BNI Members voice their thoughts...
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.
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 Tower
 
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
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!
Luke Munro - BNI Starship
 
When you ask BNI Team to assist you with any request/query you can be assured you will get a prompt and helpful response. Recently I've asked for some assistance from Susan Johnson and Glenn Kirkwood and thought a reasonable timely response would have been about 24 hours. My request was dealt with and finalised within about 45mins and confirmation was sent to me shortly after - I'll have to try to have more unrealistic expectations in future to see how far I can go...

Thanks again to BNI Team - Your service is always exceptional and I'm grateful to be a member of a chapter operating in the BNI Team Franchise Region.
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
Serge Crismale - BNI Phoenix
 
A big thank you for Glenn Kirkwood and members of BNI Phoenix.

When I completed my August Management Report I found that 67% of my invoicing raised for the month represented 67% of my total sales. 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
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 Four Hundred
 
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.
Shirley Dalton - BNI Liberty
 
I had been a member for a couple of weeks and was overwhelmed by the support I received from BNI Sunrisers as they supported me by attending a keynote speech I was presenting for the Hunter Business Chamber and also attending two workshops I ran. I am very grateful for their interest and support.
Greg Williamson - BNI Starship
 
A big rap for Glenn Kirkwood and the team at my BNI chapter. Having been involved in Real Estate for 19 years i have attended and been a part of numerous networking groups designed to offer opportunities to do business etc, however due to lack of enthusiasm and structure they failed to deliver anything like what has been experienced so far the chapter. Quality Networking requires participation from all members to create Quality results. Glenn has been nothing short of a fantastic leader offering support whenever and as often as required and i on behalf of all at my chapter thank him for his efforts. Kind Regards Greg Williamson Williamson Best Agents Narellan , where "Our goal is focused on helping you achieve yours"

Luke Munro - BNI Starship
 
I have been involved with BNI for only a very short time (less than 7 months). I am involved in helping start a new chapter which I am glad to say officially starts Wednesday 21 May 2008 (Independence Day).

I am very fortunate as I am a member of a chapter which falls under the direction of Glenn Kirkwood, Executive Director of BNI Sydney South West, Central Coast and Lower Hunter Valley Regions. Never in my life have I met a person with so much passion, drive and committment to helping others in business.

Glenn has provided me invaluable advice (which I doubt I could even quantify). Better still is Glenn helps me and others without even giving second thought to how it could help him. It is no surprise to me to know that the number 1, 2 & 3 regions of BNI in Australia are Sydney South West, Central Coast and Lower Hunter Valley.

I suggest to anyone reading this testimonial - Do yourself a favour (whether you are involved in a chapter in the above regions or any other) contact Glenn Kirkwood and get the best support in business anyone could offer you.
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
Luke Munro - BNI Starship
 
I was first invited to BNI by 2 other local business people that genuinely wanted to help me in business. I cannot thank these two people enough (Ron Bahar of Modern Conveyancing and Greg Williamson of Williamson Best Agents).

I'm sure they were confident by inviting me they were helping me in business. Whilst I was confident I was not really sure how much BNI could help me and my business. Not only do I receive business I'm able to help my contacts obtain the right advice, service or product and can refer them with confidence knowing they will be looked after.

The cost of BNI is very easily overcome by the invaluable benfit you receive for such a small investment. My business would not be as strong as it is without BNI and am very greatful to be involved - You may like to note that I am a member of a Chapter that is only just starting (Independence Day 21 May 2008) - If I can say such positive things at this early stage I can only imagine how good it will be after a number of years as a full member.

If you are not involved in Word-of-Mouth marketing you are missing out. If you are involved in Word-of-Mouth marketing but not with BNI, you are missing out. Do yourself, your clients and your contacts a favour - Get involved in BNI
Brad Oldham - BNI Civic
 
If you are reading this testimonial because you are wondering whether BNI can help your business, then I hope I can help shed some light for you...

I have been involved in BNI now for almost two years and it continues to provide qualified, quality referrals for my business - somewhere around 40% of new business written. The great thing though is the relationships I have built both within our chapter and through the wider BNI community in the Newcastle & Central Coast regions. It has become a part of my thought process now that if I want a service or product, I first ask myself "who do I know in BNI?". Even better than that, I get a buzz out of knowing that I have helped another BNI member get the business they want.

I know I am not alone in my views, and would suggest that if you are sitting on the fence with BNI - get off and get into it. A word of warning though. It is a participation sport - Givers Gain works, but only if you put the effort in.

If you would like to speak to me about BNI, just click the link "Contact" up in the top right.
Kristen Perry - BNI Four Hundred
 
My first thoughts were 'am I really a morning person'?
Now I really AM a morning person.
I look forward to every Thursday 7am session with anticipation and I get a great deal of satisfaction by helping my team hook into my 'fishing pond' of contacts and clients!
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.
Stephen Dillon - BNI Revenue
 
Glenn Kirkwood brings enthusiasm and a wealth of ideas to his training. He uses real world examples and business experience to make the messages both relevant and practical to implement.
John Reilly - BNI Revenue
 
One of the best aspects of BNI is the chance to talk about your business for 60 seconds each week in front of 20 people. The purpose is to talk about a specific aspect of your business to help other members in your network chapter, mine being BNI Revenue, to find more referrals for you.

We had our kick off day with about 50-60 people attending and I got the opportunity to talk about my business for 60 seconds in front of 50-60 people. I was describing how I helped one of my clients with specific ATO issues.

As soon as the meeting was finished one of the visitors who were attending came up to me and said, "Do you want another one of those clients". Well of course I said yes, gave them my card. I was leaving the venue and checking the messages on my phone, there was a message from that visitors contact. That's the power of the referral.

Needless to say I made appointment, got a new client which has already paid for my BNI membership more than 10 times over in less than three months.
Craig Toyne - BNI Four Hundred
 
I must admit that I was hesitant about joining another "networking group". Past experiences had not been good ........ I had not gotten a lot out of them and i had found it difficult to refer to others.

BNI has been much different. The training and structure that exists has made it easy to become part of the group and to contribute in many ways. The greatest surprise is that armed with the skills and structure BNI has provided that i have been able to easily refer business to my colleagues. It almost comes naturally, which from an accountant is quite a statement!

I have recieved more referrals than i expected, which is great ........... but the experience has given me so much more, both professionally and personally.
Matt Linnert - BNI Four Hundred
 
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.
Janelle Karbowiak - BNI Four Hundred
 
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 Four Hundred
 
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kind regards,
Susan Johnson
SJ Finance & Insurance
0409 040 443