Welcomes this week to Phil Levy subbing for Bob Bullen, Renya James subbing for Graham Hathaway, Martyn Fowler from Gatwick Chapter, and Simon Porter subbing for Stephanie Owen.

Substitutes:
The question of substitutes is a tricky one. We have had experience, in Caterham Chapter, of people who have been keen to offer their services on a regular basis as subs. They get to know to know the members, the system, and most importantly they receive the benefits in the shape of referrals and business. It is comfortable and easy to use them. By doing this it enables that person to achieve all of the benefits of BNI without the commitment of joining – not just a question of money, although it is important to remember that your membership fees are an integral part of your marketing budget.

Why should a non-member get those benefits for free? The same applies, perhaps even more so, to use of ex-members. There are, generally, very sound reasons why they are ex-members. Either they did not suit BNI or BNI did not suit them. Whatever the reason it is not good practice to encourage ex-members to come along as substitutes, regularly. It could be that the business they are promoting is not one that we could feel comfortable recommending or should be seen to be promoting.

The answer is to get subs from other Chapters, whose own business does not conflict with any current members or to use a friend, relative or employee who will only promote your business, as a sub, and not have business of their own to advertise.

It would also be practical to notify a member of the leadership team if you have difficulty getting a sub or to inform of your candidate who will be attending in your place.

BNI Survey:
The newsflash of the week concerns BNI UK seeking a “Vox Pop” survey on what members think. More details to follow next week, but it looks like an on-line survey to record everyones views. Hopefully we will have more information for Sue to deliver in her Education Slot next week.

Time honoured:
Congratulations to Morag Matthews on achieving her 7th year membership badge.

60 seconds:
Congratulations, also, to Sue for coming up with the Elvis Presley song title game. Some extraordinary and innovative presentations based around song titles. It was tough to call but I think James McLoughlin just edged it from Mark Hynes to win the Star Speaker Award.

Leaders:
Well done to Scott Georgiades and John Gooden for being leading referral givers in January. Top of the leader board for the year is still  Nic Howard on 77 referrals, just behind Visitors, collectively on 96.

10 minutes:
This weeks 10 minute speaker was Liz Copeland from Tranzformations. Liz gave us a very clear and concise outline of what she does, how she does it and what she charges for doing it.

Her previous roles were in accountancy and software consultancy, and for 15 years she has been in Nutrition and Health Care. With a burning desire to be successful at home and work and the key to success described as “loving what she does” Liz brings a balanced view to those important issues of health and nutrition. (By the way, Liz hates celery)

Liz clearly adopts a scientific approach to her role as a coach, giving advice and information based on a thorough analysis of dietary habits and tests to establish the precise eating plan for each client. Tranzformations also offer a range of powerful supplements, only available through qualified practioners,again, tailored to individual needs.

Liz explained how stress and lifestyle can cause a change to the chemistry of the brain and this can lead to an imbalance affecting the metabolism of the body.

Liz told us about her programmed approach to weight loss and how to succeed through nutritional knowledge plus motivational aspects designed to ensure success is achieved and, more importantly, maintained.

It’s absolutely clear that referrals for Liz and her work will receive professional and sound advice to help them transform their eating habits and their lives.

Great presentation, Liz.

The wrapped door prize went to Joe Nathanail.

Speakers for the next few weeks:

Events:
John Gooden reminded us about Go Karting and Arena Events:

This is International Networking Week (4th-11th February) and together with Frances Conn, Renya James and Martyn Fowler (visitors this week) I attended the Big Breakfast at The Bridge House Hotel Reigate. After last years sell out at Kingswood, from which we were booked but excluded it was disappointing to see only about 40 people, including 5 BNI directors, 2 Visitors and most of the Reigate Chapter. The venue is probably the worst BNI venue I have ever been to with terrible food, swimming in grease, and no choice –take it or leave it, and the public restaurant operating in the same room (not their fault - why should hotel guests eat in silence?)

The 10 minute presentation from Ivan Misner (by video DVD) was marred by the strong sunlight obscuring the screen. Add awful parking, both getting in and out, and it was not the best networking event I have attended. The speakers were of the usual high standard – Richard Petty always shines.

The positives were meeting some new people and exchanging cards with some possible synergy to come, and Ivan Misner, has to be listened to. As you will see I was sufficiently impressed to lift my quote for the week from him.

Robert French made an impassioned appeal for delegates to go to the International 21/2 day Networking Event in Kuala Lumpur in May. He even suggested that each Chapter should consider sponsoring a delegate to attend, if Chapter funds permit (approx £600).

I reprint below his pitch:

Suppose the Cream of the Crop of BNI members from all around the world were to come together in Kuala Lumpur, from 27th to 29th May, for 2 ½ days, and not just for 4 hours as with a normal Members event?
What is the potential of such a gathering? Well, let me help out with a few pointers.

1. As we have already sold half the tickets, with Members booked are from 17 countries, it is either possible to make contacts on the other side of the world, OR 50 miles from where you live!  You don’t know who else is coming!  That’s Networking.
   
2. Many new Countries are opening to BNI.  You may be surprised at how brilliantly some of the new markets are developing the BNI system.  Come to meet them to learn how to raise your game in established BNI countries.
   
3. In 2006, 348 members attended.  As a result, at a conservative estimate, $30 million was transacted between June and Dec 2006!
   
4. The growth of BNI is fuelled annually by BNI Directors meeting in Los Angeles for 2 days.  It is Work.  During that time ideas are exchanged by doing “Dance Cards”.  Imagine the flow of ideas from 800 Members all doing 1-2-1, Dance Cards, from around the World.
   
5. Who stands to get business?  Everyone!  This can be from a contact at the Event, or from a new idea to take back to your chapter which will raise the flow of Referrals.
   
6. One member in 2006 took 9 Referrals to his chapter meeting from the Event.  How many Referrals could you take back to your chapter?  PLEASE, send a delegate.  It will help you ALL to maximize your Potential from BNI.

The Convention Centre has several well appointed coffee bars, and is surrounded by excellent hotels. We do not expect Members to attend all the seminars.  We have the best speaker line-up imaginable, but take some time out to make the most of those contacts. AND….it will be tremendous Fun!

February 4th to Feb 9th is International Networking Week, so the timing of your visit is immaculate !  You will be in time to join in, or if your visit is after those dates, you have probably already attended a Large “BNI Breakfast”.

Either way, many people around the world will have participated, and a great number will have made valuable new contracts and generated new business.  For most, this event will have only been over a 4 hour period.

Robert French

There is definite evidence that delegates from the UK have won business from attending this event in previous years. Exposure to 350 or so networkers over an extended few days will definitely throw up some synergy, plus it is a chance to have a tax deductable business trip (strictly kosher and legimate –HMRC allowable) and to tack a few days R&R on the end.

I would suggest we offer to host next years Big Breakfast, it would be great for us and we have the venue and the support to guarantee a great event.

Thought for the week:
From the lips of Dr Ivan Misner founder of BNI
“It’s not what you know – it’s not even who you know – it’s how well you know them”