Champions SoCal BNI President's Weekly Letter

Woooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

Adios, Au Revior, Sayanara, etc. Today was not goodbye...it was so long! Today marked the end of our term as a leadership team. We left the plane in great hands with Gary Lorge, Aric Gless, Kris Hansberger, et al! I have composed a brief recap of the last six months April 2011-September 2011 for your viewing pleasure.



I will remember fondly all of the Champions who served in this year's leadership term:

Vice President, Greg Beck-Greg has served in many positions but not VP until this year. When I was asked to be President, I told Lem Bucago...under one condition...that Greg will agree to be VP!

Secretary/Treasurer, Rosanne Grigsby and Joe Davis-Only one choice in my book...Rosanne! Thanks Joe for ably filling in when Rosanne was sick.

Membership Committee Chair, Aric Gless-accomplished the task with the skill and precision of an architect...oh yeah...he is an architect!

Mentor Chair, Steven Stakley-My personal mentor long before he held the position! Certain people just fit the role...Steven fits the role!

Education Coordinator, Jim Sando-WOW!

GRC, Michael Figueroa-Michael took over the position when Emily Davidson left the chapter. Michael learned by fire and performed brilliantly!

Visitor Host, Angelo Dionisiou-Angelo also took over lead visitor host when Tom Roberts left. Working with a president who was a former visitor host and a "glorified visitor host" this year is not easy. Mix in a commute from Carlsbad and a new baby and the task becomes extremely tough. Angelo set the bar this year with his effort!

Members at Large-Y'all are the best!

Congrats to Alex Ribble...number 31! Also thanks to Hema Dey of Premier Professionals...you know why!

A special thanks to Lem Bucago (great keynote on BNI Connect), our Director; Bernadette Lazzara, our ambassador, Lonie Misner-Feigerle, and Jeremy Ball from the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire Region , Tom Galan (visitor for a second time), and Russ from Dream Team for attending my swan song! It was great to have you all witness the power of the Champions!

Remember, your leadership term is a journey and don't stop believing!

Make it a Champion week, y'all!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Woooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

In this week at the "after the meeting" interview, we highlight four special people to Champions SoCal BNI...you are ALL special but these three plus one are your incoming Leadership Team for next term which commences October 1, 2011 (our first meeting is the 4th). Watch here and learn what each new leadership team member learned from the recent Leadership Team training. We also hear from Lem Bucago, the Director to the Champions and Director of Training about what he teaches the Vice Presidents and Membership Committee members.

...And once again, our President select, Gary Lorge is the copious note taking guest blogger for this week.

“We started a little late but really got cookin’. Our visitors really brought the energy up in the room. They were: Patrice Sorokin, Alex Ribble (second time), Bryan Mataya, and our Director Lem Bucago.

Our EC got us thinking: Am I playing the child’s game “telephone” with my customers? If we don’t have a short and simple elevator speech we may be. We need to be concise and memorable in order to give those valuable referrals.

Our leaders for last month in 1:2:1 meetings: Greg Beck, Donna Cahoon and a tie for first place with 15 1:2:1’s with Bo Lowe and Kris Hansberger.

Our ITA took a swerve and was awarded to a first time winner this week. Past winners were not eligible. Brett missed his chance as he was away this week and the award went to Jim Salem. Congratulations Jim!

Our Keynotes delivered spot on presentations. Robert Perez explained why he is the best choice for video production. He has a broad background and is able to do many of the tasks that his competitors farm out. This allows him to keep costs down. We know that his quality is second to none. The list of products that he offers is amazing.

Joe Salazar made it perfectly clear that we should not be yelling at our computers, we should be calling him. He had some great ones: “Jiminy Cricket, Holy Moly, and a Disco dance were all used and I came right back to the office and made sure I was backed up. The Net Whiz is truly a whiz and brought his “A game” to the Keynote speech this morning.

Jim Salem and Kathy Penton were delivered their 4 star ribbons by the small but mighty Lem Bucago. And lastly our President reminded us that we don’t want to be the slow gazelle- so hit the ground running in the morning.

Until next week….”

And as prefaced...A lion awakes early, running hoping to catch a speedy gazelle. A speedy gazelle awakes early running hoping to outrun the slowest among him lest he be eaten by the lion. The moral...whether you are a lion or a gazelle, you better rise early running

Make it a Champion week everybody!

Your faithful President (almost EC),

Allen Buchanan

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

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

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

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

Champions SoCal BNI President's Weekly Letter

Woooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

Well howdy y'all! That is the way that Jim McCracken, AKA the El Paso Kid, and a UFirst agent started his keynote presentation this morning. Jim's presentation was very well rehearsed and it showed! Jim's keynote spanned five topics...What is the problem and why should you care? Why did Jim decide to represent UFirst? Why must you buy the software? Is it too good to be true? And a closing statement. Jim used movement and hand outs successfully and kept the Champions rapt for ALL of his ten minutes. The first ever Angel bobble head doll was not awarded as ALL the Champions were awake the entire keynote! Nicely done, Jim.

EC Moment:

Make sure in your one-to-one meetings that your referral partners know how to refer you. Remember that is incumbent upon ALL of us to train our fellow referral partners on the "what to look for(s)".

Visitors, Subs, and our very own Ambassador!

Heather Begley, subbing for Robert Perez and a make up artist, noted that she felt very welcome and that all of the Champions had positive attitudes.

Blake Green, from Branding Personalities and a sub for Rutger, is focused upon joining a chapter where his category is not represented. Rumor has it that Premier Pros may get a look?

Lisa Stewart, a sub and employee of Doug Luchansky of ACI, really felt the welcome vibe!

Yessy Estrada, subbing for Chris Vasquez of Union Bank, thoroughly enjoyed the International Tabasco Award...and who wouldn't as Dr. Real crowned this week's champ (twice for those keeping score at home)...Ms. Mary Buchanan's oldest son??

Daniel Latch, of Global Solutions Unlimited, observed GREAT spirit from the Champions.

Finally, our very own ambassador, Bernadette Lazarra, felt the love today and appreciates the Champion's chapter immensely. It is always great to have Bernadette present for the flight of the Champions.

GRC:

Our crack GRC team, Michael, Ela, Hercules, and Jody, rolled out the game for April and May that will be focused upon one-to-one meetings within the chapter and trainings (workshops). The first training (workshop) opp for the contest period will be next week directly after the meeting at the Meridian Club. Thanks to our Director of Workshops, Mr. Lem Bucago and Jim Sando for arranging this workshop. The focus will be upon Power Teams! Cannot wait!

Awards and Chapter Biz:

Most 1-2-1s for February, Bo Lowe with 22
Most referrals for February, Chris Vasquez with 12
Most Visitors for February, James Kashi with 3

Greg reported:
Month to date referrals for the chapter, 93...avg monthly is 118
Month to date one-to-ones 197
Annual to date TYFCB $327,000...average $21,000 per seat on an annualized basis!

The Champion Spark Plug award this week went to Steven Stakley for filling in as Secretary Treasurer in Rosanne's absence! Great having you at the dais Mr. Stakley but we miss you Rosanne! Hurry up and get better!

Announcements:

Power Team Workshop for all Champions (who have signed up) next Tuesday March 29th after the meeting!

OCs Largest Mixer at the OC fairgrounds tomorrow the 23rd from 5:00-9:00. SoCal BNI will have a booth. Please stop by and say hello!

Leadership team meeting this Friday at 1:30 at Lee and Associates, Orange.

A special thanks to my wife, Carla Buchanan, an honorary Champion, who has helped your humble President with the speaker rotation, the Tabasco Award gluing, and generally keeping your President happy, healthy and presidential! I love you darling.

The meeting was adjourned with a quote, "We can no more afford to spend major time on minor things that we can minor time on major things." Your action for this week is to spend major time on major things!

Make it a Champion week y'all!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooo CHAMPIONS!!!

Today was special for many reasons:

We became a SILVER chapter (In excess of 32 members for three months...on to the Gold) and were awarded our silver pins by our director, Lem Bucago. Aric Gless accepted the Champion's Spark Plug award for his tireless efforts as membership chair and promptly divided the award in fifths...one share for each member of his committee...Chuck Tipton, Bill Edman, Patrick O'Kane, and Brett Adolph

We hosted several visitors and guests

We played a cool game called BNI Feud...Lem style (film at eleven!)



The "Champions went Braugh" and celebrated the "Ides of March" with themed SMMs based around the word green, dressed in green, and upon the St. Patty's Day celebration. Dr Real won the International Tabasco Award competition with a brilliantly "lyriced" and performed song...rhymes and all! Since the ITAs inception, our asks are MORE specific, the openings are definitely catchy, AND, the Champions are watching the clock! Way to go!

We were instructed quite skillfully by Jim Sando on referrals and he elicited some help from two of our top referral givers...Angelo Dionisiou and Brett Adolph...distinct in their approach but consistent in the giver's gain philosophy.

Michael Figueroa, our newly trained GRC committee chairman, unveiled our top ten list so that the Champions can keep these professions top of mind.

Greg Beck, the Sheriff, reviewed the Chapter Biz...still tracking!

We all missed Rosanne and pray for her speedy recovery and return to the dais.

The meeting was closed with a quote!

Make it a Champion week!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

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

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 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!!!

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!!

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooo, CHAMPIONS!!

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

International Tabasco Award for "hottest" SMM:

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

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

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

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

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

Stack Day Winners:

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

Outstanding Keynotes:

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

EC Moment:

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

Chapter Biz:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make it a Champion week!!

November Chapter Success Forum

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

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

Inviting: (consider these ideas)

Place emphasis upon it in meetings

Check our attitude before opening our mouth

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

Follow your dollars

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

Convert a cold call on you to a visitor

Use your business blog to attract visitors

Use MS Tags as an inviting technique

Stack Days, Stack Days and more Stack Days

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

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

Arrive early...visitors do

Use open groups vs closed groups

Create a "buzz" during open networking with a question

Early bird prizes

Keep the meeting distraction to a minimum

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

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

Recognition

Consider attending a Forum! You will not be disappointed.

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!!

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

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

EC:

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

New Member:

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

VP and Membership:

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

Keynotes:

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

Stand and Deliver:

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

GRC:

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

Announcements:

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

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

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

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

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!!!

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

EC Moment:

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

New Member:

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

October Winners:

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

SMMs:

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

VP and Membership:

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

Keynote:

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

GRC:

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

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

Make it a Champion week!!

Chapter Success Forum, Lem Style!!

What do Mimi's in Tustin, Lem Bucago, a room full of motivated energetic people, and Champions have in common??...if you guessed Chapter Success Forum, you are correct!! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!! The first Chapter Success Forum of the new term was held yesterday at the Mimi's on 17th in Tustin. We were fortunate to have at least three chapter presidents in attendance as well as 25 other BNI faithful.

Lem Bucago, SoCal BNI Director of the Champions, Business Connection, and Yorba Linda BNI and a member of Velocity hosted the meeting and kept the content flowing and interactional! Many, many great ideas were discussed including:

How are we doing in our new roles?

Great!! Harold from the Firm, Spectacular!! Dan Canzoni from Orange BNI

What new meeting ideas have emerged?

A vote on the best SMM, from Network Builders, a blog from Champions, and several new Facebook Business and Group pages.

Some issues that have arisen:

Transitions, Rosanne Grigsby, Champions. Harold from the Firm pre-empted the transition by allowing the new L/T to transition 30 days prior to the 1st of October to ease the pain. Bill Edman, from the Champions is getting used to his new role in membership. Bill from Business Connections believes that the Member Minimums have helped.

Networking strategies that work:

Bring enough cards, don't come and sit, check in and move around, stay before and after, have an action strategy, and participate!!

Attracting visitors:

Stack days, the "Kitty" infusion, identifying members within the same company that could join another BNI chapter, intra chapter competitions, turn a "cold call" into a visitor, fortune in the follow up, and visitor days.

Lem closed with a hearty announcement to attend the Member Day at the International conference on November 12th at the Garden Grove Hyatt!!

Forums rock!!

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Woooooooo CHAMPIONS!! (watch above for the inspiration for our meeting opener)

Well today, I felt like "flying the plane" (running the BNI meeting) was on auto pilot! For the first time in three weeks, the meeting seemed to flow and the Champions were out in force! The room was filled with visitors, the EC moment was smart and pointed, the 30 second SMMs were timely and contained great asks, the keynote presenters had great content to share! The rain outside cast a gloom and snarled the SoCal freeways but the Champions were radiant inside!

Visitors:

We welcomed five visitors this week: Maurice Herron from Stratus Building solutions returned for his second visit and commented during the Stand and Deliver "our enthusiasm caused him to demand his boss write the check for application". Douglas Luchansky of ACI, visited for the second time and commented that "he had an intro to a company from an ask of two weeks ago!" Jack Charles from Alpha Property Inspectors visited and commented that "the enthusiasm was contagious!" Joseph Davis, an estate attorney, visited for the second time and commented that "he couldn't wait to become a Champion!" David Hibbard from Dialexis had several VERY complimentary things to say about our chapter. WAY TO WELCOME THOSE VISITORS!!!

EC Moment:

Jim Sando delivered a well rehearsed and informational EC moment with conviction on the importance of an agenda when networking. Know the who, what, when , where, and why that you want to accomplish before you network. GREAT JOB JIM!

Spark Plug Award:

To Robert Perez on his tireless efforts in video taping our meetings! Way to Go!!

Membership:

We have four New Apps and four Renewal Apps!

Keynotes:

Clay Colwell spoke on residential appraisals and Aric Gless recapped access issues relating to ADA compliance. Clay's years of experience persuaded him to recant several "war stories" about square footage discrepancies, under and over values, and probate matters. Aric creatively forwarded to all of the chapter members the following reminders about his keynote...a VERY well timed reminder indeed!

1. You don’t need an elevator

· The California Building Code states that the first floor above and below ground level is not required to be accessible by a ramp or elevator.

o But every activity that happens on those levels much be available to be held on the ground level.

2. Retrofitting existing buildings has its limits

· It’s only required when construction happens.

· Only the path of travel from the street to the area of work has to be upgraded for accessibility.

o Spaces outside of this path & area, even if in the same suite don’t have to be touched.

· The Building Code “cost threshold” determines the amount of retrofit.

o If total construction cost is below this threshold, only 20% of that cost must be used for accessibility.

3. There is a total exemption for certain scopes of work

· The California Building Code states that certain limited scopes of work do not trigger accessibility work.

o Projects limited to painting, flooring, doors, windows, electrical, air-conditioning do not require accessibility retrofit to be done.

o But each of these installations much be fully code compliant in themselves (e.g. doors must be right size with right hardware)

Next week, Bo Lowe and Patrick O'Kane will be speaking. This is Patrick's first keynote as a Champion! Good luck Patrick!

Growth and Retention:

Our GRC committee reviewed the process of entering visitors on the SoCal BNI website. Remember, Stack Day is November 16th and we are trying to fill three important categories...Business Attorney, Merchant Services, and Hair Stylist!

The meeting was adjourned with an action quote: "Our mistakes will not irreparably damage our lives, unless we let them." by James E. Sweeney The action is to forgive your self for a mistake that you have made!

President's Weekly Update

Wooooooo, Champions!!!

The meeting today was enthusiastic, fast paced and fun filled! We welcomed four visitors today; Maurice Herron from Stratus Building Solutions, Joseph Davis from the law firm of Joseph Davis, Paula E. Meyer from the law firm of Paula E. Meyer, and Marc Berg from the RSH Group. Additionally Desiree Stimson from DSYL visited from the Velocity Chapter and Ed Johnson from the Prosperity chapter subbed for Jody Houseman. The Champions SoCal BNI chapter was honored to have its Director, Lem Bucago and a former Champion and Executive Director of SoCal BNI, Jenni Nering in attendance. Thanks to Lem and Jenni for making the day a special one!

Jim Sando delivered a noteworthy Educational Moment on the importance of categories and the various categories within a category that may exist.

The spark plug award this week was awarded to Jenni Nering for her tireless efforts in the Evening Among the Stars Gala on October 1, 2010. Thanks for a memorable evening, Jenni!!

Lem Bucago and Jenni Nering were the week's key note speakers and delivered the Champion's category awards for the BNI year of 2009-2010. Leaders in Trainings, 1-2-1 Meetings, Referrals, Visitors, Attendance, and Longevity were awarded and are outlined below. Recognition was also given to the outgoing Leadership Team...Cathy Nanadiego, President, Emily Davidson, Vice President, and Chris Vasquez, Secretary/Treasurer...GREAT JOB!! Let's make 2010-2011 even better!!!

Trainings:

· Hercules – 7 · Jody – 7 · Aric – 8
· Allen – 13

· Bill – 13

1-2-1:

· Emily – 52 · Steve Barnett – 58 · Jim Sando – 62 · Jim Salem - 64 · Stakley – 71

· Rutger – 73 · Bill – 83 · Aric – 95 · Brett – 97 · Cathy – 99 · Greg – 106

· Allen – 262

Referrals:

· Emily – 51 · Bill – 52 · Stakley – 53 · Hercules – 55 · Bo – 56 · Cathy – 69

· Brett – 116

· Allen – 424

Visitors:

· Cathy – 10 · Rutger – 10 · Brett – 14

· Allen – 19

Attendance:

· Allen – 1 year (no subs)

· Greg – 2 years (no subs)

Longevity:

· Jim Sales – 3 years

· Cathy – 3 years

· Clay – 4 years

· Brett – 4 years

· James Kashi – 5 years

· Bo – 6 years

· Hercules – 6 years

· Steven Stakley – 6 years

· Greg – 6 years

TYFCB ($):

· Greg – 20,928 · Cathy – 21,260 · Stakley – 23,101 · Hercules – 23,991

· Allen – 87,357

Emily Davidson and Dr. Real presented the Stack Day Teams, Captains and Rules:

The Stack Day is scheduled for November 16th. We are asking for a minimum of 10 invitees from each member from any of these three categories:

Business Attorney

Hair Dresser

Merchant Services

We have split the chapter into teams and you will receive points based on the number of visitors invited, visitors attending, and visitors joining! The team with the most points will win a prize. Here is the list of Teams, with the captains listed first in Bold letters:

Red Team:Tom Roberts, Emily Davidson, Hercules Real, Aric Gless, Bill Edman, Jim Salem, Chris, Vasquez

Blue Team: Angelo Dionisiou, Steve Barnett, Jody Houseman, Rosanne Grigsby, Steven Stakley, Clay Colwell, Richard Lane

Yellow Team: Ela Corcoran, Robert Perez, Rutger Hensel, Brett Adolf, Jim Sando, James Kashi, Bo Lowe

Green Team: Paul Kwik, Greg Beck, Allen Buchanan, Gary Lorge, Chuck Tipton, Patrick O’Kane, Michael Figueroa

In order to receive points for inviting, names need to be submitted to your team captain, on the attached spreadsheet, by Friday, October 15^th at 5:00 p.m.

(Remember - More invitees equals more points so feel free to invite beyond 10 people!)

You may continue to invite visitors on your own after this deadline, and will receive points for the visitors that attend.

(Since we have no way of tracking visitors invited individually and/or through the BNI website, we cannot grant points for those invitations. Sorry L)

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or any member of the GRC team!

The meeting was closed with a quote by Benjamin Franklin..."Well done is better than well said!"

Please make it a Champion's Week!!