BNI Members voice their thoughts...
Baden Behrens - BNI Neptune
 
Like most, I joined BNI to try to increase my sales.
It wasn’t until after I had joined that I discovered that
“THE TRUE WEALTH IS IN WHAT I HAVE LEARNED”
The bonus is that I was earning as I was learning.

BNI is like nothing you have ever seen!

Baden Behrens
Seabreeze Shutters
Ken Morley - BNI Paradise
 
On my arrival in Australia back in Nov 2006, I decided to start my own IT business. Within the first few months of establishing the business, I decided to join BNI. Back in the UK I had a network of contacts spanning over 24 years in the IT industry, on my arrival in Australia I had a network totalling zero.

Not only did BNI provide me with the support needed to grow my business, it provided me with a valuable network of contacts and friends, ranging from tradesmen to various professional services, that I knew I could rely on to provide an efficient and cost effective service.

Business gained via quality referrals from my fellow BNI members, has more than paid for my membership over the past 18 months. I think BNI is a great concept for any business regardless of how long it has been established, and I would actively encourage anyone wishing to successfully grow their business, and have a great network of contacts and friends, to join their local BNI chapter.

Ken Morley – Business Development Manager – ozBeanz Networks

“If zero downtime of your networks is a must, then ozBeanz networks is a name you can trust.”
Eileen Robbins - BNI Burley Griffin
 
I joined a BNI Chapter in Canberra at the beginning of July. After only three months I have had many requests for Enjo demonstrations and received many sales. I have well and truely covered any costs to join the Chapter and have made many friends. I really look forward to meeting with the Burley Griffin Chapter every Wednesday morning. I could recommend joining BNI to anyone in business.
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
Leigh Garth - BNI Derwent
 
I love being part of a great chapter, that increases my business, a positive environment to all chapter members, and I get great pleasure in giving them referrals, motivates me weekly, and a great bunch of business people. Most of all, without BNI my business would not be what it is today. After only eight months - Thankyou BNI Derwent.
Regards & Thanks
Leigh Garth
Credit Management Services.
Tina Blackmur - BNI Mordialloc
 
I have just been reading on the BNI website that chapters that actually "have fun" are usually the strongest. Over the last few weeks, as Vice President of our Mordialloc chapter, I've been noticing just how much fun we actually do have as a group. Yes, we're serious about growing our businesses and about passing referrals and doing the dance routine, but Tuesday morning at BNI seems a popular place to be for our chapter members. I think this reflects in the considerable rise in referrals that we're seeing as well. So, making sure that we keep the fun in the fundamentals seems to be very much on the menu in Mordialloc!
John Nichols - BNI Clarence
 
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
 
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.
Stefano Cosentino - BNI Endeavour Miranda
 
BNI has helped my achieve success to my business after being on hiatus for quite some time. It was harder picking up momentum than starting all over again. Working alone doesn't give you the motivation you sometimes need, so meeting like minded business people is a great benefit for me on a personal and professional level. BNI offers me this, and the opportunity to make excellent new friends.
Betty Dunn - BNI Genesis
 
BNI has provided an excellent platform to promote my business and to generate an excellent income.

Not only all this, BNI has also provided excellent self improvement material which has taught me and is still teaching me better ways to network.

Where else can you get such a professional, compassionate group of people who act as your own sales team to promote your business to people they meet and know.

Over the short time of my involvement with the Genesis chapter, great friendships also have been forged.

Upward and onwards we will all move towards our business goals by associating with like minded people who appreciate networking as the way to go.

Betty Dunn - Genesis Chapter - Gold Coast.
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.
Steve Charles - BNI Four Hundred
 
I have been a member of BNI Four Hundred for a couple of months now, and have found it to be very beneficial for me personaly and also for my business. with such a strong group dynamic, and a strong emphasis on trust, I can see how BNI will help me grow my buisness in the future. I am extremely impressed with the structure of BNI, which to this day have been unable to be find anything of it's kind. I look forward to building strong relationships with my fellow chapter members of BNI Four Hundred, and encourage anyone who has not heard of BNI to take the time to investigate how BNI could help you and your buisness.
Betty Dunn - BNI Genesis
 
During my short time with BNI, I have met fabulous people who are very keen and proactive, sharing their businesses with others and providing excellent service when referred.
Personally I have received many referrals of which there have been many closed business results.
BNI has provided excellent training on a regular basis and also the opportunity for personal growth with presentations pertaining to my business and in my role as Visitor Host.
Each week we learn more about each others business which of course enables us to promote their business to people we meet.
The structure of the weekly meetings is excellent providing a good forum for the business people who have joined the Genesis Chapter.
Betty Dunn
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
Toni Gulis - BNI Velocity
 
Since joining the BNI Alliance Chapter (Townsville) in July this year, our business has gone from strength to strength. What started as small part-time home based business has grown into a full-time thriving business with a professional office and suport staff. BNI has given us the strength and courage to take our business to the next level, an acheivment that we thought woud take much longer than a few short months.

For anyone who is currently running a small home based business or thinking of starting a new business and wants see results, joining a local BNI group is worth every cent and much more. Thank-you to all the members of the Townsville Alliance BNI group for your support and fellowship over the past few months - it is grealy appreciated.

Toni & David Gulis
TOWNSVILLE FINANCIAL SERVICES PTY LTD
Tina Blackmur - BNI Mordialloc
 
I became a member of BNI Mordialloc in February this year, having been a former member of BNI Southland until moving away from the area for a couple of years.

I think it's great to have the opportunity to visit other chapters and there's nothing like a visit to a really good, well run meeting to foster some new ideas! I recently attended a meeting at BNI Port Phillip and was very impressed with the way that they ran it. Considering it was Catherine Fouche's first time as President, she did a wonderful job! Everyone was very welcoming and friendly and I am looking forward to doing dance cards with a few of their members.

Tina Blackmur
BNI Mordialloc
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.
Michael Dinnison - BNI Alliance
 
I have been a member of BNI now for eleven months. While a little apprehensive initially I have found the relationship building and subsequent business generation to be of exceptional value to me personally as well as to my business. I am now a very committed member of the BNI family and look forward to many years ahead being involved in growing the Alliance Chapter in Townsville.
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.
Greg Williamson - BNI Starship
 
A big rap for Glenn Kirkwood and the team at BNI Pheonix. 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 at BNI Pheonix. 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 Pheonix thank him for his efforts. Kind Regards Greg Williamson Williamson Best Agents Narellan , where "Our goal is focused on helping you achieve yours"
Richard Horton - BNI Civic
 

My name is Richard Horton & I am a member of Civic chapter Lake Macquarie. I have been in BNI for nearly 12 months & until recently had only had 2 referrals. 1 turned out to be a competitor, whom I ended up referring work to, the 2nd was very promising but has amounted to nothing. This all changed last week when Wayne Harrison of Truway referred & actually personally introduced me to a new client at the Hunter Port Authority. I have already been given an opportunity to quote approximately $6000 worth of work which is ideally suited to my very specialized Mechanical Design Company. For those of you out there in a very specialized field who think it is just not going to happen Hang In There!
Anthony Gillespie - BNI Wharf
 
BNI is something I should have done a long time ago. It is great to meet up with like-minded professionals who are there in the trenches just like you. It is also a source of support that can keep you going positively when there is the inevitable downs of business. The thought that there are a team out there looking for business opportunities for you and you them, is definitely an inspiring one. I would recommend BNI for those interested in growing their business. Anthony Gillespie, Best Practice Personal Training: Connexions group Fortitude Valley, Brisbane Australia
Anne Prendergast - BNI Fifth Element
 
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 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 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
Maurice Downing - BNI Sunrize
 
BNI has been a great help to my business. Firstly my return on investment in the first year was 12 times and growing. The BNI system has also helped me define and develop my services, extend my reference group and tap into a very supportive group of people. Memebrship in BNI has been a major influence on my business growth over the past 12 months and I expect this to continue in the coming year.
Brian Miller - BNI Sunrize
 
The weekly BNI meeting, and the other activities during the week related to BNI, are my professional and business development sessions. The value extends beyond direct additional business to personal development and the creation of wonderful professional relationships. Time and money well spent!

Brian Miller, Creative Director, Luxgraphicus Design Agency.
BNI Sunrize Chapter (Canberra, ACT)
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.
Jean McIntyre - BNI Sunrize
 
BNI has been a godsend for me. I joined just after I started my business in Canberra and the direct and indirect referrals have been the cornerstone of my business. I recently did an analysis of my sales leads vs conversion. BNI was the source of 24% of my leads and 35% of my revenue last year. It took some time though. I've put effort into educating my colleagues about marketing and what I do through my 60 seconds, 10 minute presentations and regular one-on-one 'Dance Cards'. Not only have I found a great source of business leads, I've also found good quality suppliers I can refer my clients to and best of all I've found some great friends who support and encourage me when I need it. jeanmcintyre@marketingangels.com.au 02 6231 1387.
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.

Brad Oldham - BNI Civic
 
Over the years I have gone to just about every networking breakfast around. Not until BNI had I found a focussed, systemised way to consistently generate qualified, quality referrals. It has become an integral part of our marketing activities in just a few short months and paid back the membership fee in spades!

What’s even better is the opportunity to help a fantastic group of business owners to grow their business through the philosophy of “Givers Gain” - so strongly endorsed by BNI. It is natural for like minded people to gravitate towards each other and that is exactly what happens in a BNI chapter.

Icon Business Solutions mission is to empower business owners everywhere to achieve the full potential of their business. Like any great business, BNI works – just follow the system!

Call me if you would like to know more about how BNI works for our business and why we actively encourage the right people to join.

Brad Oldham
Icon Business Solutions
0410 660499
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
Tim Lyne - BNI Broadwater
 
I have been a BNI member for over 15 months now. It took me 10 of those months to really get it. It is all about Givers Gain. Yes I know that is the BNI tag, but it is only when you really get and work the Givers Gain philosiphy that BNI really starts returning dividends.
Networking and referral marketing is long term. If you want a quick return with little investment then BNI will not work for you. For us it is now really starting bear fruit.
Dannielle Hunt - BNI Derwent
 
I recently attended a successful luncheon when Dr Misner came to Hobart. It was certainly a highlight of my year so far. I am constantly amazed at what an impact BNI has already had for me and my fledgling business. I have passion about what I am doing for the first time in 10 years, and I am so excited about what lies ahead for my business, and life!!!
I'm looking forward to our businesses prospering together in my chapter of BNI.
Paul Camac - BNI Northern Lights
 
BNI has been a valued part of my development of business and entreprenurial skills for over two years, with more than 95% of my chapter becoming regular clients and referring many others. It has helped not only build my client base but my exposure to other business groups and has also sharpened my ability toarticulate succinctly my unique selling points as a specialist massage therapist. BNI helps me say what my business is all about in a short and attention-getting 30 seconds!
Michelle Cassimatis - BNI Trident
 
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
Luke Best - BNI The Dream Team
 
I will never forget being asked to 'come along to breakfast with me on Thursday morning'. I agreed after asking a couple of questions and I would have to say it was the best decision I made (apart from asking my now Wife to marry me) in 2005.
My experience was an exciting meeting, with like minded professionals, which was run in a very professional yet fun manner, on time and to an agenda. I fell in love with the concept and decided within the first 20 minutes that I wanted to be apart of it.
I joined that week and since have given and gained and added $20,000 to my income for the year. This year I plan to put more energy into BNI and devote more of my time to create more cost effective income.

Thank you BNI and a huge thank you to the best sales team in Brisbane - The Dream Team.

Luke Best
Property Direct
0417 706 802
David Lukac - BNI Atlantis
 
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).
Tim Lyne - BNI Broadwater
 
BNI is an amazingly simple concept that not only works, it is a hell of a lot of fun along the way. I have met some amazing people from a whole range of industries.
I experienced my first BIG BREAKFAST the other day with BNI. It was a great event with a super bunch of people. We passed ideas, learnt a bit, talked shop, and had a ball.
I can not think of a business that would not benefit from such a structured, yet fun, networking process. Ours has.

Cheers
Tim Lyne
Frank Valentic - BNI Melbourne
 
I have been attending BNI for about 2 years and after the results our Buyer's Advocate company have achieved in the last 12 months directly as a result of BNI referrals, I would not even consider not being a BNI member. Our real estate agency earned over $100,000 in commissions in the last 12 months directly from BNI referrals. My staff are now joining other chapters so that we can continue to grow further as a business with BNI being an important part of our overall networking and marketing strategy.( Frank Valentic-Advantage Property Consulting).
Leanne Robertson - BNI Aurora
 
Since joining BNI my business has grown because of the surport from members of mine and other chapters.

This surport comes in many ways, not just through referalls.
Our members are there to offer advice, build your confidence and help with needs that arise in small business each day.

BNI members do put in that extra effot to help each other with sound advice.

To top it all off I now have a even easier way to find the services I need and to be able to refer these services onto my clients and know they will be looked after.

And this professionalsim makes my company a valuable tool to others- therefore building new bussiness is easier for all!
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!!!