Interested in learning how BNI National Directors fall into their roles? Check out this question and answer session with Ryszard Chmura, BNI National Director in Poland.
Q: How did you learn of the BNI Franchise Opportunity?
I started my BNI journey as a BNI member. I had a small advertising company with only one employee. After joining a BNI chapter, I learned how to grow my business and other BNI members helped me. After five years my company grew to 200 employees and my advertising agency was one of the fast growing marketing companies in Poland. I knew BNI is a great and easy way for all business owners to do business. So, when I learned about the Franchise Opportunity in Poland, I was highly motivated to get involved.
Q: What was the deciding factor that made you become a BNI National Director?
I realized that we can build the biggest network of thousands business owners in the country. SME are the foundation for economic growth in Poland. As National Director, I get the opportunity to help people to grow their businesses and at the same time help the Polish economy to grow. How cool is that?
Q: What Core Value do you most identify with and why?
Positive Attitude is one of the most important Core Values for me. There is enough negativity in the world but I am working with people that are happy, have a positive mindset and want to do something good for their business, region and for the country. BNI Members are looking for solutions instead for problems.
Q: What are some of the benefits of owning a BNI franchise?
One of the most important benefits for me is that it allows me to interact with business people across the world. As a franchise owner, I grow my personal network and learn a lot from others.
Q: What are you most excited about in the year ahead for BNI Poland?
I am very excited that despite the fact that we are already the biggest organization for business owners in Poland and in the world, we are about to put ourselves in second gear and move forward even further. We have many game changing projects that will launch in 2018 and help us to be even better.
Q: Are there any nearby neighboring countries that you think BNI has significant opportunity in?
As an Eastern European country we have shorter history of free market than some other countries, but we are catching up fast! BNI has a great opportunity to grow in countries like the Czech Republic, Ukraine or Russia.
Q: What recommendations do you have for anyone considering becoming a BNI National Director or Executive Director?
My recommendation would be to think fast, because there are a lot of people that want to bring BNI to their country or region. If you think that you will be able to lead the biggest business organization in your country or region, I encourage you to apply and check if you are qualified to do so. Myself and other National Directors would be more than happy to help you bring BNI to your country.
