BNI Members voice their thoughts...
Katherine Blowes - BNI 400
 
I am a new member to BNI and met with Stephen as my first dancing card.
We sat for about an hour (seemed like 20 minutes) and chatted about each others businesses and BNI. It was fantastic.
In that short time I learned so much valuable information about Stephens business and what would qualify a good referral for him.
We spoke about BNI - it was a condensed version of BNI for Dummies in a sense as I had quickly become very focused on what I was doing in my business and how BNI was about to serve to me. There was a lot of punch packed in that short time and I went away energized and excited for the day and the up and coming BNI meeting that week.
Thank you Stephen for your professionalism and encouragement.
Matt Linnert - BNI 400
 
I was sceptical about BNI and whether the people involved would genuinely be there to give, or would be more interested in just their gain.

The group I am involved with, BNI 400, has put to rest my scepticism with the emergence of a group of people who give generously and warmly, and are deeply grateful and appreciative when others give to them. I have been involved with a raft of networking groups over the years and have met many fabulous people. Unfortunately, so many well intended networking groups are tea and coffee gatherings as opposed to focused and proactive word-of-mouth marketing initiatives.

BNI attracts givers, repels takers, and, to put the commercial hat on, works.
Serge Crismale - BNI Phoenix
 
A big thank you for Glenn Kirkwood and the members of BNI Phoenix.

When I completed my August Management Report I found that of all my invoicing raised for the month 67% of my total sales were as a result of BNI referrals. In dollar terms this is over $7,000 for the month - yes MONTH this has been the highest percentage attributed to BNI referrals for my business in the last 2 years. Needless to say I am over the moon with this result.

On closer investigation over the last 12 months I can attribute $52,121.27 to BNI referrals, members, and visitors. Since Joining in August 2006 $87,835. For me this represents a ROI of 4.2 times
Mark van Huisstede - BNI Express
 
Hi prospective BNI members,

I wanted to share with you how BNI is now a way of life for me.
If you have a giving nature and truely beleive in what goes around comes around, well BNI is exactly for you.

BNI will not only put you in a room full of like minded people but it will enable you to keep focused on customer service and working on your business in a way you probably haven't thought of in the past. I've been a member now for over 3 1/2 years and I'm not only finding it more financially rewarding I'm finding that the business relationships that I'm building will be long lasting.

If any body wants to discuss with me how BNI works please dont hesitate to contact me in the office on 0249342155

Mark van Huisstede
Owner Director of 2 Harvey World Travel Fanchises
Kendra Strudwick - BNI Spirit
 
Since changing accountants earlier this year, I have been impressed by Silver & Young's attention to detail & expert advice on complex matters like trusts & self managed super funds. Angelo's professionalism and prompt follow up are refreshing. He takes the time to anwer questions and as a business owner I respect his honesty & promptness. Angelo and his team have exceeded my expectations during each and every transaction. It is a pleasure to recommend their services.
Kendra Strudwick - BNI Spirit
 
I have been working with Antonella for the past 6 months and can honestly say that I truly know myself for the very first time. Antonella knows when to push and when to guide and is able to quickly pin point key moments in history that have impacted negatively. I had know idea how powerful re-birthing could be - my business has doubled, I am able to trust and utilize my intuition and I feel like I am in control of my life & body. I have no hesitation in recommending Antonella's services as a medium/healer and have been thanked by each and every person I have ever referred to her.
Darren Gladman - BNI Express
 
Thanks for new tyres and recent car service. Great service and thanks for the loan car. The car no longer shakes or handles like a shopping cart.
Darren Gladman - BNI Express
 
Hi Laurie, I have just spoken to Craig who had the basketball shirt framed. He is very happy with the finished product and is wanting have his soccer shirts framed. Good work Laurie!
Kendra Strudwick - BNI Spirit
 
I am amazed at the lengths that Antonella Miles goes to in order to serve her clients - 5 star dedication and commitment. At the time that Antonella was dealing with my referral, she had been admitted to hospital and was still directing communication between LMI/Lenders, the client's and their families from her hospital bed HQ. She demonstrated that she "literally" takes her client's best interests to heart in order to meet deadlines. THANK YOU
Warren Garth - BNI Crosstown
 
The difference between being good and great is the amount of training you do. BNI TEAM offers a lot of training which allows us to be great.
Roy Paragalli - BNI Spirit
 
thanks for your expediency in arranging the finance on the recent purchase of our vehicle
Tony Bourke - BNI Crosstown
 
I have been a member of BNI for over 3 years. During this time BNI has helped me to grow my client base significantly in a cost effective manner.

My conversion rate for referrals provided by my BNI is approx 90% i.e 9 out of every 10 referrals provided to me by members of my BNI chapter become clients of mine. Compare this to the conversion rates of many traditional marketing methods and I'm sure you can see why I regard BNI as being an essential part of my marketing and business growth.
Craig McGregor - BNI Harvest
 
My business is recruitment and at last years BNI Big Breakfast (www.bnibigbreakfast.com.au) I was at a table with a great young lady working in the financial planning industry, it was clear she was in flux and it was great timing that we met. After she discovered what I did she contacted me after the breakfast and we had a discussion around her career. From that I was able to source her a more rewarding role with greater opportunities. For my business it also contributed to a $4000 sale from her new employer as a permanent placement. Thanks to Glenn and the BNI TEAM for organising these events
Kendra Strudwick - BNI Spirit
 
Since joining the chapter, Cristian from FCE Group, has shown himself to be an enthusiastic and active team player. After passing a reasonably small referral to him, Crisitain took the time to keep me in the loop at every stage from quotation to completion. He also took the time to edcuate and explain what his ideal referral. I think Cristian's attention to detail and follow up is first class. This combined with the personal touch he gives his clients, really sets him apart from his competitors. I am thrilled to be partnering with Crisitan and recommend him to you.

Kendra Strudwick
Director
Inspiraction Coaching
Ph: 0411 211749
Cristian Haute - BNI Spirit
 
A special thanks to Susan and Glenn for providing the training (MSP) I attended with William Cownie a few weeks ago in June 2009. This training filled the necessary gaps about the BNI concept and procedures in place to make a smooth transition into the BNI TEAM SPIRIT.

Glenn made a suggestion for my 60 seconds (he provided an example of using 2 clean cloths blue and red - he went onto explain that this shows other members in the group that we have procedures in place) I was able to use a similar approach thus changing it a bit by using 2 cloths but telling the group that we clean and sanitise all our cloths before starting to clean at clients premises, highlights again that we have a system and procedures in place. Thanks a lot mate!

Now this has given me confidence in making my 60 Seconds more effective and productive.

ps: I was also given the link of the memory hooks as a valued resource and once again I have 'borrowed' a memory hook- We fight dirty (this was a winner as I got positive response from the group).

Once again thanks to Glenn and Susan!
Darren Gladman - BNI Express
 
Thanks to Noel and the Badgemen and Badgeladies! Noel arange a shirt to be printed in time for the weekend, not only was it delivered it looked brilliant. I was very happy to see the end product. Thanks again Noel.
Matthew Pritchard - BNI Express
 
I just want to thank Glenn Kirkwood for the Advanced MSP training session that he ran for BNI Express chapter last week. The session was Sales Manager Minute and I have to admit that I got more out of it than I expected. The session breaks down your minute into the elements that you need to include so that your team can effectively pass referrals to you. The session is interactive and is a great top down look at how to put together not just one great 60 second sales pitch but a whole year's worth. The handout is really useful and is a great template that you can take away and get your SMM focused on what referrals you actually want to get. It is definately worth making the time to attend this training.

I appreciate you making the time to run this seminar outside of your normal training schedule. I know our chapter very much appreciates your time.

Matthew Pritchard, The Gecko
Gecko Security
BNI Express
Darren Gladman - BNI Express
 
We began trading in September 2005 and being in pest control it is seasonal, we spend our summers very busy and our first summer was no exception. Being inexpierienced in business(I had worked in pest control for the 7 years prior) and as the nights began to get longer and colder, our phone stopped ringing as much and I thought I may need to go and find some part-time work to keep an income coming in. However in May of 2006 David Zammit from YBI.com invited me to a networking group that was trying to start up in Maitland. I already knew that building relationships in business was important and had made up my mind to join before I had left the first meeting. It has turned out to be the making of my business and an important part of guiding me through the business of being in business, building business relationships and the givers gain philosophy. Thanks to BNI!
Janelle Gerrard - BNI Sunrisers
 
I have a client who is a computer programmer and was too busy to code up his web site so I referred Mitchell. The feedback I recieved from my client has been excellent - in his words it is some of the best code he has seen in a long time. I guess the behind the scenes technical stuff most of us are unaware if it is done well except if it doesn't work...so well done Mitchell and your peers admire your work which is the best praise you can get.
Janelle Gerrard - BNI Sunrisers
 
My client is a computer programmer and was too busy to code up his web site so I referred Mitchell.
The feedback has been excellent - in his words it is some of the best code he has seen in a long time.
I guess the behind the scenes technical stuff most of us are unaware if it is done well except if it doesn't work...so well done Mitchell and your peers admire your work which is the best praise you can get.
Charmaine Perry - BNI Universal
 
I would like to encourage BNI Members to make the effort to attend the training sessions that are put on outside the BNI Breakfast Meeting. I have been to 3 and have found all of them well worth the effort. It is of even greater value if you car pool as you get to know the other members more. Charmaine Perry BNI Universal
John King - BNI Unity
 
I had to photograph sunglasses for a company run by my Neice in Queensland. Commercial photography is not my specialty.
I asked Edward to give me a hand to set the shots up.
With all his professionalism he came and gave me a good solid hour of his time and most importantly his experience in this field.
Sunglasses are not easy to photograph.
We got the job done and my Niece is over the moon with the quality of the images. A big thank you to to my mate Edward.
Susan Johnson - BNI Phoenix
 
The advanced "Sales Manager Minute" session I attended this morning was FANTASTIC!

Glenn provided information I have not yet seen in any of his other training sessions. He continually raises the bar and this workshop will help take my SSM to the next level in terms of helping me increase the number and profitabilty of the referrals I receive. Thanks Glenn

Darren Zammit - BNI Morningstar
 
The training I received in an hour and a half at MSP orientation last night has been more beneficial to my business than 8 hours of training I received through my franchisor.
Janelle Karbowiak - BNI 400
 
I have been a member of BNI 400 for about 2 months. I had heard of BNI and all the rules. I initially thought this isn't for me, I hate structure. Well after 2 months I'm loving it. It's easy to get up early each week and have lots of fun (even with structure). Well done BNI 400 - what a fantastic group.

I also have a rap for Peter Carmichael. I have a delivery guy who delivers to me regularly. Each time he comes he talks about his holidays. This morning when he arrived I gave him Peter's card and said this guy can help you with your next holiday. He took one look and said I know him - he booked my first trip to Europe and did a fantastic job. I can't wait to book our trip.

Janelle Karbowiak
Wrapped to You - gifts and hampers
Rod McLean - BNI 400
 
BNI400 has been fantastic and in so many ways.

-It has been very productive for me interms of referrals and direct business
-It is a very dynamic positive & productive group
-I have benefited greatly from spending time both presenting & receiving dance cards ie building relationships having genuinely helpful business & services to offer clients & friends who have a need. I have learnt or refined a bunch of skills that are invaluable in life as well as business
-It is both stimulating and fun

Thank you BNI400

Rod McLean
Susan Johnson - BNI Phoenix
 
When I first approached Glenn Kirkwood about the ‘planned’ Camden’ Chapter, little did I realise what the future held in store!

I started out looking for an ‘active’ business referral group I could join in my local area. On hearing about BNI, I looked up the BNI website for local Chapters and found that a Chapter was being planned for Camden. I rang Glenn Kirkwood who invited me to an information session in a nearby area so I could see what BNI was all about. I was astounded at just how professional and focussed BNI is about helping business owners generate business through referrals. It was also obvious just how passionate Glenn Kirkwood is about BNI. I decided that this was exactly what I was looking for. The only drawback was that there wasn’t a Chapter in my local area.

However, with Glenn Kirkwood’s incredible support and encouragement, I took a gigantic leap outside my comfort zone and started inviting other local businesses to come to an information session to see what this fantastic organisation is all about. We now have a sensational group of people in our Chapter who are all about ‘Givers Gain’. We have even had visitors comment about the ‘buzz’ in the room as they walk through the door.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to BNI and Glenn Kirkwood, not only for the sensational Chapter we have built in Camden and the many referrals our members are swapping already, but also for my own personal development since being involved.…..and we haven’t even started yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!