In May 2004, BNI signed up its 2000th Member, Gordon Young of Young Horticulture in Hillarys, Western Australia.

Gordon is a Landscape Designer, invited by Craig Mason, to "Leading Edge" Chapter, and decided to join "because of the opportunities to network and meet other people with a view to generating business".

BNI in Australia is now 112 Chapters strong and is on target to reach 130 by the end of the year. It has come a long way since the first chapter was formed in St. Ives, Sydney in 1997 (which is still going strong after 7 years!).

Members of the Sturt Chapter in the Riverina region of N.S.W. combined their individual member's efforts in a community project and completed their local version of TV's "Backyard Blitz".

On locating a needy recipient through community service channels, Chapter members volunteered their services as well as networking with local merchants to donate supplies free of charge for this worthy grandmother.

After a weekend of hard yakka, dedication and team work in atrocious weather, this grandmother who is undergoing chemotherapy, was delivered a new pergola, paved area, water feature, raised garden beds, and was "thrilled by the out of the blue approach".

The purpose for undertaking this community project by the Chapters was four fold:-

1. Firstly to highlight members' abilities as individuals to the other members of the group (what a fabulous dance card)
2. Secondly, to work together as a group to build relationships;
3. Thirdly, to give something back to the community; and
4. To highlight to the community the benefits of BNI.

This project received enormous coverage in the local newspapers and promoted both BNI and the individual members who participated and generously donated their time and efforts.

Well done Sturt members . . . and congratulations for a job well done . . . for the community, your Chapter and BNI!

When Toni Parker came along to the first information session for the Gold Coast City Chapter in January 1999, no-one could have guessed what lay ahead.

300 referrals later . . . not to mention years of Leadership Team service, and a year as an Ambassador, the exponent of the "givers" side of Givers Gain is a wonderful success story and invaluable member of her Chapter!

Sometimes averaging 3-4 referrals a week, rarely a week goes by where Toni does not bring at least 1 referral to her Chapter.

From all the members who have been recipients, Thank You Toni!

 

Starting a core group for a new Chapter at 20 applicants has been a goal for Regional Director, Leo Petrik.

And in the TITAN Chapter, half way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, he has achieved it!

Beginning with one motivated member, Sharon Pullen of Davies, Knox, Maynard at Beenleigh, it took just three information sessions for 20 people to lodge applications.

Can you imagine how inspiring the Chapter mornings would be?

Well Done Leo!

 

BNI Australia is the leader in business networking and so it was only a matter of time before we took the lead to celebrate National Networking Week.

During the week of 18th to 22nd October, in Capital Cities and Regional Centres around Australia, there will be formal launches of this week as well as other special functions.

National Networking Week coincides with our Membership Campaign during October and November, so this will be an exciting period for BNI.

Stay tuned for more details.

Have you checked out the website lately? No! Then you have missed some exciting developments.

Lost Your Password - on the Home Page means you can receive a new password almost instantly - try it!
Categories in a Chapter - every chapter now shows what categories are represented on the Home Page - great if you are looking for a category you don't have.
Testimonials - you can now submit your own testimonial for consideration. And the beauty of that is you and your business might just get some extra promotion. Try it!

The Trade Directory on the BNI website is an invaluable tool to help you find almost anyone you want in BNI.

Plumber, Podiatrist, Printer, Painter . . .

If you don't have a profession or trade in your Chapter, another Chapter is certain to be able to help.

The Trade Directory is also accessible by members of the public, as well as BNI members, so the opportunities to reach clients is unlimited.

However, it only works if you are listed . . . you are listed aren't you?

If not, grab a cup of coffee, and take the time to update your business profile..... today!