President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooo, CHAMPIONS!!

Well, well, I believe the Champions enjoyed turkey day and the four day holiday a great deal as the energy level needed a little lift once the Champions were called promptly at 7:45. The room was rather sparse with visitors but we did welcome Peter Buechler, a certified financial planner with Cohesive Financial. Peter subbed for Angelo but seemed very interested in applying if we can find an open category for him. I noticed that Peter and Steven Stakley were in serious talks about how they could work together and not conflict. Recognition ruled the day however as the meeting was highlighted by several recognition opportunities:

International Tabasco Award for "hottest" SMM:

.........and the winner was........Chris Vasquez!! Congrats Chris. Your name now is permanently attached to the hallowed pepper and a small bottle will be placed prominently in front of your seat from here forth. You get to start the SMMs next week and choose the winner.

October Leaders in 1-2-1s, referrals, and visitors:

Greg Beck, Bo Lowe, Ela Corcoran, Brett Adolph (absent because of strep throat...wait, that's what Jenni has...must be going around...feel better guys!!), and Dr. Paul Kwik were all called to the dais and the leaders announced...Brett for 1-2-1s and referrals...Chapter Star?? and Dr. Paul with the visitors!

Champions Spark Plug (awarded to the Champion who went above and beyond):

Given during the Stand and Deliver portion of the meeting to emphasize its importance, to Ms. Rosanne Grigsby who while moving, servicing an ailing auto, nursing a sick mom back to health, still found time to plan the Champions Christmas Social, design and print a brochure to announce the event, plan the menu (she will prepare it also)...whew!! You can see why she won! Thanks for making the chapter GREAT, Rosanne!

Stack Day Winners:

They call them "mellow yellow"!!...the winner is the Yellow Team. Give it up for the Yellow Team Cap, Ela Corcoran and her teammates: Robert, Rutger, Brett, Jim Sando, James, and Bo. The team finished with 860 points...Champion effort, mellow yellow!!

Outstanding Keynotes:

We had the privilege of hearing Michael Figueroa and Tom Roberts today. Michael gave us a primer on wood floors and the subtle difference between engineered and "tree". Michael has built his career on the saying that "if you do it right, they will tell a friend, if you do it wrong, they will tell the world!"...great motto for word of mouth referring. Michael would like introductions to hospital facility managers as he has extensive experience in hospital flooring. Tom is in transition and did a brilliant job of outlining his background, accomplishments (Eagle Scout), Skills, and perfect companies for his services. Tom epitomized the BSA slogan and was VERY prepared for the presentation. I believe that all of the Champions left with a much better understanding of the position Tom is seeking.

EC Moment:

Jim Sando took a risk and asked for audience participation in answering "what is your biggest obstacle to receiving more referrals?" The question was one of the many survey questions that Jim asked of the chapter before his term began and these survey questions have formed the bases for many of Jim's EC moments. The prevailing reasons seem to be the segue from conversation to request and knowledge of those in need of the services. A specific ask in the SMM should help all of the Champions receive more quality referrals...and the Tabasco Award!!

Chapter Biz:

November vs October...more 1-2-1s, more referrals, more visitors!!

TYFCB...$58,900 this month...$26,000 ahead of Oct and Nov of 2009!! Ka-Ching!!!

Due$ are due so don't be blue next week!!

Christmas Social, Thursday December 9th, Branding Personality, 6:30-8:00. If you want to participate in the gift exchange, bring a wrapped gift for you and one for your spouse, guest, significant other, etc.

December 21, last regular meeting of this year, we will participate with Dawn Revelle and the Spark of Love toy campaign and contribute unwrapped toys. Dawn will be at our meeting to take the toys with her. Dawn was featured in the OC Register last weekend. You can read the article by clicking here.

The meeting was closed with a dialogue quote from the movie Airplane in memory of Leslie Neilsen who died last weekend.

Make it a Champion week!!

Episode 182: “The Best 60-Second Presentation I Ever Heard”

In this week's episode of the BNI podcast, Dr. Misner discusses the very best 60 second commercial he has ever heard. The results will surprise you...it is not about the "memory hook".

You can listen to the podcast by clicking here. Enjoy the information!

November Chapter Success Forum

One of the highlights of my BNI month is attending the Chapter Success Forum! I attended my first one out of shear curiosity back in February of 2010. I was new to BNI and wanted to see what the Forum was all about. Man, was I impressed! Clement Muwele was the moderator and the group met at Mimis on Euclid in Anaheim. I was visitor host at the time and ironically the topic was "how to make the visitor host position more effective!" I took away MANY helpful ideas and couldn't wait until the next one. Well the next one was headed by Nancy Board...great, but different! My keen investigation uncovered the fact that each Forum is headed by a new director each month AND the Chapter Success Forum used to be the President's Success Forum until the attendance became diluted and others subbed for the Presidents. What has emerged is a GREAT way to expand your Visibility, meet other chapter members as well as directors and enhance your BNI "givers gain" experience! Yesterday's meeting at Mimis on 17th in Tustin was headed by Todd Hansberger, SoCal Director, a member of the Yorba Linda BNI and owner of a pest control company. Todd's wife Kris, a member of Platinum Coast (a small start-up in South County ;)) was also in attendance. Great job you two! You know the Forum is well presented when another director, Lem Bucago attends!

The two topics well discussed were Inviting and the Hidden Visitor Opps of your BNI Meetings:

Inviting: (consider these ideas)

Place emphasis upon it in meetings

Check our attitude before opening our mouth

Use social media marketing to attract visitors (LinkedIn, Facebook, and Meetup, etc.)

Follow your dollars

Would you pay $1000 for $20,000 in new business?

Convert a cold call on you to a visitor

Use your business blog to attract visitors

Use MS Tags as an inviting technique

Stack Days, Stack Days and more Stack Days

Remember your role as President...your are a visitor host on steroids!

Meeting Visitor Hidden Opps: (consider these and make your meetings shine!)

Arrive early...visitors do

Use open groups vs closed groups

Create a "buzz" during open networking with a question

Early bird prizes

Keep the meeting distraction to a minimum

BE PREPARED...motto of BSA...but true in BNI

Wear your name badges...paper badges for those who forgot confuse visitors

Recognition

Consider attending a Forum! You will not be disappointed.

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!!

The Champions chapter of SoCal BNI welcomed Darice Nicoletti from Nicoletti Creative and second time visitor, Jason Becker from Sunset Signs and Printing! Additionally, the Champions welcomed an esteemed visitor, President of Velocity chapter and a member of our President's Power Team, Cary Facer!

Today was prop day! The anticipation built until the first SMMs were delivered!! The Champions patiently waited in the breakfast line, called the Champions, listened to visitor intros, L/T intros and the EC moment...all the while anticipating their turn to deliver their SMM with a prop and vie for the coveted Tabasco award for the "hottest" SMM. The Champions had the 1000 yard stare as each rehearsed their 30 second pitch and silently wondered if the "pepper" would find its place in front of their seat...ahh the Tabasco award. Who knew that the pace would be sooo frenetic? We placed a little"spin" on the contest this week. First, the SMM had to include a prop. Second the SMM had to fit within the 30 second time frame and contain a specific ask. As Dr. Misner says..."specific is terrific"!! I have to admit, the profitable introductions are getting much better and the winner is difficult to determine. Dr. Real, last week's winner, gave a valiant stab to start off the competition. Several memorable SMMs were heard. Robert used some old video formats and asked for intros to companies that would like to video introductions; Rosanne used checks and invoices and asked that everyone have a Happy T-giving, and Brett used his mobile phone (did he secretly forget that today was prop day) to demonstrate the fact that he was always available and asked for companies using ADP and Paychex. Steven Stakley used an image of half of a brain to demonstrate "piece of mind" and asked for intros to retirees!...the best pun IMHO. In the end, one of our newest members, Gary Lorge prevailed with a GREAT SMM using...piece of pizza, piece of trash and once again "peace of mind" and asked for auto insureds. So now Mr. Lorge gets to have the pepper displayed!! Way to go Gary!!

EC:

Jim Sando outlined the characteristics of a great SMM...a catchy opening, a story or example, a specific ask, and all done within the time frame. Jim stressed the importance of rehearsing the SMM!! Jim closed with the famous Einstein insanity quote...doing the same things over and over and expecting a different result!

New Member:

The Champions inducted Mr. Randall (Randy Clement) a business attorney from Fullerton. We are VERY happy to have Randy in the chapter and look forward to his contributions. Randy was a group effort as three Champions had a hand in bringing him to the chapter. Rutger will mentor Randy! Welcome number 31...but number 1 in our hearts!!

VP and Membership:

For November, we are on pace to crush our monthly goals for 1-2-1 meetings, referrals, and visitors, and how about $106,569 in TYFCB in the first seven weeks of the new term...KA-CHING!!!

Keynotes:

One veteran BNI member, Jody Houseman, painter extroadinaire; and one somewhat new BNI member, Dr. Paul Kwik...international chiropractor of the Champions, presented our 10 minute topics today. Jody discussed his services, his target market, his contact sphere, his value, and great referrals for him...contractors, interior designers, residential and commercial RE brokers, and of course homeowners. Dr. Paul led us through the "whys" that he became a chiropractor, five people he has helped and how, and perfect referrals for him. The keynotes were well rehearsed and well delivered! Great job you two!!

Stand and Deliver:

We mixed up the "Champions Spark Plug Award" timing to award the plug during Stand and Deliver. Patrick O'Kane, through his tireless efforts as a L/T sub and minute taker was the recipient.

GRC:

Team leaders were announced and the final winners will be determined as the team that achieved the most apps received from the visitors list...stay tuned!!

Announcements:

Champions Christmas Social...Thursday December 9th at 6:30...Branding Personalities, Fullerton. Hors de vours and non alcoholic beverages will be provided!

Champions Toy Drive...bring an unwrapped toy to the meeting on December 21...this is a new date...not the 14th as Dawn will be there on the 21st for her special Christmas wish!! More on this next week.

The meeting was ended with a quote from John Fitzgerald Kennedy about words, deeds and gratitude.

Make it a Champion week! I am THANKFUL for all of you!!

BNI Podcast: Episode 181: “Turn the 80/20 Rule Upside Down”

Click here to listen to this week's podcast on the 80%/20% rule:

Synopsis:

Jim Butcher from Capital Trust Realty, “retired” president of the East Texas and Houston East region of BNI, joins Dr. Misner to talk about how his chapter used Fast Track to ensure that every single member brings 3-4 referral every week. That’s more than 300 referrals per month, up from 100-150 before the program.

The Pareto Principle says that 20% of the people yield 80% of the results. Chapters that find themselves in this position are usually operating at the Visibility level of the VCP process. Once you get to Credibility, you can get 80% of the members bringing results.

One technique they applied is to focus their 60-second commercials on asking for referrals, and even asking for introductions to specific people.

Sign your chapter up for the Fast Track program at www.bninetworkingsecrets.com. Make sure to contact Flynn or Sara to arrange for additional coaching.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooooo, Champions!!

Today was an epic meeting as the Champions chapter of SoCal BNI welcomed the ten visitors (pictured to the left) to our first Stack Day of this term!!! Way to go Champions...way to turn 'em out! What is more impressive is that we received three apps from the ten visitors with a couple of maybes! That is called blocking out your competition. Our three categories of Business Attorney, Hair Dresser and Merchant Services will soon be filled...we hope!! From left to right our visitors pictured are: Virginia Croudace, business attorney; Jason Becker, Sunset Signs; Jerome D. Stark, business attorney; John Brennan, Associated HVAC; Theresa Williams, Hertz; Brenda Broussard, hairstylist; Carmina Perez, FIS Merchant Services; Dan Georgopoulos; DGVC Visuals; Peter Zazzara, general contractor; and Louis Alonzo, Avery Weigh-Tronix. We hope all of our visitors will return for a second visit really soon. It was GREAT having all of them!!

EC Moment:

Mr. Jiiiiiiimmmm Sando shared with us the results of a recent survey conducted with our membership regarding the SMMs. Jim expertly described the responses to five questions about the chapter's perception of SMMs, their effectiveness, and the trepidation that occurs when preparing and delivering them. Stay tuned next week for the elements of a perfect SMM...OR...just listen to the Tabasco winners...See below.

New Champion:

I had the privilege of inducting our third new member of the term, Joe Davis, an estate planning attorney! Joe was sponsored by Dr. Paul Kwik and will be mentored by Gary Lorge. Dr. Paul, Gary and Joe joined me at the podium and recited the BNI code of ethics. Joe is now our 30th Champion and we are VERY happy that he is a member of our chapter!

The Tabasco Award:

The Tabasco award is gaining steam...no pun intended! For the third straight week a new Champion was awarded the Tabasco award for the "hottest" SMM. This week was a close competition as several Champions "upped their game" with the pepper on the line! Angelo Dionisiou brought in several umbrellas, Maurice Herron made his usual strong effort (he will probably be the first two time winner) and Greg Beck quipped...."you just may need a new CPA!" In the end Dr. Hercules Real won the award. I will never look at a cracked egg quite the same...Remember next week, Dr. Real begins the SMMs as this week's Tabasco winner and delivers the award to the "hottest" SMM next week and so on. Every week the past week's winners will have a small bottle of Tabasco in front of their seat as a reminder that they were a past winner. I believe this will become a GREAT Champion's tradition. Don' forget next week is prop week so your SMM must include a prop...I cannot wait!!

VP Report:

The Champions are on track to exceed our monthly goals for one-to-ones, visitors, and TYFCB. We need to step up the pace on those referrals...I know we can do it!! We have a pending transfer app for Randy Clement, a business attorney.

Keynotes:

We were informed and entertained by the keynote presenters, Chuck Tipton and Gary Lorge! Both were making their maiden voyages with a great deal of pressure as Stack Day presenters. Both performed brilliantly and I believe our visitors have a great understanding of SBA loans (Tipton) and auto insurance (Lorge)...we all felt like "good neighbors!" Chuck recited his company, Spectrum Commercial Lending's mission statement, reviewed the management team...former B of A producers, and described good referral sources for his services. As one of Chuck's power partners, I have referred Chuck extensively and believe he is the BEST at what he does! Gary Lorge educated us about car insurance, had numerous questions and give aways and described good ways to refer him. The amazing thing that happened during one of Gary's questions was that Rosanne Grigsby (Sec/Treas) re-canted what year (1962) that California's liability limits came into effect...who knew? The Champions chapter is VERY fortunate to have two professionals such as Chuck and Gary on board! Thanks guys!! We are also fortunate to have a secretary/treasurer with such and active recall of numbers and dates...better pay those dues on time...

Stand and Deliver:

We stood and delivered many, many one-to-one slips, referrals, testimonials, and TYFCB. I believe the visitors (who collectively enjoyed our enthusiasm) were impressed with the amount of paper that ended up in the bowl!

The action quote was from JD Rockefeller and challenged us to transform each disaster into an opportunity!!

Make it a Champion week!!

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Woooooooo, CHAMPIONS!!!

Champions SoCal BNI went international today!! We welcomed two international guests that are in town to attend the International BNI Conference in SoCal this week. Bianca Kroon from the Netherlands and Tekst College and Fred van Zwieten, the Executive Director from Den Haag in the Netherlands as well. I had the honor of chauffeuring our two esteemed guests to and from the Hyatt and thoroughly enjoyed learning about them and then hearing their feedback about the Champions!!

Pictured at the right are Greg Beck, VP, me, Bianca Kroon, Fred van Zwieten, and Rosanne Grigsby, Secretary/Treasurer.

Bianca delivered to the Champions some of the best cookies I have ever tasted and the Champions chapter gave both guests a goodie bag filled with Champions swag. Today was truly a treat and we are soo happy that Bianca and Fred chose to visit our chapter. We also welcomed three other visiting BNI members...Randy Clement, a business attorney, Jim Reyes, a staffing services rep, and Liz Matthews, a Mary Kay cosmetics consultant! Stephanie Quick subbed for Doug Luchansky of ACI.


SMMs:
We called the Champions promptly at 7:45 and proceeded through the meeting with much excitement! The biggest hit of the day was the "Tabasco award" for the hottest SMM. Maurice Herron delivered the first SMM as the Tabasco winner from last week. The SMMs were all great and there were some VERY close encounters. In the end, Maurice chose Bo Lowe for his broken arm, stamped headed request for appreciation marketing. Next week Bo will go first and select his winner of the increasingly popular Tabasco award! Bianca and Fred plan to incorporate this idea into their chapter meetings in the Netherlands. I wonder if the have Tabasco there??


EC Moment:
Jim Sando reminded us in the EC moment that we are a sales organization and that we track stats. He encouraged us to reach out to those in the chapter that are in need of assistance delivering referrals and give them helpful tips to increase their volume.


VP and Membership:
The Champions, last week, passed 26 referrals, completed 62 1-2-1 meetings, welcomed 2 visitors, and achieved TYFCB of $12,944...Ka Ching!!


Keynotes: (video to follow)
Two terrific Keynotes were delivered by Ela Corcoran and Richard Lane. Ela spoke on aging. Ela's slogan is "how old you are is not her business...but how you age is!" Ela's keys to success are her drive, her faith, and her commitment. We are soo happy that Ela is a Champion.



Richard Lane spoke about his passion...computers. Richard skillfully outlined three key things to consider with respect to his services...Employ two screens, Have a good back up system, and configure your smart phone correctly. I recently bought a computer from Richard and he is the best. I know that Richard's message resonated with our guests! Bianca and Fred were trying to figure out how to buy a machine here and ship it to the Netherlands. Way to go Richard...visitors DO in fact buy!!



Stand and Deliver:
Fred gave his stand and deliver in his native tongue. Only two others understood...but Rutger said we were good!! Whew...

GRC:
Next week is a BIG week with stack day! Attention all business attorneys, hairdressers, and merchant service providers...WE WANT YOU to be a Champion!! Come to our meeting next week!!

The meeting was closed with an action quote from the late Robert F. Kennedy!

Make it a Champion Week!!

Harvey Mackay in SoCal, What a Treat

Harvey Mackay will be the guest speaker this Friday, November 12th at the International BNI Conference in Garden Grove, California. I have followed Mr. Mackay's sage wisdom throughout the years and have benefitted greatly from his advice on networking, relationship building, and professional selling. I read his "Shark" book early in my career in real estate and have incorporated his Mackay's 66 into my customer data base. Mr. Mackay writes a syndicated column that appears in the business section of the Orange County Register. Yesterday's column, in my belief, was quite timely on the subject of networking. The column, which you can read by clicking here, is entitled, Expanding Your Network Expands Your Business.

In the column referenced above, I particularly enjoyed the letters "R" "R is for reciprosity. You give, you get. You no give, you no get..." and "V" "V is for visibility. You've got to get involved in organizations and groups to get connected, but don't confuse visibility with credibility..." BNI members share the common "giver's gain" and "VCP" priciples with Mr. Mackay.

A You Tube Interview with Mr. Mackay on Networking:

A Brief Bio:

Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times #1 bestsellers Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive and Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt. Both books are among the top 15 inspirational business books of all time, according to the New York Times. In total, Harvey's books have sold 10 million copies worldwide, been translated into 37 languages and sold in 80 countries.

Harvey is a nationally syndicated columnist for United Feature Syndicate, whose weekly articles appear in 52 newspapers around the country, including the Chicago Sun Times, Rocky Mountain News, Orange County Register, Minneapolis Star Tribune and Arizona Republic.

He also is one of America's most popular and entertaining business speakers. Toastmasters International named him one of the top five speakers in the world.

At age 26, he purchased a small, failing envelope company in 1959 which has grown to a $100 million business employing over 600 people. MackayMitchell Envelope Company is one of the nation's major envelope manufacturers, producing 25 million envelopes a day. As chairman, Harvey's philosophy is engrained in the company, beginning with its motto: Do what you love, love what you do and deliver more than you promise.

Harvey is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program. He is an avid runner and marathoner, and former #1 ranked tennis player in Minnesota.

He currently sits on the board of the Minnesota Orchestra and is a former director on Robert Redford's Sundance Institute and the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. He has been a guest lecturer at various universities and business schools, including Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, Cornell, Wharton and Penn State.

Central to Harvey's business, and to his books, is the ability to stay competitive in the often cut-throat world of business, to 'swim with the sharks', without sacrificing one's personal integrity or doing it at the expense of other people. He does this by focusing on building strong relationships with both customers and employees.

In fact, Harvey is a master of networking. He believes most people make the mistake of only turning to their network when they need it; for example, when they're looking for a new job. Harvey says that networking is a lifelong practice that provides you with new knowledge and experiences, job security, expanded financial reach, and the strength of the group. The secret to maintaining a great network is, above all, knowing the value of the personal touch.

In spite of his hectic schedule, Harvey still finds plenty of time for family and fun. He's an avid golfer (11.4 handicap) and recently won the Super Senior Men's Championship at his home club in Scottsdale!

He and his wife, Carol Ann, have been married over 45 years, and enjoy spending time with their nine grandchildren. They are avid travelers, taking an annual trip to Italy, and planning upcoming tours of China and Africa.

Success Net, November Issue! Champions!!

The November issue of "Success Net" is now available and you can connect to the issue by clicking here! Champions is prominently mentioned and a link to this blog is included. Way to go Champions!!!

The team that gave us such a memorable evening is pictured at the right. They are left to right; Deanna Abrahams, Kitty Rudometkin, Dan Fowler, Dr. Ivan Misner, Jenni Nering,

Sara Greenway, and Lisette Silverman. 2 committee members are not pictured (Lily Otieno and Nancy Board).

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!!!

The Champions Chapter of SoCal BNI greeted an election day with energy befitting such an historic event!! We welcomed four visitors, Joel Bash from Qualified Business Introductions, Ruth Colwell, our own Clay's "sister", and Clarke Pauley and Linda Rouyer from Source Solution Group. Mark Apicella Jr. from Turn Key Remodel and the Business Connections Chapter subbed for Bo Lowe and our Director, and training expert, Lem Bucago also attended. The room was full of vim and vigor as I "called the Champions!"

EC Moment:

Jim Sando delivered his usually well prepared moment with his point that he now views our chapter members as partners. Jim also unveiled a grid that will track all of our progress in attaining the four star ribbons for Advanced MSPs. Rosanne Grigsby received her four star ribbon to complete the trifecta of leadership team four star recipients. Great job Jim and Rosanne!!

New Member:

I had the pleasure of inducting Maurice Herron from Stratus Building Solutions as our newest Champion! I sponsored Maurice and his visit was a result of a cold call he made on me. I asked how he would like to make that pitch to 30 business people...who wouldn't? Maurice is a snappy dresser who will rival Lem Bucago as the nattiest dresser in SoCal BNI. Welcome Maurice!!

October Winners:

Referrals, Brett Adolph with 9, Visitors, Dr. Paul with 2, and 1-2-1 Meetings, Brett Adolph with 15...Congrats to a new regime...can you say Chapter Star award?? And Sparky went to...wait for it...Jim Sando for the survey and training grid...very positive contribution, Mr. Sando!!

SMMs:

Maurice Herron delivered his first SMM as a member of Champions and won the inaugural "Tobasco" Award for the hottest message! Maurice will start the SMMs next week and will select the "hottest" SMM next week and so on and so on!!...and he approved this message!

VP and Membership:

Greg Beck reported how the Champions fared last month in referrals, 134; 1-2-1 meetings, 165; visitors, 11; and TYFCB, $56, 738...Ka Ching!! One down, Eleven to go to meet those goals!!

Keynote:

Our Director, Lem Bucago presented an in depth message on that crucial "first 15 minutes" of the meeting. You should have a plan, You should decide who to meet, and you should bring your tools...business cards, a big smile, a Champion attitude, your smart phone (for calendaring 1-2-1 meetings), a pen and paper for notes, and a name tag...not a business card holder. Lem also shared with us his time management saying...if you are early, you are on time; if you are on time, you are late; if you are late, you are fired! Thanks for sharing Lem!! It is always a privilege!!

GRC:

Our new GRC committee chair Michael Figueroa reminded us of the stack day coming up in two weeks.

After a few announcements...especially the upcoming member event on November 12th at the International Conference...the meeting was closed with a quote by John Quincy Adams and an action call to exercise our American right and VOTE!!

Make it a Champion week!!