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Calling All BNI Members: Participate in Important Networking Survey!

BNI is funding a project that will establish the best approach to networking for companies of different sizes and types. The results will be published in various BNI venues when completed, and we need your participation.

By asking networkers across the globe about their businesses, their marketing and networking strategies, and which types of approaches work best for them, we will discover some "best practice" marketing mixes for both small and large businesses and also establish what limits they are currently facing.

To take the survey, click here.



BNI Foundation Webathon

The first-ever, live webathon for the BNI Foundation was a success, with members from around the world plugging in through the Internet and supporting the Foundation.

Dr. Ivan Misner kicked off the event with a presentation, which was followed by an interview conducted by Beth Misner and Georgia Rudolph from the Haynes Center for Children and Family Development, a recipient of a few mini grants. Georgia was presented another $1000 mini grant for the Leroy Boys' Home; the fund will be used for books.

Other event highlights included a presentation by Susan Bean from BNI HQ, an interview with Amy Turley-Brown from HQ on why philanthropy is important, a presentation by Leroy Gaines from HQ, and an interview with Brian Wiesner, BNI Executive Board of Advisor member and Chapter President of the Route 66 chapter in Glendora, CA (the only chapter in the world to qualify this year as a Mini-Grant Sponsor Chapter!)

Beth Misner makes a $1000 mini-grant presentation to Mrs. Wright's 2nd grade class at Mt. Calvary Lutheran School in Diamond Bar, California.

Ivan and Beth discussed their philosophy of giving and how they are teaching philanthropy to their three children. They also talked about some of the mini grants that have been given this year.

Special guest Chuck Seventi presented via web from his school in Page, Arizona. Recently approved for a mini grant, Chuck discussed how he is using technology in his classroom to bring the best education possible to his students.

Throughout the course of the webathon, donors were encouraged to make their contributions; a prize (a painting done by Ivan and Beth's daughter, Ashley) was offered to the person making the single-largest contribution during the broadcast. Beth Anderson won that gift; thank you, Beth, for your generous contribution!

The webathon has been archived at the BNI Foundation site and may be viewed at www.bnifoundation.org; simply click on News. You will find the archived show in three parts. Unfortunately, the final segment was not recorded from Arizona, but you will be able to view 3 1/2 hours of the 4-hour webathon.

Submitted by Elisabeth Misner, BNI-Misner Foundation Administrator


2008 US Member Extravaganza

This year's US Member Extravaganza, held at "Lowes Royal Pacific Resort" in Orlando, Florida, was a huge success.

The event was held from Friday, October 10 through Monday, October 13 with over 200 participants, including US Member Extravaganza competition winners and their guests.

Ivan Misner's presentation was based on his newest book, The 29% Solution.

Here is what trip winner Sharon Bowen, member of BNI Ultimate Chapter in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, had to say:

"My husband Larry and I had a FANTASTIC time in Orlando at the BNI Member Extravaganza. The entire event was well organized from the preflight correspondence to the flight home. We were delighted with the 4-star resort and the day at Universal Studios Theme Park. But without a doubt the highlight was meeting and listening to Dr. Misner, one of the best speakers we have ever heard. At the mixer, we met many BNI members from across the United States and got to share our success stories and enthusiasm for our BNI membership. We cannot thank Executive Directors Deanna and Bob Schmitt enough for providing us this wonderful trip!"