President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooo, CHAMPIONS!!!!!


Well we will start the last weekly letter of of 2010 with an image montage from the VERY talented Ms. Carla Buchanan, my wife of over 31 years, recent graduate of FIDM, future small business owner and visitor to the Champions SoCal BNI chapter this morning! I hope you enjoy the images!





The room was splendid with holiday decor, several Santa hats, and visitors, visitors, visitors! We inducted our 32nd member in the person of Dan McCoy from Paul Davis Restoration. Welcome to the Champions Dan! We know that you will be a welcome addition to our trades and real estate group.


The Champions welcomed the aforementioned Carla Buchanan with Carla Buchanan Designs, Steve Pitchford from Search Optimizers, Doug Symank from Priority Plumbing, representing himself as a general contractor was Joseph Lynch, Jack Tafreshi who will blaze a new venture in 2011, and Patty Deloera a real estate investor. Returning for his third visit was Jim McCracken of UFirst and subbing for Gary Lorge was Cody Hicks...whew! That is a lot of non stack day visitation! A VERY special guest in the person of Dawn Revelle, from Spark of Love and the Fullerton Fire Department was present to collect the toys that the Champions donated. Dawn also collected something much more meaningful...but more on that later.


EC Moment:
Jim Sando, complete with his own custom Santa hat educated us with the theme, when did someone do something special for you and tied the message in to the season of giving. After all as BNI members we aspire to the motto "givers gain".


SMMs and Tabasco award:
Bill Edman, quack, quack, confessed in the Stand and Deliver that a certain member (Jim Sando) has schooled him on the quality of his "asks". Well if Mr. Sando consults small businesses (and we know he does) as well as he counseled Bill Edman...we will have many more Tabasco winning small businesses. Bill's SMM was spot on...the opening was catchy "definition of insurance", the message flowed to the specific ask for an introduction to Gary Cooper from 3D Instruments in Anaheim and Bill quack, quacked before the bell rang him back into his seat! Steven Stakley sang his moment as did Greg Beck, but Bill's was clearly the best IMHO!


Keynote Pitches:
Rosanne Grigsby from Grigsby Bookkeeping and Rutger Hensel from Branding Personality delivered two very fine Keynotes today...the last of 2010. Rosanne described her "desire" which resulted from overcoming personal adversity to graduate from college and licking cancer. She takes the same tenacity into her bookkeeping assignments. I loved the color squares that Rosanne blended into the pitch...very visual. Well, we can win an IPad if we refer the most biz to Rutger in the first three months of 2011. Rutger expertly explained SMM, SEO, Google ad words, SMO, and how the whole lot of them combine to create a great online marketing strategy. Rutger and his lovely wife Marieke have quite a passion for the auto industry and have great success stories for transforming their branding through social media.


Stand...or should we say kneel and deliver?
The Stand and Deliver portion of the meeting was eclipsed by Clay Colwell kneeling in front of his soon to be bride, Dawn Revelle...that is correct, the same Dawn that was at our meeting to collect toys! Well, she collected a whole lot more as we witnessed. The moment was special for all of the Champions and I know that Dawn and Clay will never forget where Clay "popped the question". Greg and Rosanne were quick to point out that both Dawn and Clay are in line for the joint tax filing benefit...gotta love the tax folks! Best of luck for a VERY happy life together, you two! Clay also doubled down and won the Champions Spark Plug Award...but who else?


Spark of Champions:
The Champions chapter donated many, many toys for the Spark of Love campaign. We should be very proud of the giver's attitude that filled the room with toys today. I am confident that many children will have a merrier Christmas because of the giving!


The meeting was adjourned with a quote and a wish. The quote: "If your holiday spirit is not in your heart...you will have a tough time finding it under a tree." The wish: to all Champions, friends, and loved ones, have a VERY safe and sane Holiday season!


Presidentially Yours,

Allen

Three Networking Trends to Watch - Entrepreneur.com

Three Networking Trends to Watch - Entrepreneur.com

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooo, CHAMPIONS!!

Well the holiday spirit filled the room at the Meridian Health Cub along with several visitors, subs, and our very own AD, Mr. Lem Bucago! The inflatable Tabasco was regaled in holiday garb and awaited a new place to sit. The SMMs were crisp, timely, and the asks were specific. We enjoyed two great veteran keynote presenters, Jim Salem from First Team Realty and Brett Adolph from Payday Payroll, and Jim Sando did a usually brilliant job of EC ing the Moment. The highlight of the day for me however was awarding the Champions Spark Plug award to a truly deserving, very selfless Champion, Rosanne Grigsby! We are blessed as Champions to have a Secretary/Treasurer (and former caterer) in the person of Rosanne. Look "Giver's Gain" up in the manual...next to the definition will be a photo of Rosanne! Rosanne planned, purchased the food, made the delicacies and delivered the tasty morsels to our holiday social last Thursday. All who attended at Co-Working Fullerton were amazed by the spread and Rosanne greeted us as if we had entered her home. She is a beauty and we love her dearly! Thanks Rosanne. The Champion Spark Plug Award is give to the Champion each week that goes "above and beyond" the week before. The award was created in 2007 by Mark Waterman, a former VP and the first recipient was Dr. Hercules Real.

SMMs and Tabasco:

Yes, yours truly is now the proud recipient! I had to sing, however, and all of the Champions look at me a little less presidentially...

EC Moment:

Tremendous as always! Jim has a way of bringing the script to life like no other. Today Jim's topics centered around our goals for 2011 and how networking should play a part in our marketing efforts. Even our AD, Lem was impressed and said so afterward.

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome:

Three great visitors attended today and two submitted apps...wooo hooo!

Jim McCracken from U First and all the way from El Paso, Texas

Joseph S. Davis from the Law Firm of the same name

Peter Zazzara from Zazzara Construction

Also:

Donna Edman from People's Care subbed for Bill...Quack, Quack

and Margaret Ornelas from Stratus subbed for Maurice Herron.

Keynotes:

From two vets that know how to describe their businesses! My quick take aways fom Jim Salem; he is experienced and uses his education to the benefit of his clients. You get Jim...not an intern. Expert representation is more important than ever when navigating the complex world of home purchasing. You can use Jim's 40+ office network to your benefit as well. Brett warmed the room with his typical charm...and candy bars which are his trademark! Payday is a local payroll provider that has been in business for twenty years and has approximately 2300 clients. 900 of those were originated by Brett. In the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that!"

Next Week:

SPECIAL TREAT!! We are collecting toys for the Spark of Love Campaign. Dawn Revelle will be here to collect the toys and receive a special "THANKS!" You don't want to miss this one, folks!

And remember, this is our last meeting of the year!

Old Biz:

If you missed the Twelve Month's of Champions, here it is again. Enjoy! Thanks to Robert Perez for the wonderful production. All I can say is that we shouldn't quit our day jobs, fellas...

The Morn' of our Stack Day, Another Holiday Parody

The Morn' of our"Stack Day"

Modified by Allen C. Buchanan, President of Champions SoCal BNI

A Holiday Parody on the story

"The Night Before Christmas"

by Clement Clarke Moore
or Henry Livingston

'Twas the Morn of our Stack Day, before the agenda;

Not a visitor was stirring, not even a pretenda.

The breakfast was set by Victoria with care;

In hopes that the visitors soon would be there.

The LT was ready all secure in their roles;

While visions of referrals increased the chapter's goals.

And the Sec/Treas with her buzzer, and I with my shtick;

Had just settled down for 7:30 to tick.

When out on the lot there arose such a clatter;

I sprang from the table to see what was the matter.

Away to the visitor table I flew like a flash;

Tore open the name tags and braced for the crash.

The sign on the steps of the Meridian Club;

Pointed up to our room near the racquetball hub.

When, what to our GRC team should appear;

But visitors in new categories from everywhere.

With our visitor hosts, so lively and quick;

I knew in a moment that the name tags would stick.

More rapid than eagles the visitors they came;

And we whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Sign Guy! now, Lawyer! now, Roofer and Electrician!

Get a place at the table, Don't be Stupid! Block your competition!

To the top of the category! to the head of the table!

We called the Champions to order the best we were able.

As the leadership team was introduced with applause;

It became apparent to all that the guests were our cause.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard to my left;

The best EC moment delivered with deft.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around;

The Sales Manager Moments commenced to abound.

We were all rapt attention, as the Keynotes began;

And our knowledge increased as the ten minutes ran.

The guests -- how they twinkled! their smiles how merry!

Their anticipation peaked as we approached the query.

The Stand and Deliver was especially compelling;

As we passed referrals, referrals, and the dollars were swelling.

As the moment approached for the orientation;

The visitors stood and heard a standing ovation.

The rules were explained with the utmost of care;

and the new apps were shared with the greatest of flair.

As the guests returned to the room with exclaim;

We hoped that the Stack Day had not been in vein.

A wink of the Veep's eye and a twist of his head;

Soon gave me to know we had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work;

And approved all the apps; then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose;

And giving a nod, up to the podium he strode.

He sprang to the dais, to his Champions gave a whistle;

and twelve members were added like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, as the meeting adjourned;

"Happy Stack Day to Champions, the Corners Been Turned!"

The Twelve Months of Champions (A Holiday Parody), The Video

OK, Ya'll, you asked for it and you got it!! Here is the Twelve Months of Champions...the video version!! We taped this at our recent Christmas Social.

Starring (First through twelfth): Dr. Hercules Real, Michael Figueroa, Doug Luchansky, Christian Vasquez, Bo Lowe, Greg Beck, Jim Sando, Dr. Paul Kwik, Aric Gless, Chuck Tipton Jr., Angelo Dionisiou, and our Area Director, Lem Bucago.

Produced by our very own Robert Perez!!! Videographer to the Champions!!!

Episode 184, BNIs New Global Branded Look

In this week's podcast, Dr. Misner discusses the new branded look for BNI. You can click here to learn more about the new global brand.

Here are the five reasons for the change:
1. BNI is a global organization and brand (almost 5o countries worldwide)
2. The brand needs to be memorable visibly
3. The protection of the brand
4. Uniform look will protect against copying
5. Protects poaching from others

This new logo cements the credibility of our organization and keeps us "coloring between the lines" as the organization grows!!

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Woooooo CHAMPIONS:

Pour Some Sugar on Me!!:

As previously written in October, "Calling the Champions" is a play on a semi-"religious" event that occurs multiple times at Arkansas Razorback football games. Having hailed from these hallowed grounds, calling the hogs is in my DNA...and the DNA of my children!! The call was heard from our weekly meetings and the Arkansas Razorbacks completed their Sugar Bowl recipe and were awarded the school's VERY first BCS bowl bid to play in the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State on January 4th!! After calling the Champions this morning a "bowl" of "sugar packets" was prominently placed at the LT dais in celebration of the Champions "calling" efforts. I believe some of our SC fans who are without a bowl birth this year became de facto Hog fans for the bowl!! Go Hogs!! and great job Champions!! Enough of this excess frivolity and on to the chapter biz:

Four visitors and three subs filled the ranks among the Champions this morning and their comments during Stand and Deliver were revealing:

Dan McCoy from Paul Davis Restoration loved the musical SMM provided by the VP...more on that in a minute. Al Beard and Wayne Diamond from Diamond Beard Construction loved the energy. Jim McCracken from UFirst exclaimed that he cannot wait to become a Champion and traveled all the way from El Paso, Texas to prove it!! Our Subs...Tom Roby from Spectrum Financial enjoyed the interaction and the Keynotes. Dennis Leonhardt from Battery Express has subbed in other BNI chapters and has never had such a Champion experience. Finally, Margaret Ornelas from Stratus said that we seemed like a BIG FAMILY...alright!! From the voices of our visitors...telling...I think so!!

Keynotes:

Jim Sando, our business consultant and EC, and Greg Beck, our VP extraordinaire and CPA presented two extremely well rehearsed and specific keynotes for our enjoyment. The things that both keynotes had in common...well delivered, great use of handouts and multi media, wonderful stories about the experience of each, AND ways in which we can refer business to each of them. We are VERY lucky to have such consummate professionals in our midst!! Tremendous job Jim and Greg!!

Ahhhh...the International Tabasco Award for the "hottest" SMM:

Given this week to...wait for it...yes Greg "Rudolf the CPA" Beck...I know, you kinda had to be there!! Its always risky to sing your SMM. Greg pulled it off!! Some notable runners up were, Tom Roberts, Randy Clement, Angelo Dionisiou! Remember...catchy opening, specific ask, and complete within the time frame. The large inflatable Tabasco will now grace future meetings and Greg gets to "rule" the SMMs next week and choose the winner.

How about those November Individual leaders??...and Chapter Stats??...

Referrals last year (two months) 100, this year 132...most referrals, Brett Adolph 13...great efforts by Clay Colwell and Steve Barnett.

1-2-1s last year, 178, this year 261...most 1-2-1s, Bo Lowe (Bo knows Tabasco also) 18...nice going to Aric Gless and Steven Stakley

Visitors last year this time 15, this year 28!!...most visitors...tie between Brett Adolph and Jim Sando 2 each, close was James Kashi.

TYFCB last year, $90,000, this year to date...wait for it...$122,000...even a math challenged President can compute that is over $700,000 annually! We can do $1,000,000!!!

One of the most impressive stats is # of members...31 vs 22 this time last year!!

That is how we CRUSH our goals, Champions!! WAY TO GO!!

Special Thanks:

The Champions Spark Plug Award went to Angelo, our fantastic visitor host team member, who beat every Champion to the meeting this morning and greeted us all with a friendly smile and a cheerful hello!!

With the Holidays fast approaching, the Champions will celebrate with our Christmas Social on Thursday night and will collect toys for Spark of Love on the 21st!!

The meeting was closed with a quote by Dr. Hercules Real...not literally...he provided the quote from Henry Ford about goals!!

Make it a Champion Week!!

The Twelve Months of Champions (A Holiday Parody)

In honor of the season and all that we are grateful for as Champions SoCal BNI members, this parody on the old tune seemed to be in order...You can sing the words below to the original song and improvise on the syllables and it should work. As you will find, the parody is non-denominational to appeal to all faiths. Happy Holidays!!

In the first month of Champions my chapter gave to me, a T-Y-F-C-B.

In the second month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 2 Vis-it-tors, and a T-Y-F-C-B.

In the third month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 3 Stack Days, 2 vis-it-tors, and a T-Y-F-C-B.

In the fourth month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 4 Power Teams, 3 stack days, 2 vis-it-tors, and a T-Y-F-C-B.

In the fifth month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 5 One-to-Ones..., 4 power teams, 3 stack days, 2 vis-it-tors, and a T-Y-F-C-B.

In the sixth month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 6 Chapters Forming, 5 one-to-ones..., 4 power teams, 3 stack days, 2 vis-it-tors, and a T-Y-C-F-B.

In the seventh month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 7 Keynote Pitches, 6 chapters forming, 5 one-to-ones..., 4 power teams, 3 stack days, 2 vis-it-tors, and a T-Y-F-C-B.

In the eighth month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 8 LT Trainings, 7 keynote pitches, 6 chapters forming, 5 one-to-ones..., 4 power teams, 3 stack days, 2 vis-it-tors, and a T-Y-F-C-B.

In the ninth month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 9 Mentors Menting, 8 LT trainings, 7 keynote pitches, 6 chapters forming, 5 one-to-ones..., 4 power teams, 3 stack days, 2 vis-it-tors, and a T-Y-F-C-B.

In the tenth month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 10 Apps Reviewing, 9 mentors menting, 8 LT trainings, 7 keynote pitches, 6 chapters forming, 5 one-to-ones..., 4 power teams, 3 stack days, 2 vis-it-ors, and a T-Y-F-C-B.

In the eleventh month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 11 Veeps Reporting, 10 apps reviewing, 9 mentors menting, 8 LT trainings, 7 keynote pitches, 6 chapters forming, 5 one-to-ones..., 4 power teams, 3 stack days, 2 vis-it-tors, and a T-Y-F-C-B.

And in the twelfth month of Champions my chapter gave to me, 12 EC Moments, 11 veeps reporting, 10 apps reviewing, 9 mentors menting, 8 LT trainings, 7 keynote pitches, 6 chapters forming, 5 one-to-ones..., 4 power teams, 3 stack days, 2 vis-it-tors, and a T-Y-F-C-B!!!

Gramma Betty's, A Great Gift Idea

Gramma Betty's is a GREAT gift idea!! I just attended a chocolate tasting at CoWorking Fullerton and got the first hand taste of a delicious praline!!

A Brief History:

In the early 1940s Gramma Betty began making candy using a family recipe passed down from generation to generation. It started with a delightful milk chocolate turtles & praliné recipe her great grandmother discovered in Paris, France. Today, the family takes great pride in these recipes and ships these gourmet candies coast to coast.

When you share Gramma Betty's you are sharing a family holiday tradition. We hope you'll consider starting a tradition of your own. Happy Holidays!

You can contact Gramma Betty's:

13337 South Street, Ste 14, Cerritos, CA 90703

1-714-521-0555 • 1-877-521-2655

ask@grammabettys.com

ask@grammabettys.com

Slip-It by Platinum Coast a MUST watch

Ok...this is too funny!! I place this in the category of MUST watch You-Tube. Way to go to our Platinum coast brethren!!

Episode 183: “Ten Networking Questions”

In this episode of Dr. Misner's weekly podcasts, he discusses ten networking questions to ask. #1 How did you get started in your business? #2 What do you like most about your business? For more of the questions... You can access the link by clicking here.

From Naysayer to Leading Referrer

Hey check out this month's Success Net! Prominently featured is the President of the Champions!...yours truly!! This is a tremendous honor and I am humbled to be featured in this month's issue. You visit Success Net by clicking here. Enjoy the post!