Inside BNI News Jan - June 2003

More Than A Meeting - BNI's 2003 Theme

The Annual Theme for BNI in 2003 is "More Than A Meeting" says Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder & CEO of BNI.

Announcement for "Ask The Founder" Online Chat

BNI Members - You are invited to an online chat with Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder & CEO of BNI. The chat will be on January 22, 2003 at 4:00 PM PST, 5:00 PM MTN, 6:00 PM CNT, 7:00 PM EST in the BNI - Yahoo chat room.

Making Word-of-Mouth Marketing Work for You

You can't just sit back and wait for word-of-mouth to do its thing----you need to put some effort into it.  Dr. Ivan Misner's article at Entrepreneur.com talks about how you can increase your business through "word of mouth".

SuccessNet Online Goes Bi-Monthly

Effective with the January/February 2003 issue, SuccessNet Online will be published every other month. There are currently 29,000 subscribers world-wide. Members and non-members of BNI are welcome to subscribe to this FREE online newsletter. Click here to SUBCRIBE NOW!

BNI's Inside Secrets Published in New Book

Read and implement seven key online strategies BNI has used to support and fuel the worldwide growth of BNI by reading the recently released book, Confessions of Shameless Internet Promoters.

Listen to Dr. Misner's Interview on Entrepreneur Radio

Listen to Dr. Misner talking with Will Robinson on .WS Radio about the philosophy of networking and how BNI became so successful in generating business for people around the world.

Anticipating Referrals

If you're not sure what to expect from your marketing efforts, take these variables into account.

Want to Join a Networking Group?

With six types to choose from, narrowing the field will help you find the groups that are best for your business.

And The Survey Says...

People get most of their business through word-of-mouth and referrals according to an online survey here at BNI.com!!! Over 1,000 people responded with their answers.

The Golden Rule of Networking: Stay in Touch With Your Clients

Learn six ways to foster solid relationships with clients, year after profitable year!

Network Like a Pro

Want people to talk about your business? Time to take your networking skills to the next level.

Executive Board of Advisors For BNI

The Executive Board of Advisors (shown to the left) meets every quarter to address policy issues relating to BNI. Since its inception in 1986, every BNI policy and guideline has been developed and/or approved by this board and also the International Board of Advisors for BNI.

Ain't This Cool?!

BNI's car of the week! Check out John Meyer's Grand Caravan!

Brian Tracy International Strategic Alliance

BNI and Brian Tracy International announce a "strategic alliance" between the two organizations. BNI, the world's largest referral organization and Brian Tracy International, one of the world's leading authorities on the development of human potential and personal effectiveness have recently agreed to a reciprocal referral relationship between their organizations.

Announcing the March/April Issue of SuccessNet Online

The new March/April issue has now been released! Subscriptions to this online newsletter have increased to 33,500 subscribers world-wide! Members and non-members alike are welcome to subscribe to this FREE online newsletter. Click here to: SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Be Remembered at Networking Events

How do you use memory hooks to stand out in a crowd? Learn how using a memory hook can make your presentation more memorable when meeting new people at networking events.

Success Isn't An Entitlement - It's Earned

If you want to be successful, you have to work hard AND make tough choices.  Read more from Dr. Ivan Misner and Don Morgan's upcoming book - Masters of Success to be published by Entrepreneur Press.

Michael Gerber Show to Host Dr. Misner

Author of the E-Myth, Michael Gerber, hosts Dr. Ivan Misner on his regular radio (and internet) talk show on Sunday, April 13th at approximately 5pm (Eastern Standard Time), 2pm (Pacific Standard Time). Dr. Misner will be talking about business networking, how BNI started and the challenges of running an international organization with over 2,700 Chapters world-wide.

BNI Meets At The Hague

Was it a meeting of the Dutch Parliament - or perhaps a session of the World Court of Justice? No -- but it was a lively core group meeting to introduce BNI into The Netherlands!

Good Manners are Good for Business

A good friend of BNI, Phyllis Davis is pleased to announce the release of "E2:  Using the Power of Ethics and Etiquette in American Business." Ms. Davis is the President of Executive Mentoring and Coaching in Beverly Hills, California.   She is also a popular regular columnist for Entrepreneur.com. Published by Entrepreneur Press, "E2" will be available at all major bookstores and online booksellers on April 7, 2003.

BNI Misner-Foundation -- Helping Children and Education

Did you know that the BNI-Misner Charitable Foundation helps to fund educational programs for children and education -- in countries all over the world? Through its highly-successful Mini-Grants program, the Foundation supports educational projects with small gifts of $500, to both charitable organizations and public schools

New University Business Course: "Networks and Social Capital"

Why do some people succeed while others struggle? The difference is more than what they know, it's their "social capital." What is "social capital?" Now you can learn about it through an exciting new course instructed by Dr. Ivan Misner, the Founder and CEO of BNI. "Networks and Social Capital" will be offered exclusively through California State Polytechnic University, Pomona -- and will begin in the Fall of 2003. The course will detail ways of building a personal network, both of knowledge and business contacts.

Why Aren't You Your Own Boss?

BNI would like to announce Paul & Sarah Edwards' new book entitled "Why Aren't You Your Own Boss? Paul and Sarah are long-time friends of BNI having mentioned the organization in many of their books including Working From Home, Getting Business To Come to You, and Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century.

How to Network With a Large Group

How can you network with a large group -- and not get lost in the crowd? A new article on Entrepreneur.com written by Dr. Ivan Misner can offer you suggestions on large group networking. Learn useful techniques to make introductions easier and also how to play "Business Card Bingo."

Coffee News Strategic Alliance

BNI and CoffeeNews, USA announce a "strategic alliance" between the two organizations. BNI, the world's largest referral organization and Coffee News, a weekly publication delivered to restaurants, coffee shops, and motels have agreed to formalize a long-standing referral relationship between the two companies.

BNI U.S. National Conference Members' Session -- New Orleans 2003

BNI Members are invited to the Members' Session of the U.S. National BNI Conference on Friday, May 16th in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and network with other BNI members and Directors from all over the United States -- and you are invited to attend! Some of the exciting new Members' Session topics include: You Gotta Tell Them 3 Times, The Power of 20, The Four P's to Profitability, Goal-Setting 101, and much, much more!

Many Miles To Go

BNI is pleased to announce a new book by Brian Tracy, a 'strategic alliance partner' with BNI.  The book is entitled "Many Miles To Go -- A Modern Parable for Business Success." Brian Tracy's thirst for adventure sent him on a trip that became a life-defining odyssey. He uses his amazing trans-global adventure story as a metaphor for all success in business as well as life. Learn about the simple steps for realizing the greatness within you and the full potential of your business.  Learn how you can order Many Miles To Go -- save 30 percent off the cover price -- and receive other valuable offers!

BNI Website "Links" Chapters and Members

Important Announcement for all BNI Members and Chapters BNI is pleased to announce that the "BNI Links" section of the www.bni.com website is complete.  BNI Chapters may now post information about their chapter meeting day, time, location and website --if any-- on the new "BNI Links" section of the www.bni.com website.  In addition, any BNI member may also post a link about their own business, along with their contact information and website. This is a Quick and Easy way to stay "linked" to all of your BNI contacts and is a FREE service to all BNI Chapters and Members.

BNI Holds 2003 U.S. National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana

BNI held its U.S. National Conference in New Orleans, LA during the week of May 12th thru May 16th, 2003. This conference was a big success with a real New Orleans flavor. A record-setting 150 U.S. Directors attended. An additional 80 BNI members from the surrounding states joined them for the Members' Session on Friday, May 16th.

Building Relationships That Last

Whether personal or business, long-lasting relationships require proper nurturing in order to grow and mature. Learn more about cultivating mutually-profitable relationships in the latest article written by Dr. Ivan Misner for Entrepreneur.com.  Follow the three phases of relationship marketing and networking, and your connections will be here to stay!

BNI Launches 14th Country!

Welcome Switzerland to BNI's World Family!  May 27th was the long-awaited kickoff day for BNI in Switzerland!  After weeks of hard work and preparation, the newest chapter launched with 24 enthusiastic members! BNI Regional Director, Ina von Koenig says, "Many of our visitors were excited and wanted to join immediately.  We had seven applications right after the launch.  By the end of the month we expect to have 30 members!"

How to Make the Right Impression

BNI would like to announce the release of a new book by Susan RoAne entitled "RoAne's Rules - How to Make the Right Impression." Susan RoAne is a contributing author to "Masters of Networking" and a long time supporter of BNI. Do you know how to make a good impression? What to say? What to do? What to wear? Learn how to work a room or work one-on-one. RoAne's Rules will explain how you can present exactly the image you want to convey and create the best impression wherever you go.

Michigan Region Leads in Member Extravaganza Programs

BNI's Michigan Region is the world-wide leader in successful Member Extravaganza Programs. The Membership Drive - also known as the "Member Extravaganza" -- provides a great opportunity for members to have some fun in increasing their membership. When a chapter grows membership, it means more referral business for everyone in the chapter! This year's participants in the Member Extravaganza will be entered to win a trip to sunny Orlando, Florida!

What's Better: A Lead or a Referral?

Knowing the difference between the two can make your marketing efforts go much more smoothly. Learn more about the difference between a lead and a referral in the latest article written by Dr. Ivan Misner for Entrepreneur.com