Welcome to the Champions Chapter of SoCal BNI!

The Champions Chapter of SoCal BNI was founded in April of 2004 and has grown to 32 members! We meet at the Meridian Club in Fullerton, California on Tuesday mornings at 7:30 AM. We would love for you to visit our chapter and consider joining our very diverse and successful group of professionals. For further information, please contact the President, Allen C. Buchanan at 714.564.7104 or email me at abuchanan@lee-associates.com

Showing posts with label President's Weekly Letter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President's Weekly Letter. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI


Woooooooooo, Champions:

A great time was had by all this beautiful Tuesday as we called the Champions promptly at 7:45. There is an air of transition as the chapter will attend leadership training as a group on Saturday. Next year's leadership team is an all star bunch...this year's was not bad...but Gary is assembling his masses and Saturday promises to be epic! All of the visitation today were members from other chapters. We always appreciate visitors from other chapters...especially when they emote at Stand and Deliver. Jodi Salazar found many unique things that she will take back to her chapter and Mike Adray enjoyed the energy. The Hidden Jewel will hear from Mike, I am sure. Our very own Bernadette (ambassador to the Champions) was there to share her wealth of BNI workshop experience. Always great to see Mrs. L!

EC:

I really loved the EC moment today! Jim Sando always does a great job and today was no exception. Jim spoke about "profiling your target client", provided an in depth hand out, and challenged each of us be "more" specific next week in our asks.

Keynotes:

Aric Gless from Gless Architects spoke about what happens after the plans are drawn and Joe Davis, estate planning attorney extraordinaire spoke about what happens if you do nothing...always a BAD idea when it comes to your estate. These consummate professionals received several heart felt accolades during Stand and Deliver.

Awards and Such:

ITA: the fastest ever from new member to ITA...Joe Salazar! Very well done sir. You have now set the bar VERY high for yourself.

Champion's Spark Plug: Jim Sando for allowing SoCal BNI to use his facility for LT training rehearsal

Congrats to the Champions who will reach our revenue goal a month early! All of those one-to-one meetings certainly have paid off!

Don't forget a few key dates:

Evening Among the Stars, October 7th

Visitor Day October 11th

This Saturday, August 27th, LT Training at the Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel at 7:30 AM

Rite_loom is going to be hosting an event next month for chapters that Rite- Loom belongs to...Champions BNI, North Orange County, Client Tell, Business Connection.
It will be September 16th, Friday afternoon from 4:00pm - 8:00pm.
It will be at Rite-Loom Flooring Company - located at 1295 N. Kraemer Blvd, Anaheim Ca 92806
Phone Number [714] 764-1122.
We will be hosting with drinks and appetizers.
We will also be having an open Chili Cook Off Contest for members of these four chapters. There will be a prize awarded for first place.
More info to follow!

Quote Action:

"We make a living based upon what we receive. We make a life based upon what we give." Sir Winston Churchill. Your action for this week is to practice the Giver's Gain philosophy in all that you do.

Make it a Champion week y'all!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI




Wooooooooo CHAMPIONS! or as they say at the "shore"...How you doin?

If you are wondering why your faithful president (I am the one on the right, Kris Hansberger, AKA Snookie, is on the left) is dressed like a "wise guy", it is because our meeting and SMMs were themed with a G-rated "Jersey Shore" parody...Wow! I was really worried about the results but I have to say that the outcome was truly tremendous! We all had a blast and we filmed the ENTIRE meeting! With the help of our crack videographer, Robert A. Perez, we should be able to edit something memorable for all of us. Thanks to Robert and ALL of the Champions that made today truly epic and most importantly, fun! If you missed today's meeting...Fahggit about it! If you were offended...whatta ya gonna do?

The highlights:

Visitation...2 Qualified visitors, Jerry Tortoro from FUN and Victoria Martinez from Good Vibrayshuns, mobile DJ. Victoria has been our server from Collettes for 2 and 1/2 years. She is an honorary ITA winner and was last week's Champion spark Plug winner...AND she can sing. This was Victoria's first visit as a "non-server" and she complimented us on our growth, professionalism, fun, and the serious business that we refer each week. She is DEFINITELY going to join a BNI chapter soon. Linda subbed for Mark Bill, Kathryn Deiters from Business Connections subbed for Christina Pham, and Megan Sachs visited to witness Robert do his thing. Rounding out the visitation was Tom Sheltraw from Coastal Connections BNI. Thanks for attending Champions Shore!

Great Keynote by the World Famous Bo Lowe who demonstrated just how easy the SOC system is to use!

Chapter Biz...record in 1-2-1s...BUT the proof is in the TYFCB as we eclipsed $700,000 and with today's take we are unofficially approaching $750,000...Ka Ching!

ITA winner was Donna Cahoon who was stunning in her poofed coiff. We barely made it through the SMMs as the room was hysterically laughing at the "shore themed" introductions.

Kathy Penton, healed pooch and all, was this week's CSP (Champion Spark Plug) winner. Thanks Kathy for replenishing our stock of tiny Tabasco bottles for the ITA awards.

Give it up for the great job the GRC team...Dr. Real, Michael Figueroa, and Jody Houseman...also the Sheriff, Greg Beck are doing with the visitor day planning. Don't forget about the day...October 11, 2011! You won't want to miss this folks!

Please sign up for the Leadership Training! For those having difficulty with the sign up...please contact our director, award winning trainer and director of SoCal BNI training, Lem Bucago. Lem can be emailed at lem@socalbni.com.

The "Evening" is fast approaching. If you signed up, the money is due. If you would like to attend let us know and we will see if there is a spot for you. Please remit to Rosanne.

You ALL are inspiring to me! Thanks for allowing me to lead you to places rarely trodden by BNI chapters! I believe the experience speaks volumes. Woooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

Please make it a Champion week ya'll.

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI



Wooooooooo CHAMPIONS!

A BNI Testimonial:

Today, I want to spend a minute and talk about the power of this organization, BNI, the subset of which is SoCal BNI, the subset once again which is Champions SoCal BNI and how this translates into visitors to our chapter and importantly to all of us the dollars that we receive when we gain through our giving. A huge shout out to two of our Directors and one of our fellow chapter members (from another chapter) who sent visitors to the hallowed halls of the Champions today! Todd Hansberger sent us his lovely wife Kris who is our newest member and our Secretary/Treasurer select. Todd also sent us Chris Hartshorn from Wholesale Capital Corporation. Chris (not Mrs. Hansberger) wanted to join an established chapter vs the south county start-up he manages and sent him our way. Dan Fowler has sent us three visitors recently and Hema Dey sent us (with a little coaching from your faithful President) Alex Ribble from Big Chief Creative Media. Our heartfelt thanks ya'll for the strong vote of confidence and a true giver's gain mentality! the capper, however, was that a visitor from last week, Les Davidson, sent one of his subs, George Giberstein, owner of Sprinklerman. Additionally, Randy Hurtt, invited by Mark Bill was present as well as two gentlemen from Yorba Linda Mobile carwash...Oscar and Javier Ortega...invited by Dr. Paul. And lest we forget, Joseph Salazar of Net Wiz who submitted an app and apparently already knows Alex Ribble and refers him biz...hmmm we call that a Power Team! For those keeping score at home, that was lucky seven visitors! We also welcomed two subs from other chapters AND the esteemed Martin Neil of Caliber Signs who attended to provide a testimonial for Robert Perez who produced the video below for Martin's business...that is a shameless plug for Robert and for Martin...but they are both THAT good!



Keynotes:

Our keynote presenters, Donna Cahoon of Today's Windows and Doors and Cristina Pham of Select Printing and Graphics shared some things that they have in common...although it was not planned...both are native Californians, both are generational owners of their businesses and both have locations which you should visit. The passion and expertise was evident and PLEASE refer all of your friends and countrymen to these wonderful ladies! They will exceed your expectations!

Recognition and Biz: (in order of appearance)

Greg Beck the Sheriff reported that for the ten months ending July 31, 2011, the Champions have:

Given 1171 referrals
Participated in 2476 1-2-1s
Welcomed 95 Visitors
Thanked for $652,000!
Must be some sorta record...we are going with that!

1-2-1 leader(s) for July...Kris Hansberger and Bo Lowe
Referral leader for July...Donna Cahoon
Visitation leader for July...Steven Stakley

ITA winner for the third time...Mr. Jim McCracken! Jim Sando provided a great EC moment on the "specific ask"...a VERY crucial element to incorporate into your profitable intro!
Champion Spark Plug Winner...All of the Champions for the below effort. We love you Clay and are praying for your speedy recovery and return to your spot with the Champions!

From Jenni Nering regarding a note she received from Clay Colwell...a true Champion!

"Hi Allen,

I am tallying up all of the chapter star award winners for the celebration. I was really touched by one of the Champions response and I wanted to pass it along. The Champions is a great place to belong!!!!

His nominee was” “every member of the chapter”
His reason: “I am a former member of the Champions and recently I was diagnosed with Two different types of cancer. I have had to withdraw from BNI since then simply because I cannot work while going through treatment and surgery, and it will be a long process which could take 6-9 months. Everyone in the chapter has reached out and offered their support and help, with Joe Davis really stepping up and helping me to get my estate set up almost over night, and Chris Vasquez who helped me get my bank accounts all rearranged and in order. And I cannot leave out people like Allen, Bo, Jim, Steven, Dr Real, Greg, Bill and Kathy who went out of their way to contact me many times to see how I was. And I cannot forget Rosanne, who was also going through a battle of her own with cancer and yet still extended herself. Being a member of the Champions was like having an extended family, who one of these days I fully intend to come back and visit with again once I am Cancer FREE!”

Jenni Nering
Executive Director
SoCalBNI

In the immortal words of Forrest Gump..."and that is all that I have to say about that!"

Please make it a Champion Week.

Your Faithful President

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI



Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

I affectionately refer to the image above as "Management" for a couple of reasons...#1; Greg Beck, AKA the Sheriff and part time CFO; Rosanne, the controller of the currency; and I, your faithful President and acting CEO, played a part in the Doug Luchansky keynote today. #2 The Management team with whom I have shared the dais for these past nine months will not be management anymore after September 2011 as the new leadership team was announced...more on that in a bit. Doug used his ten minutes to "build a company" by appointing various Champions with leadership roles in the new company. I was selected to be CEO...chapter presidents and CEOs have something in common...they all rely upon others to "do the work!" Greg was CFO...a role with which he is intimately familiar, and Rosanne was the controller...quite a stretch!
Very creative use of members to illustrate how ACI consulting uses ALL of these positions to integrate into its software solutions.

The International Tabasco Award with a Patriotic extension...literally!

Any Champion who used a patriotic theme in their SMM today received an extension of fifteen seconds from the normal thirty second time frame. Several of our members "exercised their right" to extend their Fourth of July holiday weekend as well...including Robert Perez who was today's ruler. Even with the diminished numbers...the competition was fierce. We had four Champions that were finalists...Donna Cahoon, Jim Sando, Bo Lowe and Bill Edman. Bill took home the pepper as he impersonated the statue of liberty by standing on a chair...very creative Bill! You now join a long list of "two time winners"! Brett Adolph...even with a sub...was a "specific ask" away from his first win. I really wanted to award it to you buddy...just didn't have that ask! Rumor has it that our applying visitors (Kris) are vying for a taste of the pepper as well! Happy that you have embraced the fun that is the ITA.

You can nominate a Champion to be a star!

Just click here and you will be directed to a link. You can then nominate a "star" of our chapter that will be awarded at the Evening Among the Stars in October. Do you know someone that embodies the Giver's Gain philosophy? If so, you can nominate them here!

The New Improved Management Team for 2011-2012:

Our Director, Director of Training for SoCal BNI, and Trainer of the Year for 2009 and 2010, Lem Bucago introduced the new President for the next term............Gary Lorge (who also keynoted)! Gary then announced his cabinet:

VP- Aric Gless
Membership Committee- Randy Clement
Sec/Treas- TBD
Visitor Host- Kathy Penton
Member Mentor- Jim Sando
Education Coordinator- Allen Buchanan
GRC- Greg Beck


Gary will have a practice flight of the Champions next week and will solo on the 19th as your faithful President will exercise his right to attend a trade show with Mrs. Buchanan in Chicago...did I mention that she is speaking?

The EC Moment courtesy of Mr. Sando:

Focused upon the five reasons that people rarely ask for feedback from their clients and referral sources. This snippet was taken from the 29% Solution...a book written by Dr. Ivan Misner.

Champion Spark Plug Winner:

This week's winner, Steven Stakley, is a charter member of the Champions and has worked diligently with our mentors to mentor our membership. Steve has endured quite a bit of turnover with his team but has maintained a constant "product" and our retention numbers show it! Congrats, Steven!

Announcements:

"Evening" October 7th
Office Hours July 11th
Java with Jenni July 18th

Please sign up for Hidden Opportunities that will be held tomorrow, July 6th at 2:00 PM at the Meridian...we all can find that. Don't forget, this training is necessary to complete your FULL eight sessions of workshops offered by SoCal BNI. I will be there, will you? Click here to be directed to the SoCal BNI website for registration.

Please remember:


An admirer looks at the stars with admiration, a Champion climbs a mountain and grabs a star. So are you a Champion or an admirer?

Please make it a Champion week everybody!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI


Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

True or False, We had a GREAT sales manager moment, AKA, Profitable Intro, AKA Elevator Speech competition? TRUE! The moments were awesome with several memorable deliveries. In the end, with spouse present none-the-less, Joe Davis, counselor at law and estate planning attorney extraordinaire, took home the International Tabasco Award with much fan fare! Congrats Joe...you even manged a T or F in your ask which was clever! If you are reading this blog for the first time...welcome! This meeting was devoted to True or False...some even Stood and Delivered with a True or False theme...atta chapter...love it!

The highlights:

Attendance: The Sheriff, Greg Beck donned the suit and attended the meeting...around his vacation...Ok, he is in Newport, but still, that is DEDICATION! For those keeping score at home, Greg has not missed a meeting...even with a sub...for over THREE years! Wow. What a testament to the power of showing up and contributing. Hat's off...oh wait...that was a couple of weeks ago.

The Visitation: Five terrific visitors graced the Champion's lair today. Andrew Rea, a web designer; Libby Davis (Mrs. Tabasco) from Vitas; Kris Hansberger...True or False, she submitted an app...TRUE, sweet; Doug Karcher, a handyman...we REALLY need one; and Al Bustamantes from Integrated Technology, VOIP account exec. I believe we received two apps from the five visitors...not bad. Now up to the crack membership team to vet the apps...more to come! Thanks for flying with the Champions today.

Key Notage:
Bo Lowe...always amazing...gave us some great insight into the card industry and why customers leave their suppliers...perceived indifference. Great referrals for Bo are organizations that need to raise money (booster clubs, non-profits, PTAs, etc).

Jody Houseman...solid as usual...stained us, prepped us, and wowed us with the faux treatments. Jody can make his craft so interesting. Please note that Jody is a certified lead paint removal specialist...certified by California. Great referrals for Jody are General Contractors, property managers, trades that need painters...roofers, doors and windows....hmmm, Jody meet Donna, Donna Jody.

EC Momentos:

Continuing upon the testimonial theme started last week, Jim Sando highlighted the four things a great testimonial should contain:

A focus on one person
Specific
Delivered in first person
Placed in writing

Chapter Biz:

MTD Referrals 58
YTD 1-2-1s 2196...gotta be a record
YTD visitation 80
YTD TYFCB $567,600

Award Winners:

May Visitors Aric Gless and Bo Lowe
May 1-2-1s Jim McCracken
May Referrals Bill Edman

This week's Champion's Spark Plug winner, Angelo Dionisiou for his tireless efforts as visitor host! Congratulations to one and all!

Announcements:

Evening!! I am hearing rumblings of some cool stuff!

Workshop hosted by Champions today

Please keep our comrade Clay Colwell in your thoughts and prayers as he fights the good fight!

Make it a Champion week everybody!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Please leave a comment...we love to hear from you!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI





Wooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

First of all, THANKS to all of you who read the blog last week and commented! We had the largest readership in the history of this blog and the winner of the drawing was announced at today's meeting. If you didn't attend the meeting today and/or didn't get a call from me notifying you of your winning...you didn't...sorry, next time. Rumor has it the winner quacked quite loudly when awarded the second Champions coffee mug. But, thanks for the comments and the readership...much appreciated!

Well, this post will be in a unique format...True or False...so here goes!

True or False, the Champions welcomed five visitors today? True...and they were Kris Hansberger from Insurance KO, (we had to explain to her how the meetings worked :)); Lucas Anemone from Supermedia; Thomas Yasger, a handyman;Peter Bares of Goodwill Industries; and Sheri Thomas of MTM Phone Systems. We also were blessed to receive Hema Dey from Premier Professionals, Lola Gershfeld who subbed for Bo and Director Duane Townsend of the Hidden Jewel BNI chapter.

True or False, the handsome seven some pictured above are the individuals who won the BNI Game from each team? True...and they are L to R Kathy Penton (green team over achiever!), Robert Perez, Bill Edman, Steve Barnett, Michael Figueroa, Dr. Hercules Real, and Jody Houseman (also the GRC team, Michael, Hercules, and Jody).

True or False, We had our third three time winner of the ITA today? True, the sheriff, Greg Beck counted his way down to blast off and secured the pepper! Nice goin' Greg.

True or False, Steve Barnett from Office Solutions keynoted today? False, Steve Barnett of Complete Office keynoted and share with us his 33 years of experience in the office products world...he started as a child. Steve has some very impressive clients, Irvine Scientific and Crocker Packaging just to name a couple.

True or False, The Champions are poised to Thank for $500,0000 of TYFCB this year? False, we have eclipsed $550,000 and on an annualized basis expect to exceed our goal.

True or False, Jim Sando was absent today? False, he was there, delivered a wonderful EC moment on the origin of the testimonial as the first digression from the original BNI agenda and announced the workshop next Tuesday for all...MSP for veterans, 9:30 at our room.

True or False, the Champion Spark Plug was awarded to a worthy individual? False, the CSP was awarded to three worthy individuals...our GRC team, Michael Figueroa, Jody Houseman, and Dr. Hercules Real...great job on the game team!

True or False, we will be dark next week? FALSE...next week is True or False week! Please use a few T or F questions and answers in your SMMs next week...it will be a blast! Don't forget the specific ask and the sheriff is the ITA ruler next week and he is the sheriff...no lee way!

Until next time, your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI





Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

Don't forget to read the blog and post a comment. Those posting...including those outside the chapter, will be entered in a drawing for a special prize courtesy of your faithful President!

The Champions SoCal BNI felt a little like the royal wedding this morning with all of the hat varieties...no princes, princesses, Bentleys, or QE2s...just lots of crazy hats!
The visitors were especially vocal in their praise during stand and deliver.

Chelsea Canterbury from Ajasrika Wellness was inspired
Eric Uriata, a commercial photographer from Liaisons, loved the SMMs
Lola Gershfeld, an executive coach, was impressed by the creativity and
Tom Roby, from Spectrum, always likes that there is something new at Champions!

The goal today was to frame a profitable intro with one, two, or three of the provided hats or to frame the intro with a hat from your profession. The Champions embraced the stimulant and the results were astounding!



The Sales Manager Moments, AKA profitable intros were in fact regal, however, as some in the chapter exclaimed that they have never seen the SMMs delivered better, with more flair, or more planning! Several "career" moments were delivered...Dr. Real, always a contender, in his magician's hat; Greg Beck complete with a hat and a paper star, Joe Davis with...a pirate hat, really?; Randy Clement with his "I can't pay the rent", but "you must pay the rent" impression, Steven Stakley with a Cabo San Lucas retirement hat; Christina Pham in her Taco Bell hat. In the end, Kathy Penton won her second ITA with her gardener's hat. Well done Kathy! That is why we picked you to head our "Evening" committee.

The EC Moment:

I asked that Jim Sando send this to me in it's entirety so that I could post it. I believe it was particularly good and is taken from "Success Net".

"Isn’t a BNI 30-Second Commercial or Sales Manager Moment really an advertisement? Isn’t it a sales message?

I’d like to share one way that you could do a 30-Second Commercial at our next meeting.

First, consider this: What does your product or service do for your customers?

That’s a question that might have hundreds of answers. But just a few of those answers will “hit home” with the majority of your current and past customers. Figuring out the most relevant answer to this question is key to creating an effective sales message.

When you need to create an advertisement, email, sales letter, 30-Second Commercial, direct mail postcard—anything related to sales and marketing—pretend that one person (your prospect) has a problem, a problem you can fix.

In your sales message, address the problem first. Addressing your prospect’s problem gets their attention. They think, Hey, I’ve got that same issue. I wonder what they’re going to do about it. It’s best to be specific in your sales message. The more specific your message, the better you’ll connect with your audience and attract their full attention.

Now that you’ve got them “hooked” for a few more seconds, what’s next? I would suggest you tell a short story about how one of your customers had a particular problem. Give details about their problem, and then share exactly what you did to make their problem disappear. People love stories, and they also like to hear that they are not the only ones with that same problem.

Finally, briefly summarize everything. Remind them of their problem, let them know how you would fix it, and tell them to contact you regarding their similar problem.

There are many different angles and creative ways to tell your prospect how you can help them. Just remember that your potential new customers don’t really give a darn about your product or service; they just want to know if you can get rid of their problem.

A final note: There’s no “right” way to give a 30-Second Commercial. Don’t get caught up in what you think a 30-Second Commercial should sound like. Don’t be afraid to break the rules. Alan has given us examples of that! If you give the same commercial week-in and week-out, you’re training your fellow Champions to forget you.

Now, don’t want you to take three hours to come up with a good commercial. You’ll never create the perfect one. You have many stories to share about how you can help people. Don’t try to cram everything into one. Attend every week, and feed us a bit of new information each time. You may think we know everything about your business, but…I promise you…we don’t."

Leaders and Chapter Biz:

May referral leader, Bill "quack-quack" Edman
May one-to-one leader, Jim McCracken with 28...has been a leader in this category all year long!
May visitors leader, Aric Gless
ITA, Kathy Penton
Champions Spark Plug Award, Robert Perez for volunteering his time and video talents toward the keynotes, SMMs, and footage for the "people's choice" video which will air in October at the "Evening Among the Stars"

Year to Date as reported by the Sheriff, Greg Beck:

Referrals 982
One-to-Ones 2111
Visitors 75
TYFCB $547,000


Bill Edman and Jim Sando keynoted and shared with us some excellent testimonials, ways to refer them, and their key clients. It is clear to me that the keynote workshops are beneficial...thanks Lem Bucago!

Announcements:

Post to the blog and enter a cool drawing

Evening update...twenty Champions and counting!

Basic (advanced) MSP for veterans on June 21st at Collette's

Quote action:

A lion awakens early every day, running, hoping to catch a speedy gazelle. A speedy gazelle awakens early every day hoping to outrun the slowest gazelle, lest he be eaten by the lion. The moral, whether you are a lion or a gazelle, you better wake up each day running. Your action is to leave a blog comment...

Sincerely,

Your faithful, running, President

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI



My ask for the week is that you leave a comment on the blog, the facebook page, etc. The comments help increase our google presence.

So here are the highlights: (notice anything different?)

Action quotation " Happiness is not an accident, or something you wish for. Happiness is something you design." Your action for this week is to start designing your happiness!

Announcements:

Next week, June 7th is hat week. Every Champion will design their SMM around one, two, three, or a substitute hat. The first hat is a cowboy hat, the second hat is a camo University of Arkansas Razorback visor, the third is a straw Frank Sinatra fedora, OR you can choose a hat that closely represents your profession. IE: Greg Beck wears several hats? Robert Perez wears a moto helmet when he travels to our meetings. We have all see Rosanne's pink, blonde visor...should be epic!

June 14th is bring your sub day...more on this next week

June 21st. MSP Training at Meridian Club at 9:30 after our meeting. Sign up via the events calendar at http://www.socalbni.com

Evening Among the Champions....er Stars is October 7th! Rumor has it that the Champions have 20 committed so far and will be purchasing two tables this week. Kathy Penton has kindly agreed to be all things, Champion and Evening...more to come!

Stand and Deliver from our visitors:

The latest CSUF graduate Miss Edman enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm
Gary Hill believes that the Champions could be his next BNI home
Bob Rode enjoyed the organization and the energy
Lola enjoyed seeing all of us and enjoyed the warm reception
and Donna Cahoon's sister (you can definitely see and hear the resemblance) really stressed using BNI members for all tasks!

Thanks to our visitors...you make our week!

Dues are dues are dues are due next week!

We will recap YTD stats for the first eight months of the term next week. We will also award three new monthly leaders in 1-2-1s, referrals, and visitors next week.

The keynote this week was all about me...just kidding...but I got a lot of air time. I hope you all benefited from the talk about lease renegotiation and our visitor/sub exercise. My schedule is a little light on one-to-ones this week...anyone interested?

"Hottest" SMM and the International Tabasco Award...and the winner is, Mr. Jim McCracken...a constant contender...but the "halls of Montezuma" theme for the day after Memorial Day really hit the mark! Congrats again, Jim and we look forward to your rule for next week! We had some other contenders today...Jody Houseman, Chris Vasquez, Gary Lorge, Kathy Penton, Greg (the Sheriff) Beck...

Thanks to all the Champions who served our country, Richard Lane, Chris Vasguez, and Lem Bucago! Your service to our country allows us the freedom to attend networking meetings each week!

Bo Lowe delivered the educational moment today with a list of things you can do to strengthen your relationships...Number One, send a TY note...who knew! I bet Bo did, because Bo knows TY notes!

Wow! It is almost summer and the Champions welcomed the first meeting after the first summer holiday with a graduate, five visitors (two double counted that were subs), and a keynote presentation by your faithful President who hasn't changed since this photo was taken last week...:))). Actually, the meeting felt a little like the "Allen show" because of the keynote, the award of the ITA (Donna Cahoon, last week's winner) was in Montana and so the duties fell upon me, and a last minute change in the speaker rotation which the Leadership Team believed necessary...a sub inviting system. Whew! If you have never visited the Champions...today was a rarity. I promise much less of me in the weeks to come.

Woooooooo, CHAMPIONS:

Make it a Champion week everybody!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI




Wooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

What do Sales Manager Moments, Elevator Speeches, Lem Bucago, Profitable Introductions, Jim Sando, Tabasco, Donna Cahoon, and Educational Moments have in common? Champions...that's what! With a touch of scripting brilliance, a prediction from your faithful President (see weekly letter of last week), and a lot of butterfly herding (Mr. Sando knows what I mean), the Champions were treated to an outstanding Educational Moment by Jim Sando (SMMs), a workshop by Lem Bucago (SMMs and fifteen Champions in attendance after the meeting), the International Tabasco Award (ITA) awarded to our newest member, Donna Cahoon (SMMs). Sales Manger Moments, AKA, SMMs, Profitable Intros, Elevator Speeches, etc., etc. were today's Champion theme and the results should be amazing. Remember, an effective SMM MUST have a catchy opening, an LCD with a story or testimonial, a SPECIFIC ask, and be completed within the allotted time frame...in our case, 30 seconds. A large Champion thanks to Jim Sando for arranging the workshop, signing the participants, monitoring the payments, dealing with the venue, etc. and to our very own Lem Bucago for demonstrating why he is Director of Training (workshops) AND was trainer (before they were called workshops) of the year for 2009 and 2010! So by my count, we should have several more **** Champions after June 21st! (the date of the next workshop). Well done folks! Well done indeed!

Meeting Highlights (as if you need more):

100% attendance today!

Director Lem Bucago and Ambassadress Bernardette Lazzara (who won the Champion Spark Plug award for being a workshop maven) were in attendance as well!

EC Moment...above...film attached! Sorry Robert...not as professional as your film!

Donna Cahoon took the coveted ITA (as predicted) for the "hottest" SMM...hope that you don't need the pepper for your upcoming vacation, Donna as the Tabasco is meant to be worn...not consumed.

Carmina Perez, FIS Merchant Services, keynoted in addition to "ruling" the ITA competition today. Rumor has it that Carmina actually took the ruler to several of her clients last week. Director Lem reviewed for us the highlights of the Chapter Success Forums...Subs, Evening Among the Stars, L/T transition, BNI Connect webinars.

Review of Chapter Biz (Greg Beck, the Sheriff) and monthly leaders...the referral leaders were the stars today!(Aric Gless and Brett Adolph with 11 each and Jim Sando with 10). These three gentlemen accounted for almost 1/3 of the referrals that were given last month. Our one-to-one numbers are through the roof as we have completed 252 in this month alone!

Stand and Deliver...heart felt, compelling and tons of TYFCB! Did I hear that we are "someones" favorite chapter? Hmmm? Sorry, Jim Sando, "someone" is allowed in that context!

The GRC team reported the results with one week remaining in the Champion's contest. It is any one's game as reported by Michael Figueroa, Jody Houseman, Ela Corcoran, and Dr. Real. Fewer than 1000 points separate last from first. Tune in soon for the winner, winner, chicken dinner!

The meeting was adjourned with a quote..."wherever you are, be there!"

Make it a Champion week y'all!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI




Woooooooo, CHAMPIONS:

What do Florida and Electricity have in common? Well today they had the Champions SoCal BNI in common...more on this later. We called the Champions promptly at 7:45 as is our custom. So here is the Florida part...Chuck Wohlberg from West Coast Water Filtration and the Clearwater, Florida chapter of BNI visited us, today. Well, Florida is gator country...Florida Gator country as in Southeast Conference as in rivalry with the team known for "calling" things...oh well, you get the idea...or maybe not. Chuck thoroughly enjoyed the meeting and even commented during the Stand and Deliver section that he has searched far and wide for a chapter for his local salesman to join and today believes that he has found the spot! As to the Electricity part...Dr. Paul Kwik...quite a bowler, btw...delivered a really interesting keynote on the electrical circuits that run throughout your body and affect your health and wellness. Dr. Paul set up his examining table after the meeting and provided a free electrical mapping for all of the Champions...VERY creative, Dr. Paul!

EC Moment:

Jim Sando was illustrative in his description of the VCP process. The dating ritual was used and explained the points of visibility, credibility, and profitability quite well. Don't forget to attend the workshop after next week's meeting. SMM, Lem style!

And the winner is...

Carmina Perez...our second female winner of the International Tabasco Award! Congrats, Carmina. With this award inure all of the benefits including a tax break, a free college tuition for your first born, etc...not really, but we can dream. Actually, you get to pick the winner in next week's competition. Will Dr. Real become the first four time winner OR will another newbie win. My guess is that Donna Cahoon will win soon as her profitable intro included a very cool prop. Mr. Wohlburg received an honorary ITA to take back to Florida...the ITA is already international but we could use some national aplomb!

Visitation:

In addition to Chuck, Blake Green subbed for Rutger and Joel D. Collins from Interior Specialties Construction visited with Donna Cahoon...a great SMM AND a visitor...great things to come methinks!

Champion Spark Plug:

Mr. Patrick O'Kane of Turnkey Mortgage for his skillful arrangement of the Champions bowling night last week. A GREAT time was had by all and a few Champions...Jim McCracken and Dr. Paul can ACTUALLY bowl! Your faithful President, not so much! Thanks for arranging a fun outing for the Champions and family, Patrick.

Announcements:

Evening Among the Stars part Deaux on October the 7th

SMM training next week at our venue! Let's roll out like Champions.

In the words of Forest Gump, "life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you are gonna get."

Please make it a safe and Champion week y'all!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI




Woooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

Warning, Will Rogers, today's post format is a little out of the norm. Today's post will focus entirely upon the great contributions by a select few of our members and guests. As you have heard me say, "it takes teamwork to run a successful chapter". Your regularly scheduled posting will appear next week...unless of course the author comes up with another idea...

Kathy Penton:

Kathy was clearly anxious today as she arrived at the meeting. Angelo, the visitor host, had asked that she "man" the visitor table...her maiden voyage as she normally is a "connector". Also, Kathy was a keynote speaker. Way to go Kathy! You "manned" the table expertly and found a way to deliver a VERY good keynote on promotional items and the referrals that you are seeking!

Jim McCracken...aka the El Paso Kid:

Jim brings his smile and encouragement to EVERY meeting. Lately, he has brought Rosanne as well! Jim and Rosanne live close...kind of...but Jim must rise a few minutes early and drive away from the meeting venue to insure that Rosanne is able to be present. Thanks, Jim! You are a valuable and welcome addition to our chapter and we are happy that you chose to fly with us!

Joe Davis:

Thanks for pinch hitting for Rosanne while she was away, Joe! You made the transition seamless.

Michael Figueroa...today's Champion Spark Plug:

You work tirelessly behind the scenes to tally all of the contest stats. You make it look very easy!

Donna Cahoon:

Our newest Champion! Congratulations, Donna and welcome to Champions! We are excited that you are with us and look forward to a successful relationship with you.

Dr. Hercules Real:

The second, three time International Tabasco Winner...the first was Steven Stakley. Dr. Real has embraced (no orthodontic pun intended) the ITA like no other...even coaching other ITA winners. Dr. Real is the real deal and a valued member of the Champions!

Profit Partners Contingent:

Thanks to Clement Muwele for suggesting that the Profit Partners visit the Champions. We were delighted to host you and you all are welcome to visit anytime. Your comments during Stand and Deliver were noted (as I promised that they would be) and highlighted below:

John Strauss enjoyed "seeing the potential"
Ryan Fogerty enjoyed the "variety of the Champion's professions"
Mel Arakelian was "inspired"
Nick Inchausti enjoyed us "hosting the chapter"
Ronald Brandalise liked the "energy"

ALL said that they felt welcome, prepared, valued, connected and comfortable. Give yourselves a pat on the back Champions...you did it!

The Champions:

If you weren't mentioned, this is my shout out to you. For a chapter to continue great success, we ALL must contribute...and you ALL do in your unique ways. I am grateful to be on the same flight each week!

Announcements:

SMM workshop May 24th...just remain after the meeting and the workshop will come to you. Maybe we will share the ITA...whatta ya think?

Bowling this Thursday at Concourse in Anaheim at 6:00 PM...young 'uns weclome!

Make it a Champion week!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI



Woooooooo, CHAMPIONS! or should I say, Hola Championes? Either way, Happy Cinco de Mayo was the theme of the day!

Continuing the Champions theme of monthly "SMM meeting stimulants", we embarked today to pay tribute to our neighbors to the south and delivered our profitable intros with a Cinco de Mayo focus...and the results were muy bueno! We had several of our members habla their SMMs, a couple of them sang, props were the order as Dr. Real dented a pinata and Michael Figueroa used several brands of Mexican hot sauces to make his point. In the end, Mr. Figueroa won the pepper as Counselor at Law, Randy Clement awarded as today's ruler.

Awards and Chapter Biz:

Most visitors for April, Steven Stakley
Most one-to-ones for April, Jim McCracken
Most referrals, tie...Brett Adolph and Aric Gless

Champions Spark Plug...Dr. Real...two reasons: upping his game for the SMMs, coaching and encouraging others to up their game AND for becoming one of SoCal BNI's newest ambassadors! The Champions now have two directors, two ambassadors, one ambassador "in training", and one still looking...not bad! I believe that equates to over 10% of our membership!

Visitation:

Donna Cahoon, from Today's Windows and Doors, an applicant, and currently being reviewed by our crack membership committee

Andrea Coulon, President of Premier Professionals...always great to see her!

Mohammed Baghdadi, from the Aliso Viejo chapter

Tom Abel, one of the newest members of Marketeers...our younger brother to the west

Tom Roby, subbing for Chuck Tipton

Noted:

Robert Perez and Randy Clement keynoted and took us through their sphere, ideal referrals, success stories and such. Robert and Randy have become quite valuable to our chapter...Robert as the videographer of the Champions. Much of the video content that you see in our blog was created by Robert. Robert has become quite popular in SoCal BNI also as he is doing several jobs throughout the region. Randy and his son took the ITA last week and Randy always brings his "A Game" during his SMMs, one-to-ones and with his power partners. Randy and his wife Cathleen have big firm experience and now season their law practice with big firm service at a price slightly above Legal Zoom...the best combo goin' for my bucks!

EC phone home...just kidding...wrong century:

Mr. Sando skillfully reviewed the proper way to record TYFCB. The Champions are familiar with this concept as our YTD TYFCB topped $487,500! Ka Ching!

Announcements:

Evening Among the Stars on Friday, October 7th

Bowling with the Champions...next Thursday the 12th at 6:00 PM at Concourse Lanes in Anaheim...rumor has it that Mr. McCracken is tuning up the long ball!

Group training (sorry Lem...workshop) the 24th of May at Meridian Club...19 Champions signed up thus far! Get that **** by July!

Continued thoughts and prayers for Clay Colwell! Welcome back Rosanne! We missed you!

Buenas Tardes, Championes y que tengan un buen semana!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI



Woooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

As you can see from the video, today was bring your kids to BNI week! Our Director, Lem Bucago complied and here we instruct young Marly and Logan Bucago the proper way to call the Champions...definitely an acquired art! Randy Clement also brought his son and they did a tandem SMM...award winning actually...more later!

The highlights:

Four visitors, Lisa Stewart, ACI; Wayne Hertzka and Chris Huang from C3 Office Solutions, and Donna Cahoon from Today's Windows and Doors...three took apps!

EC moment focused on a new one-to-one technique developed by an anonymous BNI member...who is a member of the Platinum Coast BNI, has been married to your faithful President for 31 years, is the mother of three Buchanans and soon will be a "boot camp" graduate...OK the anonymous member is Carla Buchanan! The technique focuses upon three tens...ten for each member's business, ten for Q and A, and ten for specific suggestions to help each other. I used it today with Christina Pham and it worked brilliantly!

SMM and International Tabasco Award...another first...last week our first woman and this week the first father and son team! Give it up for the Clement tandem...well choreographed. Randy you know that your son must return next week as the Tabasco ruler!

The Champion spark plug award was awarded to our very own Rosanne Grigsby who attended for the first time since receiving her diagnosis and defying all odds in her recovery...a true CHAMPION!

Keynoted by Angelo Dionisiou of Argo Insurance and Steven Stakley of Burnham Gibson. Both did an exceptional job of laying out the whys and the hows of finding just the right referral! I saw the two of them afterwards power teaming with Brett Adolph. These three are generating a lot of BNI bucks with their strategic referring!

Our visitors ALL said that felt very welcomed today...man, I LOVE hearing that! If we continue to provide an extraordinary visitor experience, our chapter will grow in quantity and quality! Great job to ALL of you!

Please remember:

Evening Among the Stars part deaux October 7th, 2011

Champions bowling night May 12th, 2011 6:00 PM, Concourse Lanes in Anaheim

Next week, structure your SMM with a Cinco de Mayo theme! Should be a blast.

Please keep Clay Colwell in your thoughts and prayers! Stay strong brother. We love and miss you!

Three weeks to go in the BNI game...invite, invite, invite and 1-2-1, 1-2-1, 1-2-1, and train, train, train...oops...workshop, workshop, workshop! Let's not let the mellow yellow team run away with the cash and prizes!

Thanks for flying with us this week! We know that you have many choices when you fly and we are happy that you chose the Champions!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI



Wooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

Today's meeting was intimate. Only one non-Champion graced our presence today...George Varela from the Business Connection chapter. I believe that the Champions may be saving the visitors for later in the contest which kicked off today! Let' not wait, people and remember, visitors buy! I can tell you first hand that I bring the energy every week(as do most of us)! Let's share this positive energy with visitors! Please follow Mr. Sando's specific ask during his EC moment today and invite one or more visitors to next week's meeting that fit into our top three categories...Family Law, Electrician, or Plumber. Several Champions were MIA today...we heard from Doug and Clay. Chuck, Jody, and Joe Lynch, we miss you when you are gone!

As I was saying...

The theme of the EC Moment centered on the rules and scoring opps for the contest. Remember the 1-2-1s and invite, invite, invite!

Notable Keynoters:

Ela Corcoran and Richard Lane spoke on their professions today. My greatest take away from Ela's talk was that we should choose nutritional supplements based upon their anti oxidant and alkaline content. These two items have a host of health benefits that Ela discussed.

I have purchased computer equipment from Richard and gave a testimonial during stand and deliver. Richard speaks "tech" and English and translates quite well! I thought that Richard's premise of "what does it cost you to ignore your IT?" was well thought out and clever.

Please schedule a one-to-one with each of these professionals (especially the green team) :)). Both can assist you in living a better life!

Chapter Biz:

Our VP and Sheriff (did you know it is tax season?), Greg Beck reviewed our progress in certian key categories.

Referrals average month-124, March 2011 156
one-to-ones 1435 YTD...way exceeding our goals!
Visitors 65 YTD...need to invite, invite, invite!
TYFCB $353,873 YTD...on pace to reach our goal!

I'm guessing the game will help us surpass these numbers for April and May

Recognition:

Referrals leader for March-Aric Gless
One-to-one leader for March-Bo Lowe
Visitors leader for March-Brett Adolph

International Tabasco Award winner this week-Angelo Dionisiou...Dr. Paul was the first winner of the Snoopy bobble head this week for snoring (all part of the act) during his SMM
Champion Spark Plug winner this week-Steven Stakley (interim Secretary/Treasurer). Thanks again Steven for the moral support and the cool head!

Also thanks to Joe Davis for taking the reigns of the secretary treasurer position for the remainder of the term. Great to have you at the dais, Joe!

Information updates:

Evening among the stars Part Deaux-October 7th...more to follow!

Rosanne Grigsby has been moved to Orange Hill Convalescent Home, 5017 E. Chapman, Orange, California. Please stop by and have a one-to-one meeting with Rosanne. No need to call ahead...just show up. Please limit your visits to 15-20 minutes.

Action quote:

"There are two ways to face the future. One way is with apprehension and the other way is with anticipation." Your action for this week is to face your calendar with anticipation!

Make it a Champion week!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Woooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

So what do Mardi Gras, AKA "Fat Tuesday", and the Champions chapter of SoCal BNI have in common? The International Tabasco Award! Of course! Tabasco, founded in Avery Island, Lousiana (Mardi Gras country) and the Champions chapter founded in Fullerton in 2004 share a rich heritage of "hot"! The only missing ingredient today was "fat" which all of our members used in their profitable introduction today...truly epic...So who dat talkin about all that fat? You will have to read the post but he is a first time winner and also took away the Champion Spark Plug Award as well!



The International Tabasco Award as introduced by our faithful President

Welcome Visitors!

Steve Richardson from ACR Builders, a general contractor who specializes in commercial construction and is a personal friend attended today and was energized by the buzz in the room. Blake Green from Branding Personalities and a new employee of Rutgers enjoyed the warm reception he received along with Justine Hansen a family law attorney with Ferruzzo and Ferruzzo who visited from the Diamond Club. I noticed a connection with Justine and Clay Colwell who keynoted. Clay enjoys meeting estate planning and family law attorneys.

Keynotes:

Clay Colwell and Steve Barnett keynoted and each did a very good job of explaining their professions...residential appraisal and office supplies. Both have been in their respective industries for quite a while...32 years in Steve's case and the Stand and Delivers were filled with several eloquent testimonials about both Champions attention to detail and "above and beyond" approach to their follow through. Steven Stakley (who sat in Rosanne's spot at the dais) and I commented that we should involve Steve in our Power Team as his customer list caused us both to take note...a sticky note!

The ITA (International Tabasco Award) for this week...and other recognition:

Our other Jim...McCracken that is...we have three...won the International Tabasco AND the Champion Spark Plug Award this week. As a former ElPasoan, Jim understands the importance of the pepper...now he understands the importance of the specific ask! Jim is one of our newest members but has quickly folded into the role of visitor host and in fact beat Angelo to the meeting and the set up. We quipped that he arrived before the McCracken of dawn!

Welcome Ms. 36!

That would be Kathy Penton who will represent the category of Advertising Specialties! Kathy was encouraged to check out Champions by Gizi Clemmer...a member of another BNI chapter as Kathy's category was filled in her chapter. We are pleased that she is a Champion and that other BNI members are such givers! Thanks Gizi for sharing the wealth. Kathy will be mentored by one of our best and brightest, Gary Lorge.

Announcements:

This Monday March 14th will be mid-term Leadership Workshop at the Knott's Resort Hotel. The workshop commences at 8:00 AM and concludes at 11:30. ALL are encouraged to attend BUT if you accepted a leadership role and have not attended a workshop, your participation is highly recommended. You must sign up on the SoCal BNI website.

Next week the Champions will celebrate St. Patty's Day early by dressing in green, using green in our SMMs AND the Champions will truly go Bragh!

"It is tough to steal second while keeping your foot on first" Try to take a risk this week.

Please make it a Champion week and be careful out there.

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI




Woooooooo, CHAMPIONS:
Pictured to the left is a snapshot of what makes the Champions go round...visitors (business cards)! Our membership chairman Aric Gless is also pictured as he moved all of us...literally and figuratively...with his well rehearsed and choreographed keynote presentation. The Champions were truly in the presence of greatness today as Lem Bucago, our director and recently named Director of Training for SoCal BNI, TR Garland from the Referral Institute and Platinum Coast BNI (SoCal's largest chapter and home to the "A" Buchanan), and Andy Pais, member of the OC United and a SoCal BNI ambassador...oh yes and John Bonham, the president of Tustin BNI subbed for Angelo Dionisiou...Wow! That is a lot of talent for one meeting! The Champions were honored that ya'll chose to fly with us this morning. We know you have several choices and we hope that you return again really soon! Mark Bill from Bill's Body Works, and a former Champion, visited along with Mark Shroff of Paul Davis Restoration.

Keynotes:

As previously advertised. Aric Gless, Gless Architects, delivered a splendid review of the steps he takes in designing a space for a client once the space has been leased or purchased. Aric brought in several carpet, paint, tile, accent samples to provide a great illustration...courtesy of Michael Figueroa of Rite Loom Flooring. I know that all in the room appreciated the detail! Aric also awarded this week's ITA...more later.

Patrick O'Kane, Turnkey Mortgage...our other resident Irishman outlined what causes interest rate fluctuation, why he is different, and the many, many professions that are touched by the housing market. I believe Dr. Misner refers to that as the Butterfly Effect. Outstanding job to both!

The Month of March:

Please remember to use the word "fat" in your SMM next week as next Tuesday's meeting will be on Mardi Gras...AKA Fat Tuesday. Dr. Paul is drooling!

On the Ides of March (March 15th)...week after next...please wear green AND use the word "green" in your SMM. With Aric and Patrick in the house we can definitely Champions go Bragh!

International Tabasco Award:

Wow! Mr. Stakley wins again becoming the very first three time winner. At this rate we won't need that many extra mini Tabasco bottles! Did your kids draw those illustrations, Steven? In any event...well scripted and well delivered! Honorable mention to Ela and Christina. We only had two Champions who exceeded the time limit...and one gets a bye as he was still on Parisian time. The asks are VERY specific and Aric could have selected three or four in addition to the HMs and the winner.

Special Awards:

February Leaders
Most Visitors, James Kashi
Most one-to-ones, Bo Lowe
Most Referrals, Chris Vasquez

Champions Spark Plug Award
Mr. Bill Edman (quack, Quack!) for configuring his Parisian vacation so that he wouldn't miss a BNI meeting! That is commitment. Thanks for sharing him with us, Donna!

Our Latest Notable Networker
Mr. Jiiiiiim Sando! Jim has proven himself worthy of the award by the countless "spot on" EC moments but certainly became noteworthy last week as he convinced 15 Champions to sign up for an advanced MSP and scheduled the venue as well! Jenni Nering, Bill Mills, and Lem were all there and expressed their appreciation! Congrats Jim! There is only one of these awarded each term.

Thoughts and Prayers:

To our dear Rosanne who could not be with us this morning but hopefully will return VERY soon! We love you Rosanne and are all praying for your speedy recovery! The dais is not the same without your smiling face.

Chapter Biz:

February
Referrals, 114
One-to-Ones, 283
Visitors, 17
TYFCB, $55,000...we did almost 25% of that today...great start for March!

And so completed another flight of the Champions!

Make it a Champion week ya'll

Your faithful President

Allen Buchanan


Tuesday, February 22, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

Well the "buck" definitely stopped at the Champions today as we hosted the second stack day of the new term and welcomed five visitors, one sub, and our very own ambassador, Bernadette Lazarra. Our chapter is trying hard to attract a plumber to complete our compliment of trades and we were successful in attracting one today...Bill Taylor from Sundance Plumbing. Bill really enjoyed the people! He is right, the Champions have some great people. Additional visitors were Kathy Penton from Performance Envelope...rumor has it she won't be a visitor much longer and may be our next inductee? Ron Coleman from Pop's Graphix'n Stuff enjoyed the keynote addresses and the talent with which they were delivered. An old Champion (or should I say vintage Champion), Mark Bill from Bill's Body work was happy to see the familiar faces. I understand that Mark was quite a referral giver in his day! Diane Meimetus completed the visiting corps from Rebekah's Hair Studio (a former stack day profession request). We understand that Diane and Rebekah may visit together next week...only their hairdresser knows for sure! Linda Luchansky subbed for her husband Doug and we always enjoy our ambassador visits from Bernadette! Our sincere Champion thanks to the GRC team for their hard work! Michael Figueroa, Dr. Real, Ela Corcoran, and Jody Houseman really know how to stack the visitors!

Please Welcome #34 and #35!

That would be Christina Pham and Joe Lynch! Both hail from BNI families as Christina's sister is a member of Premier Professionals and Joe's wife Wendy is a proud member of the Velocity chapter...both chapters participated in the recent eight chapter mixer and we consider them our North Orange county brethren! Christina has already conducted ten one-to-one meetings and given a couple of referrals and did I mention she brought a visitor last week? Christina is a printer and Joe is a general contractor...both very good professions to fill! Congrats you two. We are happy that you are Champions!

Keynotes:

Joe Davis and Gary Lorge both presented on their professions of estate law and personal insurance lines. I really felt informed about both professions as Joe discussed the various types of wills and trusts and Gary explained "estimated replacement cost" of a property! Greg Beck, to my right at the dais, commented that both were very informative and I believe the Champions will reward each of the two with tons of referrals. Joe and Gary are seeking two ends of the continuum...older and younger women...for different business reasons of course.

International Tabasco, Referral Leader for January, and Champions Spark Plug Winners:

Fourth two time winner of the ITA (International Tabasco Award)...Aric Gless for his specific ask of the facilities manager of Angel Stadium. Was that a self autographed baseball that Aric tossed? He can now autograph a bottle of Tabasco since he joins Greg Beck, Steven Stakley, and Gray Lorge as the only other two time winners. Who will be the first to claim number three? Christina Pham was a close runner-up.

Congrats to our faithful visitor host, Angelo Dionisiou, for delivering the most referrals for January! Additionally, Angelo played hurt today as he is weathering a cold but had the host table in full regalia before 7:00 AM! A new cast of winners will be awarded next week.

Steven Stakley (on his way to see the Laker's tonight) was the CSP award winner for pulling double duty (Sec/Treas and head mentor) for Rosanne (who became ill and was a last minute scratch). We hope that our Secretary/Treasurer is feeling better and will return to the dais next week. We missed you Rosanne!

Sir Winston Churchill was quoted as saying: "We make our living from what we get. We make our lives from what we give." Our action for this week is to practice the giver's gain philosophy.

Make it a Champion week!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI


Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS:


Visitors and guests certainly make the BNI world go around! When visitors invite visitors the world goes around twice as fast! Yes...that actually happened today. We had a visitor (who has an application pending) bring another visitor to the chapter...who took an app as well! The (guest) visitor was also on our stack day profession target...a plumber! Wow! The visitor that brought the visitor was Christina Pham a printer with Select Graphics and Printing. The (guest) visitor was Casey Merrell from Classic Plumbing. Well done Christina! Kathy Penton from Performance Envelope also visited a second time while her app is pending along with Linda Kamka from Linda Kamka Designs for the second time while her app is pending. The Champions are certainly keeping Greg Beck, Aric Gless, Chuck Tipton, Brett Adolph, Patrick O'Kane, and Bill Edman busy with all of the visitors and apps. Thank goodness we have a crack membership team! Our visitor host and team have greeted each new person with a smile. Thanks to Angelo Dionisiou, Jim Salem, Robert Perez, Bo Lowe, Jim McCracken, and Richard Lane for the great job that you do with the host team! We also were honored to have the president of Liaisons, Kim Welch, of Send Out Cards present to assist her distributor, Bo Lowe in his keynote. We enjoyed the two subs and one guest from another chapter, Sonia Salem (sub), Jason Wakefield (BNI guest), and David Aeppli (sub). The room was full of energy as many of the visitors and guests commented in the Stand and Deliver.

Stand and Deliver: with a twist

Last week a challenge was issued by your faithful President to conduct a GAINS interview with the member sitting to your right. Once completed the Stand and Delivers this week were to include a tidbit take away from the one-to-one. I am pleased to say that we conducted 90 one-to-one meetings and the tid bits were spectacular! We have an attorney capable of arguing a case in the Supreme Court, two former BNI chapter Presidents, a hip hop dancer, a Civil War buff, an Eagle Scout, etc. I believe that as we gain (no pun intended) credibility with each other, we also will find ways to be profitable.

GRC Stack Day:

Next week we will have a room full of plumbers and family law attorneys thanks to the GRC team's excellent guidance. Among the team are its leader, Michael Figueroa, Dr. Real, Ela Corcoran, and Jody Houseman. Remember to make those calls!

Keynotes:

Exceptionally presented by a couple of BNI vets...Dr. Hercules Real and Bo Lowe! Bo brought in Kim Welch to assist in a role play about keeping in touch with your customers...or someone else will. Dr. Real covered the three things that make him different including paying attention to his patient's details...a key difference. Dr. Real also is very abreast of the new developments and technology with his practice of dentistry...recently completing a professional designation in orthodonture. We will certainly post the "film at eleven" when it becomes available. Our thanks once again to our in house videographer to the Champions, Robert Perez, for his consummate video taping of the keynotes and other ramblings of the Champions!

Chapter Biz and Leaders:

We are clobbering our goals and thanking for a substantial amount of closed business...approx $800,000 on a BNI calendar basis!

Congrats to Jim Sando, most one-to-ones, James Kashi, most visitors, and Angelo Dionisiou, most referrals in the month of January!


Please Welcome Ms. 33!:

That would be Bonny Thompson from Time Warner Cable and the newest Champion. Carmina Perez was not the newest for very long as we inducted her just last week. Congrats to Bonny and we are happy that you are a Champion. Y'all be sure to welcome Bonny with open arms and an empty one-to-one calendar. Bonny came to us the old fashioned way...through the website and will be mentored by Gary Lorge.

EC Moment:

Jim concluded with his series on relationships, referrals and will host an all Champions training at his office on February 23rd. The topic is the Referral Mindset training and will be taught by our director, Lem Bucago. There should be 15 Champions in attendance! Thanks in advance for arranging this, Jim. Rumor has it that the Champions have a new Four Star recipient...more to come!

The International Tabasco Award:

The recipient this week was a man who has sung, danced and is the opposite of last week's recipient who has neither sung nor danced...Steven Stakley. If only 'SC worked as hard in recruiting as Steven did to win the award...oh well. I know that Richard Lane enjoyed awarding the pepper this week. Remember to watch that 30 second time frame as many Champions exceeded the limit and disqualified themselves from consideration.

Miscellaneous:

The eight chapter mixer was a smashing success to wrap up the International Networking Week celebrations. We hosted approximately 100 people from Champions, Liaisons, Velocity, WOMBATS, Beachside Business Builders, Tustin and Yorba Linda BNI, and Premier Professionals. A good time was networked by all!


The meeting was concluded with an action quote!


Please make it a Champion week!


Your faithful President,


Allen Buchanan

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI



Wooooooo, CHAMPIONS:

Happy International Networking Week! The Champions started the week in style by welcoming a room full of printers! No it wasn't a stack day...the visitors happened to find us at the same time. Christina Pham from Elect Graphic and Printing visited for the second time and submitted her application. Kathy Penton, an owner of Performance Envelope visited (and completed an app after the meeting) and Linda Kamka, of Linda Kamka Designs visited as well (she left with app in hand). All were feted by Collette's Catering and enjoyed watching the Champion meeting experience! Our membership committed headed by Aric Gless will be busy this week vetting the apps. We could be at 35 or 36 Champions by month's end. Douglas Garrett, a partner of mine with Lee and Associates attended to catch the wave. Tom Roby subbed for Chuck Tipton and we had two "other BNI chapter" visitors...Joseph Maioriello Jr., and James Rosenquist. We always enjoy visitors from other chapters.

Please welcome, Carmina Perez, the newest Champion. Carmina is in Merchant Services and will be a welcome addition to the Champions. Carmina was sponsored by James Kashi and will be mentored by Steven Stakely

EC Moment:

Jim Sando, fresh from his visit to the Director/Ambassador team meeting yesterday presented a great educational moment on the characteristics of a good referral...someone in the market for your product or service that is expecting your call or a strategic introduction to someone that can introduce you to...expecting your call. Well done as always Jim!

International Tabasco Award for "hottest" SMM:

And the winner is...Richard Lane from Firstlight Networking...the IT kind of Networking! He cannot sing and he cannot dance (his words, not mine) but he certainly can catch our attention, have a specific ask, and complete before Rosanne gongs him. You could really tell that Richard practiced his introduction and it paid off for him. Congrats Richard!

Keynotes:

Your humble President presented today. I illustrated the VCP process through a client relationship of mine...film soon. I also issued a challenge to the chapter to have two one-to-ones this week and for next week's Stand and Deliver, come prepared with a tidbit from the face-to-face meetings...stay tuned.



Doug Luchansky from ACI bribed the audience with candy...great to hype their excitement for business software. I went first because I knew I couldn't compete with the candy give away. Doug is an outstanding listener (I have experienced this first hand!) He is a great strategic problem solver and a wonderful presenter of solutions. I believe that the chapter knows much more about Doug and his profession.

The Champions Spark Plug Award:

Mr. Jim Salem won this week for his production of the one page list of Champions that he accomplishes each and every month. Thanks for the effort, Jim! You can see Jim's handy work in the spces to the left.


Announcements:

Eight Chapter Mixer this Friday at 4:00-6:00 PM at JT Schmids...be there or be square!

Stack Day February 22nd. Don't forget to call those plumbers and family law attys!

Your humble President will be Dr. Ivan Misner's guest on the BNI weekly podcast this week on February 9th. Be sure to tune in and I will post a link on the blog as well. Click here to listen to the podcast!

The meeting was ended with an action quote!

Make it a Champion week!

My best to you,

Allen Buchanan, your humble President

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI


Jim Sando with his "props" and the EC Moment










Pictured: The Beachside Business Builders (without Deanna Abrahams) From Left to Right: Trent Clark, Erika Jessie, Johnathan Tran, Leslie Van Deusen, Thane McCready, Dave Schuberth, Charlie Finn, Stacy Neuland, Robert Preciado, and Ken Duong.



Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!!

Today's meeting of the SoCal Champions BNI was filled with laughter, visitors, and our brethren from the west...the Beachside Business Builders from Fountain Valley. Trent Clark, a Socal BNI director was present, unofficially, for the festivities and witnessed the International Tabasco Award delivered first hand as well as his fellow director, Lem Bucago keynoting on the ways to present using Power Point...more on that, including film at eleven, in a moment.

Visitation:

In addition to our fellow BNI-ers, the Champions welcomed four visitors...three of whom have submitted apps and our membership committee is hard at work getting the apps vetted for approval...Carmina Perez, from FIS Merchant Services, Bonny Thompson from Time Warner Cable, and Joe Lynch, a general contractor. Christina Pham from Elect Graphic and Printing was our fourth visitor. I certainly hope that she applies as our chapter could use a printer!

EC Propped Moment:

Mr. Sando used the local talent to "prop up" his EC moment today and wrapped up the series on relationship building, time, attendance and how they all mesh to create V.C. and P! Thanks to the props Clay Colwell, Brett Adolph, Lem Bucago, Gary Lorge (two time Tabasco winner) and Doug Luchansky...who gave his first referral today! Vana White could not have done better, fellas!

The International Tabasco Award:

So the BBBs got to see the International Tabasco Award competition for the "hottest" sales manager moment today and I believe that to a person they were impressed by the snappy, specific SMMs and the camaraderie and skill that the award builds. Chuck Tipton emerged victorious from a packed field...rumor has it he bought the award...not literally but figuratively as he threw a handful of dollar bills to illustrate an owner throwing his money away on rent...VERY effective. Chuck won by a nose according to Gary Lorge, last week's winner. Now next week Chuck gets to award the Tabasco! Every past winner was given a lapel pin of a real package of Tabasco to affix to their name tag. We even awarded a secondary Tabasco to Ken Duong from the BBB. Ken truly went international to win the award by speaking in several different languages to pitch his "international" law firm. Now you have the International Tabasco Award to go along with your stellar record, Ken!

Keynote:

Lem Bucago, our award winning director, keynoted us about the BNI meeting experience. Specifically, Lem discussed the SMMs, Keynotes, and Stand and Deliver portions of the meetings. The three Ps are critical to your success with a Keynote...those three Ps being, Preparation, Practice, and Presentation. Below is a snippet of Lem's presentation that was captured on video. This is Lem doin' work. Lem was recently awarded best trainer in SoCal BNI for 2010 and 2009. Sign up for one of Lem's trainings. They're awesome!



Chapter Leaders and Biz for January:

The leaders for last month in the categories of visitors, referrals, and 1-2-1 meetings were recognized at the dais. Mr. Sando took the 1-2-1 honors, Angelo Dionisiou won for referrals, and James Kashi brought the most visitors to the chapter last month...and one submitted an app!

Greg Beck, our VP and sheriff, covered the chapter's progress in the categories of visitors, 1-2-1s, referrals, and TYFCB. The Champions welcomed ten visitors last month, participated in 232 1-2-1s, exchanged 125 referrals AND recorded over $68,000 in TYFCB. That brings our YTD total for TYFCB to approximately $230,000 for closed business for the four months ending January 31, 2011. Way to go Championes!! How's that Ken Duong?

Miscellaneous:

The details for the eight chapter mixer capping off International Networking Week were announced and all Champions and BBBs encouraged to attend. The mixer is February 11 from 4:00-6:00 PM at JT Schmids in Anaheim (across from the Honda Center). The eight participating chapters are Champions, Velocity, Beachside Business Builders, Tustin BNI, Yorba Linda BNI, Liasions, WOMBATS, and Premier Professionals. We encourage chapter members to bring significant others or spouses. The event is cash and carry with a no host bar. The event should be epic!

The meeting was ended "on time" with a quote from Dr. Ivan Misner..."The secret to succeeding without hard work is still a secret!"

Make it a Champion week, ya'll!

My best to you,

Your humble President

Allen Buchanan