BNI Members voice their thoughts...
Janice Porter - BNI Big Tsunami
 
Malene is a pleasure to do business with ... she is an extremely talented
designer and yet very humble and most appreciative of your business.
She makes everyone feel beautiful and has an eye for what will work on
each and every person she styles. I love sending people to Malene
as I know they will be treated professionally and warmly. I am proud
to be part of her Big T team.

Janice Porter
Send Out Cards
The Big T
Ozzie Kipnes - BNI Big Tsunami
 
Great food at the Cafe and spectacular food at special events!

We've had the pleasure at dining in at their cafe as well as referring Emelle's Catering to our discerning clientele.
We are now thrilled to be using them for our own private affair. Yahoo!!!
From Turkey Sandwhiches to lamb lollipops...their food is tasty and looks spectacular. Their staff are friendly (all the time) and their service from the coordinators is top notch. We love working with Emelles at events, eating their food and recommending them to our clients.
Great job you guys!

Ozzie Kipnes
Hot Wax Entertainment
Allison Cousins - BNI Big Tsunami
 
I joined BNI in 2007 when I first hung up my 'shingle' as an entrepreneur. Initially, I thought the benefit would be referrals. Well, referrals certainly came but, especially in the early days, the value I cannot put a price tag on came from the network of professionals and entrepreneurs that I met along the way. I can say that I would not be the business owner I am today without BNI and I certainly wouldn't have grown at the the same rate. As a young woman in business, a network of other entrepreneurial women who genuinely supported me (rather than competed with me) was priceless both for my business and personal development. Don't get me wrong; the men in the chapter are great too! :)

After 2 years of investing my time in BNI by getting to know the members and stepping up for leadership, I saw excellent financial returns. Now, in my 6th year, the financial returns account for over 50% of my annual revenue when I track all business back to it's original source.

It just keeps getting better!
Janice Porter - BNI Big Tsunami
 
I was so "anti" BNI for a long time, thinking I had this networking thing handled on my own. I belonged to a couple of
lunch groups that were supposed to be referral groups but all we did was have lunch and socialize.
I was invited to be along term sub for someone at BNI which gave me the perfect opportunity to test the waters
in this well-oiled machine called The Big Tsunami. I was blown away from the moment I went to my
first meeting. Everyone was so upbeat and friendly and there was a lot of business trading hands too.
I got hooked and actually took over the position from my friend who was going to be travelling a lot and
couldn't commit as regularly as he had previously done. That was just over 2 years ago. I am still here
and loving it. BNI has an amazing system - they teach you how to get the most out of your
membership and it works if you do your part. It's so important to get to know-like-and- trust your
fellow members as they are your sales team working on your behalf each week to bring you referrals.
At the same time you are doing the same for them. It works! It works especially well as you get
to know each other which means having one on one sessions with each other and really looking at
a strategy for helping each other get business. It's brilliant! I am a convert and truly operating with
the Givers Gain philosophy of the organization. YEA BNI!
Philip Li - BNI Bear Mountain
 
I've been in BNI for the past 2 years and it has been an amazing experience. I had just started a Computer Sales and Repair business in Victoria and so business owners urged me to join a networking group for more business and exposure. Being an introvert, speaking in front of people is not my cup of tea. So, I put off any networking for months. Suddenly out of the blue, the BNI Bear Mountain chapter president called me and asked if I wanted to visit. I was very hesitant, but obliged because in the back of my mind I know I should go. It has just taken off from there. I feel very comfortable speaking to business owners and to a small group of people. I have no problem promoting myself and my business. I'm able to comfortably walk into other businesses to advertise without my face getting red.
Not for a day did I think I would become a long term BNI member or even an advocate for BNI, but I know this type of networking just WORKS! I have looked at other types of networking groups, and all have dwindled away and broke apart. If you're still on the fence as to whether to visit a BNI or join a BNI, then jump off and get into one. Not only does it generate referrals, increase your business exposure, but also help your confidence and public speaking skills. Nowadays I look forward to going to BNI every week to see my group of "business friends". If I miss a week of BNI, I feel like I've lost the opportunity to listen to expert advice when business owners talk about their business for 60 seconds. I lose the knowledge of knowing what the latest trends or things to look be careful of in each members' industry.

Thank you BNI and I look forward to many years of doing business together!

Philip Li, Owner
Mega IT Technology Inc.
BNI Bear Mountain
Ginny Konechny - BNI The Business Builders
 
It has been just over 2 years since I joined The Business Builders Chapter. It has been a very successful 2 years. Not only have I developed great business relationships with everyone in our chapter but also I have made many wonderful friends.
The chapter is successful because we follow the "givers gain" BNI motto. As we go about our daily work, we are all listening to our clients needs. When we hear someone mention a particular need, we know how to make the connection with the right person in our BNI chapter. It's not about saying "oh you must use this person", and handing them a business card, it's about making the connection between the 2. I often ask if I may pass on their name and have our member give them a call. That way I know it's a true referral as I have the person's permission to have the chapter member give them a call.
My own business has multiplied because of the connections I have made through BNI but I'm not in BNI because I want to build my business alone, but I'm in the chapter because I can help build other members build their businesses as well.
Life is all about helping others to succeed and in doing so I will succeed as well.
I highly reccomend every business look at joining BNI. It's the most inexpensive way to build and develop your business while helping others at the same time. The connections and friendships are priceless and advertising the "old" way just doesn't work as well.
Ginny Konechny
Independent Sales Director
Mary Kay Cosmetics
The Business Builders Chapter, Kelowna, BC
Isabelle Hamptonstone - BNI Viewpoint
 
Testimonial:
Claudia and Brian Scrivener at Hands on Health


Claudia and Brian Scrivener deserve a great testimonial.

The level of care that they have shown me as a client is worthy of great praise and thanks.

Both Claudia and Brian are kind in their demeanor and professional in their practice of taking the highest care possible of the clients that come to see them.

Not only are they highly skilled and qualified, they are also the owners of very gentle and loving natures which shines through as they use their incredible knowledge to help and support healing and the reestablishment of correct alignment and body development.

I would recommend the Hands and Hearts at Hands on Health in a heartbeat.

My best and thanks to you both,
Isabelle Hampton-Stone MSc.
Owner, Brain Train International
Ingrid Joffe - BNI All Stars
 
If only I knew about BNI years ago, I can imagine how much more successful my business would be today. I've attended networking events for years as a freelance writer and was always underwhelmed by the lack of direction, follow-up or process.

As soon as I walked into my first BNI event with the All Stars chapter, invited by Baila Lazarus, I could tell the difference right away.There was an immediate positive energy flowing along with strong coffee at the early morning meeting. And there were so many friendly faces, from the moment my visitor host Manuel Avila escorted me to the 31st floor to chatting with members in the room. I was impressed by their professionalism and the well-thought out process.

My time is as valuable as everyone else's so it was refreshing that we all kept to the schedule and wrapped things up on time. And last but not least, seeing all those referrals flying around was the icing on the networking cake for me. As a new member, I've been welcomed into the group and am enjoying every step of the way to providing referrals and learning to invite guests. And I'm telling all of my contacts, online and in person, about how effective BNI can be.
Lindsay Viscount - BNI Dynamo
 
I joined BNI 6 months ago. Within a 6 month period I have been able to triple my business income. I truly attribute my success to numerous aspects of the BNI network. I have been able to develop new business relationships, gain confidence in my business and my sales pitch, and I have earned my membership fees back and then some. I can not say enough positive things about the BNI network. Thanks so much BNI.

Web Designer
Sanj Sukerkar - BNI Pier Success
 
Networking with BNI is fantastic! For being new in Surrey, I had limited business contacts. After joining my BNI chapter, I found my contacts had grown exponentially. You network, and you make good friends along the way. You also get continual training. Plus, the social speaking opportunities makes you a confident business owner. Outside our meetings, we look forward to doing lunches and socializing with each other. Don't network hard, network smart - Network with BNI.
David Gordon-Smith - BNI Driven Dragons
 
Local Trifecta Internet Marketing Inc has been a part of BNI since Jan 2011. As with most businesses we were a bit nervous about how this networking group would help our business grow. We visited a couple chapters and were welcomed by both. We connected really well with a BNI Chapter in Richmond BC and soon after joined the Driven Dragons. Between the welcome we received, the personal attention our mentor gave us to integrate us into the BNI system, and most importantly, the incredible success of the program, BNI is easily the best investment we have made.

BNI meetings are incredibly organized and are truly focused on helping businesses grow. Its called the BNI Advantage and although the focus is referrals and business growth there is an inexplicable connection made with the other members and guests that supersedes "networking".

All said and done we are on track to see a 12,000% Return on Investment. If you are even remotely interested in growing your business and feel networking with like minded companies can help BNI is worth every penny.

David Gordon-Smith
Founder - www.LocalTrifecta.com
Sherry Chamberlain - BNI Kamloops First
 
I have been involved with networking groups of various types for 20 years. I have found great success with BNI because it follows a strict system with professional training and is run by a professional team at BNI. No other networking group stays on task, follows a detailed plan as effectively as BNI.

People are in need of schedules, systems and plans to stay on top of their business and to win more sales. BNI is a weekly meeting place that will give any person the necessary tools to allow them to work their business plan to success.

There is no reason why a company cannot succeed if they join BNI and follow the strategies for business growth and their is no reason why the ROI cannot be met in the first month or less of joining.

BNI allows one to be transparent with their job, business or career with other business members, which in turn offers you the openess to ask people what it is you want.

While i am in business, BNI will always be a connection for me.

Sherry Chamberlain
Chubb Edwards
BNI 1st - Kamloops
Charter Member 1998 - 2006, Rejoined in 2009
Claudia Guerrero - BNI Destiny
 
July 29, 2011
Claudia Guerrero
Web Designer
pro.NET Communications
230 - 1152 Mainland Street, Vancouver BC, V6B 4X2

To Whom It May Concern,

I currently hold the position of web designer at BNI Destiny where I been attending for one year now. On this one year celebration I would like to share with you what BNI has done for me, the value that it has brought to my business and to me personally.

One year ago a close friend of my contacted me to invite me to a networking breakfast. He didn't say much other than it was a great way to meet other professionals and perhaps expand my business. I thought about it and decided it was only one breakfast and I had nothing to lose by attending. That morning that I attended and saw for the very first time how a BNI meeting was done it was a no brainer for me to join, and so I did immediately.

Once I started to get to know each individual in our group I felt more and more connected to the group and pretty soon I started to see some referrals come in. The feeling of getting a referral from a member of the group is so rewarding and I definitely do a little extra for those BNI referrals. In that same manner when I give a referral to a member of the group it's also rewarding to know that I may be helping them grow.

Now that a year has gone by and our group has grown with even more great professionals, I look back and I realize that one breakfast really changed my life. I am so happy to have made the decision to join BNI Destiny.

Personally I have gotten to know many great individuals, some of which I have become friends with and I will happily continue with our friendship for many years to come.

In conclusion, I recommend to anyone that has attended other networking groups to visit BNI Destiny and you will see the difference that the BNI structure can bring to your business and personal life like it has done for mine.

Sincerely yours,
Claudia Guerrero - BNI Destiny Member.
Dawn Wesenberg - BNI Referrals Unlimited
 
June 1, 2011



It has been nearly a year since I wrote my first testimonial about Dr. Thompson. And what a year it has been!

I had experienced a huge improvement in my painful hip, which was the reason I initially decided to see him. As time progressed though, we both learned how stress had affected the alignment of my spine and with Marty’s intuitive care, other issues like depression, hypothyroidism and depleted adrenal glands surface. I began to understand why I was so exhausted by the end of the day, why I had difficulty completing tasks, my irritability and mood swings and other issues I dismissed as aging.

With each new insight and adjustment, I have an ever increasing awareness of my mind/body/spirit interconnection. The best way to describe this is to finally feel like I know my own true self. My family history taught me that your body was meant for work, play was a waste of productive time and introspection was for the lazy.

Now I understand that every event I have ever experienced is stored in my body and that by repressing painful memories and the emotions related to them can increase the likelihood of serious illness.

I feel strengthened to discover alternative therapies that are non-invasive, are without medication and honour my body for its miraculous complexity.

Thank you Marty, for guiding me on my journey to growing my health!




Dawn Wesenberg
Independent Beauty Consultant
Mary Kay Cosmetics
250-862-9506
vanwes2@telus.net
www.marykay.ca/dwesenberg
Teresa Cutting - BNI Valley R2R
 
Being a member for 2 1/2 years I have found that BNI's screening process has put me with a wonderful group of professionals who are easy to refer business to. I don't have to wonder if I am referring my clientel to the right professional as I am extremelly confident in my chapter members and how they represent their business' through our weekly meetings.
Sussan Toub - BNI All Stars
 
I have been a proud member of BNI since 2002. Prior to joining I was shy, terrified of public speaking and did not have a clue about networking. The positive encouragement, mentoring and education I received from my BNI colleagues have made me become a far more confident person, a mentor to others and a passionate networker.

BNI has been the best marketing investment for our store. Our store is in a mall and through word of mouth referrals it is as if we have a “street front entrance” exposure. Referrals through BNI provide us with more business than the Yellow Pages, web sites, and print advertising combined.

As a member of BNI All Stars I have the privilege of being among dedicated and passionate professionals whose sole purpose is promoting each other’s business. When a profession is not represented in my chapter, through the BNI Trade Directory I have access to a whole network of people.

It is my pleasure referring to members and introducing people to BNI. It is truly the “Giver’s Gain” philosophy!
Sussan Toub
The UPS Store (Vancouver Downtown)
BNI All Stars
Ted Loo - BNI Marinaside
 
BNI Member Testimonial

My life changed when I became a BNI member.

As a personal trainer, my business grew over 350% within 16 months as a direct result of my BNI membership. Not only have I benefitted by tangible measurables but have been branded as one of the top trainers in Vancouver which definitely would not have happened without the help of my BNI chapter. For example, I have been featured in 24Hrs newspaper as a direct result of a BNI referral and voted Georgia Straights Best Personal Trainer in Vancouver with the support of my fellow chapter members.

BNI has also touched my personal life. I met my wife through BNI… she was the Vice President that approved my application when I first applied. Thank god she did not decline my application as my life would be very different right now. Eight weeks ago my wife and I celebrated the arrival of our first child and she was a true BNI baby as she arrived on a Tuesday morning right around the time our chapter usually meets. Lol

Thank you BNI for helping me take my life to a higher place.

Ted Loo

Ted Loo Fitness