President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

"When you keynote, pick an item to give away that will cause your chapter members to always think of you" Jim Sando, Education Coordinator for the Champions. The tag to the left...if you scan it...will be something that causes all of you to think of me...which created a flurry of memories of the "year of the Champions" (almost) while I have served as your chapter President. What are the things that I remember when I think of each of you? Here they are by member:

Jim Salem, that friendly smile every week
Patrick O'Kane, what part of his body was to be injured next
Chuck Tipton, "hair on fire"...
Jim McCracken, amortization made simple
Kris Hansberger, "you can slip it"
Angelo Dionisiou, the next time I beat him to a meeting will be the first
Gary Lorge, the impromptu Frank Sinatra SMM...epic!
Bill Edman, Quack Quack
Randy Clement, the father and son SMM during bring you child to BNI week
Doug Luchansky, the "build your company keynote"
Greg Beck, (if only one)...gotta be the SMM where he became the "sheriff"
Rosanne Grigsby, wow! the fighter!
Chris Vasquez, his home purchase utilizing the best the Champions has to offer
Steven Stakley, four time ITA winner...and still seven weeks to go!
Jim Sando, EC moments to a whole new level
Brett Adolph, when will he win the ITA?
Carmina Perez, that beautiful smile (see Jim Salem)
Robert A. Perez, what happens at Champions stays on You Tube
Aric Gless, the scaled drawing of the venue for buffet planning purposes
Joe Davis, the pirate hat
Christina Pham, bringing a visitor while visiting
Dr. Real, three time ITA and mentor to several other ITA winners
Dr. Kwik, the SMM which included a "mock pregnancy"
Kathy Penton, the gardening hat
Steve Barnett, (see Chris Vasquez)
Bo Lowe, the ENERGY...every week!
James Kashi, "good morning, Chuck"
Mark Bill, "I'm not a computer guy"
Jody Houseman, the ITA winner using a simulated hammer on the roof (see Dr. Real)
Michael Figueroa, his impassioned recap of his employer
Donna Cahoon, quickest ITA winner on record

So there you have it. I will think of you all when these items are mentioned.

Make it a Champion week everybody!

Your faithful President,

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

Woooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

Wow! It is good to be back and assuming my role as your faithful president. Mrs. Buchanan rocked the house in Chicago with her talks on social media and networking but our minds wandered back to the Champions and Platinum Coast BNI...two stalwart chapters in the SoCal Region! Can I get a shout out from Mrs. Nering? How about those fine folks in Michigan...Bill and Sue? We had a blast today as the image to the left will attest. We pitched each other! As the old saying goes, "You scratch my back, I will scratch yours and we will both be better as a result!"...or something like that. Last week we drew a card from the box (step 1). We conducted 1-2-1s with that person (step 2). We learned how to deliver their intro (step 3). Today we delivered the goods...after baking in a well greased pan for 30 minutes at 350...woops, wrong show. Well I must admit the results were quite tasty. We may, however have muddled our visitors...I certainly hope not! Anyway, there were several visitors...four of whom took apps!

Karen Cormier-Southwards from Cormier Construction and Design is looking forward to being a part of our group...she said that!
Joseph Salazar, of Net Wiz really had alot of fun...and was great at his intro!
Joe Davis, Jr...playing a dual role, loves the camaraderie.
Les Davidson of All Drains Plumbing enjoyed the creativity!
Sheri Thomas, of MTM Phone Systems, loved the consistency...she has subbed before.
Victoria Wade, of Time Warner Cable, said the Champions felt like a family.
Ryan Mulvany, of Voice Smart, enjoyed the structure, energy (alot of that today) and in short believed we are a great group of business people!

Thanks visitors! We enjoy your comments and take the feedback VERY seriously. Onward!

Keynotage:

Patrick O'Kane and Michael Figueroa...two craftsmen, crafting their crafts left us with a deep desire to schedule one-to-ones and learn more about referring them. Michael brought in tile, granite, hardwood, and rug samples and asked that ALL of us visit his showroom!...maybe not ALL at once. Patrick explained the misleading ads on the radio about "no cost" refis! I have never heard a stand and deliver quite so filled with testimonials about these two! We are VERY happy that you both are Champions!

Hail to the Four Time ITA winner....Mr. Steven Stakley! Simply brilliant as he delivered Gary Lorge's Profitable Introduction...I know it was confusing to me as well! Steve came with a glue on goatee and a ducky candle in a jar. (Gary has a goatee AND protects homeowners against fire). I thought the ITA ruler made a political choice until I realized that Steven actually won...because he gave Gary's...oh well, you get the idea. Congrats to Steven who ALWAYS comes to play...even though his football team doesn't...sorry!:)

Gary Lorge, thanks sooo much for the fill in! You were this week's Champion Spark Plug winner! You did a GREAT job and we are all excited for your new role and the transition of your faithful President into your faithful Education Coordinator!

We are weeks away from a mega visitor day complete with a keynote by a former Champion...Jenni Nering...last heard from at the top of a ropes course in Yorba Linda...did I mention that we had several Champion ambassador/directors who completed the ropes course unscathed...a couple didn't but thems the breaks...fortunately no bones broke!

Well signing off now to go attend to my day job!

Please make it a Champion week, everybody!

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Presidents weekly letter, Champions

Wooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

Many thanks to Gary Lorge, incoming Prez and guest blogger while I'm away supporting Mrs. Buchanan in her speaking career. We are eating our way through Chicago and having a blast. VERY much miss the Champions, however. Here are the facts, Ma'am:

Allen is missed as he attends the conference in the windy city.  We have 5 Visitors in the room:
Dr Janet Jackman: Optometrist
Tom Morris: Real Estate Appraiser
Joe Salazar: Senior network Consultant
Lem Bucago
Another fantastic educational moment with Jim Sando.  Jim had great thoughts about “getting out of your comfort zone”.  Reach out beyond your typical networks in order to positively impact the number of referrals you are receiving.  You never know where a quality referral will come from!
Dr. Hercules Real took over the awarding of the ITA. Hercules is a multi – time winner and always delivers the goods. After much consideration (Many delivered the sought after trifecta) Dr. Real awarded the hot stuff to Angelo Dionisiou who obviously has no problem operating on minimal hours of sleep with a new baby in the house.
Angelo took the award and then took the floor to review with us a topic I am always riveted by: Commercial Insurance. He explained how he visits clients in person to make sure they are properly covered and to uncover all savings.  Thank  you Angelo for a great presentation.
Visitor Day is announced. Greg Beck took the GRC moment and ran with it as he revealed the plans for a Champions Visitors Day in October.  Excitement is brewing as we shoot for our goal of 100 people in the room.
Our leader was missed and we all look forward to his return to the helm next week!  Have a safe trip back enjoy Allen.

The Fall courtesy of your faithful President

Woooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!



Your faithful President takes one for the team! Nothing hurt but my feelings...

President's Weekly Letter, Champions SoCal BNI

Woooooooo, CHAMPIONS:

That handsome man to your left is one of the original Champions...a charter member, The Sheriff, our vice president, my dear friend and one of our keynote speakers today! If you guessed Greg Beck...ding, ding! You are a winner. All of the Champions have a better understanding of entities, and the tax impact of sole proprietorships, C-Corps, S-Corps, and LLCs. Thanks for all you do for the Champions, Greg! We love ya dearly!

Our other keynote speaker today was another original charter member of the Champions, Dr. Hercules Real...the first winner of the Champion Spark Plug award, a former VP and also my dear friend and a MAJOR contributor to the ITA! The images were informative and the questions to ask to get you referrals were well received. Thanks for all that you do for Champions, Dr. Real!

Maiden Flight:

The Champion's next President, Gary Lorge, flew the plane today and with only minor turbulence during flight, Mr. Lorge proved why he was the choice...energy and presence...you cannot teach that! I believe that ALL of the Champions will benefit during Gary's term. Nice Job Gary! Next week the solo as your faithful President will be in Chicago.

The highlights:

ITA winner: Awarded by Bill Edman to Gary Lorge...several great performances here. One can only wonder if the choice was politically motivated...hmmm!

Champion Spark Plug: To Mr. Aric Gless for his efforts this week on the membership committee.

Visitation:

David Woods of Green Worx Solar...app submitted
Todd Hamo from Copy Editing...made a great connection with Jim Sando
Brad Goldston of Expo4Life...I noticed our newest member chatting him up

We LOVE our visitors as it is ALL about you!

Welcome Kris Hansberger!

The Champions are thrilled to welcome Kris Hansberger! We are so pleased that Kris chose to resume her illustrious BNI career with us. Kris will also serve as the Champion's Secretary Treasurer next term! See you Friday, Kris! Dr. Paul will mentor Kris.

Announcements:

July 26th will be a special day as we will tape for our "Evening" video and swap 1-2-1s and deliver each others SMMs...so who wins the ITA?...hmmm!

Make it a Champion week everybody! See y'all on the 26th,

Your faithful President,

Allen Buchanan

Please Nominate your "Star"

Wooooooooo, CHAMPIONS!

Please CLICK THE LINK BELOW
and take 30 seconds to nominate
the "STAR" in our chapter and
tell SoCal why you are nominating
them!

All of the chapter star awards
will be presented at the “evening
among the stars” and include a
photo with Dr. Misner!

I have nominated my star, have you?



STAR AWARD NOMINATION FORM LINK:

https://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/survey/start?sid=861&cid=849087