximately one half (49%) of entrepreneurs suffer from at least one form of mental health condition during their lifetimes. These include ADHD, bipolar disorder and a host of addictive disorders.

Freeman’s research has shown that start-up founders are:

– Twice as likely to suffer from depression

– Six times more likely to suffer from ADHD

– Three times more likely to suffer from substance abuse

– Twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts

These conditions erode not just the effectiveness of start-up founders; they also have a negative impact on the endeavors that these highly intelligent human beings have risked their financial, relational, intellectual and emotional capital to pursue.

1. Destigmatization: BNI’s efforts to promote the idea that it’s OK for founders to be vulnerable and open up about their mental health challenge are just what we need.

2. Wellbeing resources: BNI’s philosophy of Giver’s Gain expands the horizon of its members beyond financial and other key performance indicators by also taking into account the mental wellbeing of their most important asset, the founders.

3. Partner support: as one of the most important partners we all have, BNI needs to include mental health professionals in their organizational ecosystem to serve as support systems and to implement empirically proven, enhancing and curative strategies for the leadership to help us, sometimes beleaguered, entrepreneurs.

We entrepreneurs are trained to ignore the qualitative needs of our well-being measured in meaningful and authentic relationships, overall life satisfaction and happiness. The message we have internalized from the field’s most celebrated entrepreneurs is the outdated prescription of ‘no pain, no gain’ and a pernicious message that success is purely measured in quantitative returns, return on investment and profit.

A recent blog post by fellow member Lisa Marie shows that this message is simply not true. Reflection and resiliency are vital and the support that we give each other as Members is as essential as any referral that we could receive.

So please, I encourage you to take some time and read Lisa’s story below. It’s an incredible tale of a strong individual whose story can inspire us all.

Route 91 Family: #Honor58 & #LoveWins… 

By Lisa Marie

Read Now

When Passion Becomes Reality

Posted on by BNI Global

This Member Success story and submission comes from Betty Brunson, BNI Member and current president of BNI Results On Fire in Gainesville, Florida (BNI USA)

Betty Brunson is someone that you could consider the quintessential people person. As a former store manager for a major U.S. Supermarket, Betty knows what people want. And after 25 years, she decided to use that knowledge to propel her into the realm of entrepreneurship.

5 Years ago, with her husband by her side, Betty opened Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub, fulfilling a lifelong passion and dream of owning her own business. 5 years later, her business is on a roll. Not only do they serve some of the freshest food in Gainesville, Florida but they have opened up a sister Bottle Shoppe, which offers over 750 varieties of beer and a strong selection of wine.

And if you ask Betty, she attributes a lot of the success to BNI, with a little bit of blood, sweat and tears thrown into the mix.

When they first opened the restaurant, Betty joined 2 local business groups but found them mundane and not worth the investment. At Publix, where she built her career, Betty was driven and passionate, but she didn’t have the connectivity that she desired. BNI filled that void.

Invited by fellow Member, Jess Odom, Betty found a new perspective and was able to further acquire the skills needed to scale her business. It didn’t hurt that, from her perspective, BNI and Publix have some similarities that helped her adapt to the culture quickly. With a clear moral compass, incredible work ethic and a Givers Gain attitude, she became a valued Member of her chapter, ultimately being named chapter president. A role that she has now held for 1 ½ years.

BNI has not only helped Betty build her dream business, it has enhanced the leadership skills that she acquired over a long career, reinforcing the importance of Lifelong Learning for all Members. With the support of her community and chapter Betty’s business has evolved into exactly what she envisioned, a family friendly atmosphere that includes trivia, karaoke, and live entertainment on-site.

More importantly, with her sons involved in the business, she’s able to instill in them the values and attitude that she displayed throughout her career and in BNI.

To learn more about Betty’s restaurant, please click here.

To visit BNI Results On Fire, please click here.

“No” is a One Word Sentence

Posted on by Ivan Misner, Ph.D.

To network well, you really need to learn how to help people, build relationships, and support your connections in some way.  But sometimes, just sometimes, you need to also say “no” to requests that are made of you.

It’s important to recognize when someone’s opportunity is your distraction.  These are generally situations where someone’s project is not on mission for your business or your life.  In these situations, you need to learn how to say “no.”  The word “no,” can in fact, be a one-word sentence.  It’s just not a full sentence that I like to use very often and I think there are a fair number of people like me out there.

Don’t get me wrong, I am totally good with saying “no,” to people when it is necessary.  The secret is: how do you say “no” without sounding like you don’t care?   

Here are seven ways to say “no” and not come across like a jerk (or worse). 

1. If I say yes, I’m afraid I’d let you down.  A very effective way to tell someone “no” is to tell them that you believe that you’d let them down if you do what they are asking.  It might be because you don’t have the bandwidth, the knowledge, or the expertise to do what they are asking for but, in any case – you’re not the person to help make this idea a success and you don’t want to disappoint them.

2. Recognize the difference between an opportunity and a distraction. That begins by knowing your own personal or professional mission.  If you know your purpose/expertise/mission then you can say “no” when someone comes to you with something that is a distraction to that mission.  I do this all the time by telling people that my mission is to do X and as interesting as their idea is, it’s not something that fits with what I do.

3. Refer them to someone more qualified.  When I say “no” to someone, I almost always try to refer them to someone who is more qualified or more suited to help that person.  I also try to refer them to someone who’s mission is more in alignment with their project. 

4. I don’t do that.  Sometimes the request and my response are very simple.  For example, when someone tries to get me to have a piece of cake or pie – I simply say thanks, but I don’t eat processed sugar.  When they say something like, “oh, just a bite,” I have no problem telling them they should feel free to have my bite – because, I don’t eat sugar. 

5. Don’t Seinfeld it.  One of the really funny things to see on the old TV series, Seinfeld, was how the characters would go off on some crazy subterfuge or ruse that was complicated and ended up getting them in more trouble than if they had just been candid to start with. Be polite but be honest and be direct. 

6. Propose something else.  If you are unable to do something that you’re being asked to do, offer them something else instead.  For example, I am always having people ask me to send some communication out to my entire mailing list.  The answer is always – “no.”  However, with people I know and trust, I propose something else.  I propose that I post it on my social media instead.  That generally works just as well to maintain the relationship. 

7. When you say it, mean it!  Be a broken record.  Sometimes, people don’t take “no” for an answer.  I try to be polite, smile, and repeat what I said before (on some occasions, I’ve repeated myself three times before they realized I really meant it). 

One important thing to note is; don’t become addicted to “no.”  I look for opportunities to help people and to say yes.  It’s only when I really, truly, can’t help or believe that I’m not a good fit for their request – that I actually say “no” to people.  Many times when you say “yes,” there is an opportunity cost to you for saying yes.  You have to be clear in your mind whether this is truly an opportunity or a distraction.  

The older I get, the more I have learned to say, “no thanks!”  (Ok, it’s two words but it’s still a sentence). 

Based on material from Ivan’s latest book, Who’s in Your Room, The Secret to Creating Your Best Life.

Called the “father of modern networking” by CNN, Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author.  He is also the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI (www.bni.com), the world’s largest business networking organization.  His latest book, Who’s in Your Room, The Secret to Creating Your Best Life,  is available at bookstores and at Amazon.com.

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