BNI Members voice their thoughts...
Steven Briffa - BNI Eltham
 
BNI has been the most rewarding experience for myself personally and also assisted in taking my business to levels beyond expectations. When first introduced to BNI several years ago my reaction was that I would give it a year and then probably move on. Well at the end of my first year and many dollars back in my pocket I would not dream of missing the opportunity to network with my group every week.
I have learnt that Networking with the right people is one of the key drivers to being successful. In BNI I am surrounded by like minded people who strive to impress as do I. The Givers Gain Philosophy is so true. I have a saying on my wall to remind me " people dont plan to fail they just fail to plan" My position in BNI is the one thing that I plan to hold onto tightly.

Steven Briffa
Eltham Chapter
Sharyn Hill - BNI Derwent
 
BNI has been a fantastic experience for me. I have been able to develop my business skills and created a great network of friends and business contacts. My fears about being in business on my own have diminished and my confidence has increased. I now have a stronger belief in myself and my abilities to progress my business towards the goals I want to achieve. The procedures and policies developed and practiced by all BNI members provide a great foundation for any business owner to assist in the promotion and development of their business.
Sjaak Kusters - BNI South Eastern
 
Joining BNI is the single best marketing decision I have ever made, with the business referrals I receive, almost on a weekly basis, My company sales have increased by $50,000 per annum. Sjaak Kusters, Joy Voice Pty Ltd, BNI South Eastern Chapter.

David Morrison - BNI Mornington
 
BNI is a great tool for me as it associates me with like minded business people. I now have over 20 extra sales people (BNI members) looking to help my business grow. Regularly meeting with a network of supportive members (and now friends) that sell my business is fantastic. David Morrison, Beel Plumbing, BNI Mornington Chapter.
Stuart Ellicott - BNI Hornsby
 
I have been a member of BNI Hornsby since the Chapter was formed in August/September 1997 and lay claim to being the longest serving member of BNI in Australia.

I firmly believe that in my business as a Mortgage Broker, BNI has assisted in putting me in contact with many of my best clients. In fact one referral led me on a path of 9 other transactions over several years.

My relationship with other members over the years has enabled me to develop new clients that I would not have had the opportunity to do business with,without the member’s direct referral. I believe that they too have reached clients through my referrals, which they otherwise would not have met.
Jason Pilgrim - BNI Greenway (Windsor)
 
The main reason why I joined BNI was due to the fact that the vast majority of our work comes from word of mouth advertising and referrals sources such as from our local Doctors and health professionals. Hence, BNI appealed to me. Overall, the financial benefit of BNI was not the best over the first year; however the benefit I received from professional development and links to professionals that could up skill myself and improve the professionalism of my company was invaluable. Now, after more than proving myself to my fellow BNI team members, our reputation has grown and the financial benefit is well and truly worth it.
Hossein Hami - BNI Summit (Nor West)
 
I have been in BNI for 1.5 years now, I initially joined BNI to improve my networking and to get more exposure as well as fine tuning my communication capabilities as I felt my business skills needed improvement. As I learned more I realized the potential of BNI and felt that once my BNI team gets to know me and what chiropractic has to offer I will be able help more people, most of which would not have had any opportunities to hear my messages thus using my services. My expectation was that it will take approximately 12 month to establish a rapport and enough confidence for my team to refer. Well to my surprise referrals came straight away and in the first few weeks I covered what I had expected to receive in a year and it hasn’t ended.
Selina Leow - BNI Baulkham Hills
 
I have been in BNI for 5 years. I was initially skeptical about the benefits of this type of networking to a health professional like myself. It was eye-opening! As a health professional, patients come to see you not only for clinical and diagnostic knowledge and ability but because they feel comfortable with you. Rightly or not, some patients continue to see a practitioner purely because they like them. BNI provides a wonderful opportunity for people to get to know you without being already in pain or sick. BNI has represented countless referrals as well as cementing a solid reputation in the community of our caring, professional and friendly attitude to all our patients – young and old.

BNI also allows me to be helpful and valuable to patients, family & friends. I know other businesses that they may need in their everyday lives. The ability to actually recommend another business to someone in need and know that they will be treated well is invaluable and your own reputation is enhanced as a result as well!

BNI has provided a valuable forum for like-minded, motivated business people to compare ideas and share business experiences that many health professionals are not always prepared for when they complete their clinical studies. BNI has forged alliances with businesses that I may never have had a chance to use simply because I had no idea what they could achieve for my business.
BNI has worked for me!
Daniel Burns - BNI Wagga Wagga
 
If you notice nothing else I’ve written, notice this: BNI has had a direct and massive impact on the success and growth of our business.

We live in the service industry, where quality word of mouth marketing is lifeblood to a business and the only place to invest. But it’s possible to waste your precious time in this area - I’ve considered a few options and found nothing cuts it like BNI for creating quality repeat business. It has a targeted and well tested structure, tools, and a focus on referrals and maximising your time together as a group. It’s like a networking group on steroids that, when you ‘just add quality people’, is a well oiled business generating machine.

Then you add the side benefits of rubbing shoulders each week with successful and giving business people focussed on that core principle that we give and serve and the rest takes care of itself and you get a weekly dose of information and motivation to drive your business to new heights.

Daniel Burns
Director
Align Technology
David Tripp - BNI Eastern
 
“I’ve been in BNI for 5 years. One notable referral I had was a small job from a visitor to a BNI meeting for the installation of a single power point. We eventually ended up doing over $100,000 of work for her, and we still have an ongoing maintenance contract. In all we average approximately $20,000 a month just through BNI.”

David Tripp – Laser Electrical, (03) 9800 0383
David Briggs - BNI Mersey
 
“BNI is great for me. We’ve found it quite beneficial. We are getting quite a bit of business, and not just direct referrals. We also get second tier referrals. The income we get is quite substantial. In terms of the time we invest, we get a great return. This is a great way to promote your business. I really appreciate dealing with positive business people. I made some really good business relationships through BNI, not only to get us business but also for us to use their services. ”

David Briggs – Briggs Plumbing (0418) 140 104
Michael Porter - BNI Pakenham Achievers
 
I have been in BNI for nearly 4 years and I highly recommend anyone considering joining. I purchased a Sign A Rama franchise and in our training they actually had a one hour section dedicated to BNI. They said when we get back home that the first thing we should do is look up our nearest BNI and if the category of a signmaker was available to join without asking any questions. So I did and I have never looked back. And though it is for some it is not all just about the business, the business colleagues, and more importantly the friends I have made through BNI I will treasure for life. The income I generate from BNI is the icing on the cake. Our chapter is such a dynamic group of people you can but only learn from others within the group. I have seen some who could hardly be heard when they joined to be confident speakers we all listen to with ease. Happy for anyone considering joining BNI to talk to me and I will tell you more, just call me on 03 5941 9606, cheers Michael Porter, Signarama Pakenham, Vic.
Malcolm Wybrow - BNI Sunrize
 
I have been a member of BNI for approximately 18 months and found it a powerful part of my business. The Chapter has surged ahead thanks to the leadership team and the efforts of each and every member . I find that it is incredibly empowering to be able to seek and share advice each week with a group of 30 professionals who are generous with their time and support for what I am doing.

The strength of our group can be traced back to the founding members who built a strong Chapter by finding out as much as they could about each other's businesses, giving quality referrals and providing high quality service to those referred to them. Current members have continued that legacy and built an even more powerful Chapter by concentrating on the basics, until they are habits. Each member puts more time into the Chapter than the perfunctory 90 minutes a week and we all benefit. Its not hard work it is fun and the referrrals just increase the size of the member's smiles.

Whilst we actively seek visitors we also find that people hear about our chapter and come along of their own volition. Every Thursday morning is a powerful high, with raucous laughter, high spirits and stacks of referrals. Visitors consistently comment about the enegy in the room when we have meetings ..it's special and unique.

The Chapter's success is based squarely on 'Giver's Gain'.

My return on my investment is substantial and I believe reflects the passion and effort that our group contributes.
Serge Crismale - BNI Phoenix
 
A big thank you for Glenn Kirkwwod (Executive Director BNI TEAM) 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 tis has been the highest percentage attributed to BNI referalls 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 referalls, members, and visitors. Since Joining in August 2006 $87,835.
For me this represents a ROI of 4.2 times
John Nichols - BNI Unite
 
I have been in BNI over 12 months and have completed or am in the process of completing $40.000 worth of work.
I have prevously spent money on newspapers etc.
The amount spent on BNI woudl have only returned me a very small percentage % of this.
I have not spent $5,000 on Yellow Pages again this year so BNI is GREAT!!
The morning meetings are very motivating and realy gets my day off to a flying start.
The interaction between fellow members has given me a lot more confidence.
I would not have thought I would be speaking in front of so many people previously.
I also think differently about my business now which is for the better.
Regards John Nichols
Louise Horwood - BNI Sky Scrapers - South Perth WA
 
I was thrilled to have an IT expert to call on when my computer went slightly wrong. I have thoroughly enjoyed the therapeutic massage offered by another BNI member, I have been grateful for accounting advice from yet another BNI member, and in just a few weeks of membership I have almost recovered my registration and membership fees (for two years) just by undertaking a couple of referrals from members, which was wonderful.
I always have a good time at the breakfasts and feel I am learning something and in a supportive, stimulating environment, The managment team is really competent, committed, and encouraging and i really appreciate the thought that has gone in to the structure of BNI, which would appear to be based on academic study and a genuine desire for members' success.
Nathan Morris - BNI Premier
 
I have been a member of BNI for almost 2 years. With the number of referrals and also the education side of BNI I had the confidence to commence my own business (full time) 7 months ago.

Referrals from BNI now account for 94% of my clients, with the other 6% being family and friends. That is 100% from word of mouth marketing. Goes to show you the power of networking!

I have visited other networking organisations and BNI is by far the most personal, friendly and organised system around, and I’m glad to be a part of it.

Givers Gain! And I certainly like to hand out referrals to my fellow members. It has come back 2 fold, with my business exceeding client growth targets by 50% (150% growth in total).

I would welcome visitors to come along to their local chapter, or the BNI Premier Chapter at Stones Corner, to meet the great people that make this happen.
John Haley - BNI Mersey
 
I have been in BNI (Mersey) for approx. 5 months ( a founding member) and in that time I have received 29 referrals and converted approx.. 60% into closed business. I have well and truly covered my subscription payment for the 1st and 2nd year.
The concept of 'givers gain' is the best recipe for success that I have come across. Our members (20) are enthusiastic, willing, eager, proactive and all heading in the same direction of building the chapter. We are now starting to focus on our actual needs as a team when considering new members.
As a business web site developer nearly every member is a potential customer in some way or form. We can then view the extended network of our members and it blows out to be a massive network of potential clients. As the chapter gains more experience and we build the membership base, we are building very profitable power groups.
Our weekly breakfast meetings are interesting, fun and enlightening and the best thing is we are doing business. The members are focused on getting to know you and doing business with you.
BNI for me has been a wonderful way to meet other motivated business people that want to create long term relationships of trust and integrity within their business operation.

John Haley BNI Mersey
Vision Computer Systems (Web Site Development)
03 6424 8358
Devonport, Tasmania
Jim Hardy - BNI Wharf
 
As a member of the BNI Wharf Chapter I was suprised to recieve a referral from another Chapter. We responded to the referral and took a significant order as a result. Don't under estimate the opportunity that the Trade Directory represents, and make sure your profile is up to date. Many thanks to the other Chapter brothers and sisters for using the Trade Directory and keeping referrals within the BNI family. We will do our best to return the favour.
Paul Naylor - BNI Yarra
 
I have been a member of BNI Yarra for the last 10 months. My first reaction was, this could be a really good thing, but at the time I was undertaking studies to obtain my Building Practioners License and managing a 1st year Apprentice Carpenter, which was proving quite difficult. Nevertheless, dispite being a little apprehensive at first I joined BNI Yarra, and as a result my business has flourished. I have developed some strong relationships with other members, and have had many good referrals. BNI is working well for me.
Anne Prendergast - BNI Federal
 
ANNE PRENDERGAST FIFTH ELEMENT

Since joining BNI early in 2006 my business has really pushed ahead. I like BNI's policy of Givers Gain and there is no nicer way to build a business than meeting a nice group of people for breakfast every week. The One Minute Presentations and the Ten Minute Presentations have been wonderful for building up my confidence and have helped me with presenting my business away from BNI.

If any person could only belong to one networking group, it would have to be BNI.
Anne Prendergast - BNI Federal
 
Since joining BNI early in 2006 my business has really pushed ahead. I like BNI's policy of "Givers Gain" and there is no nicer way to build a business than by meeting a nice group of business people for breakfast every week. I believe the Chapter Members all learn from one another and the One Minute Presentations have built up my confidence and have helped me with presenting my business outside BNI.
If any person could only belong to one networking group, it would have to be BNI.
ANNE PRENDERGAST, STYLE SECRETARIAL SERVICE
Nat McGahey - BNI Sunrize
 
We have been members of BNI for four years and my business, CWC Auto Services has had many customers referred with the obvious bottom line benefits. Something in the vicinity of $20,000 per annum gross.

Of equal, if not greater benefit has been the personal development advantages gained by myself and my staff which have had long term consequences. The marketing framework is far more cost effective than anything else we have tried over twenty seven years.
The basic philosophy of "Givers gain" is a critical because when we help others, we gain twice. We also learn how to sell our business' through practicing on one another in a supportive mutually respectful forum and develop as individuals in the process.

It has been a forum where we compare notes with other local successful business women and men in our community and pool ideas and even more important, support and encourage one another. This is so important when we seem to be alone as small business people.
No matter how rough a week we have been through, we can attend a "breakfast" once per week and come out all fired up ready for anything. The mutual support is inspiring. Frequently, long term friendships grow and flourish.

The procedures and structures which at first glance might seem a little restrictive are a proven and practical way of maintaining fluidity and continuity. The we need to add to the mixture is a positive and optimistic approach with a little flexibility and compassion. No individual can dominate and all must take a turn at the responsible positions. Thankyou BNI. Nat McGahey.
David Rowlands - BNI Berwick
 
David Rowlands from digitaldevelopments.com.au for all your Creative Online Solutions. What BNI has done for me. The Berwick BNI Chapter has been a valued part of my development as a businessman, helping sharpen my entrepreneurial skills and my ability to articulate briefly my unique selling points as a web designer. Its given me increased exposure, members are now my clients and regularly referring their clients to my services. Not only has BNI increased my client base, but on a personal level I've formed new and rewarding friendships with other chapter members. At one of my first meetings I was asked by Geoff Kelly to write down on a piece of paper what I believed my monetary return from BNI Berwick would be ... I just doubled my joining fee. I joined August 2005 at a cost of around $700 since that period it's benefit by business to the tune of $20+ grand all generated by referrals from other chapter members. This to me ... is a great return for my investment. I honestly can't think of a business that wouldn't benefit from such a networking process that Berwick BNI has to offer.

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 was not a Chapter in my local area.
However, with Glenn'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 would 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 are yet to start!

Kind regards,
Susan Johnson
SJ Finance & Insurance
0409 040 443
Michelle Cassimatis - BNI Success
 
I have recently joined BNI Trident chapter, Brisbane QLD. After a mere 3 meetings, I have managed to re-coupe the initial membership fee. I have also made friendships which prove rewarding and long term. I know that the team will continue to send referrals my way as I have enthusiastically done in such a limited time.Our chapter is extrememly pro acitve and receptive.

I only wish I had commenced my membership earlier, but will continue to spread the good word and invite visitors. My firm belief is what business cannot afford to be with BNI.

From Michelle Cassimatis.
Michelle's Skin & Body Solutions
41 Latrobe Terrace
Paddington 4064
David Lukac - BNI Oasis
 
Since joining the 'Powerhouse' chapter of BNI 3 months ago, the members of my chapter have made me feel welcome and part of a team since day 1. The high level of professionalism amongst members is reflected in the way they treat each other.
The meetings are well organised and always fun to be a part of.

I recovered my joining fee with in the first 2 weeks, and have had a steady stream of quality referals since then. However it is not all about referals, for myself I have found the experience during meetings as 'confidence building' (I'm a lousy public speacker now, but you should of heard me 3 months ago!).

Throw away the yellow pages - if you can't find the goods or services you need in your chapter, you will probably find it in a neighbouring chapter.

Thank you BNI. David Lukac (Pest Control Advantage Pty Ltd).
Ron Morgan - BNI Paradise
 
When we joined BNI we attended the Member Success Programme and did as was suggested - we set some goals.
Six months later we are exactly half way to our 12 month goal.
BNI really works!!!