Bryon Rankin Wireless Zone I have been a member of the Bristol Towpath Chapter of BNI for 2 years. Ijoined shortly after starting my Wireless Zone franchise in 2007 and it has been a wonderful boost to my business. I get not only the referrals that the group provides but also the additional contacts from visitors andbusiness associates of members. BNI has taught me more about networking thanI have learned over the years from reading books. Entrepreneurs who arestarting a business or have an existing business would benefit greatly from this organization.

Professional Profile of Jennifer D’Angelo Heartland Payment Systems A BNI Success Story Jennifer D’Angelo’s story is that of a single mother searching for her own professional niche. She credits her membership in the Minnechaug BNI Chapter, in Glastonbury, CT, with putting her on the right track and helping her fine tune the skills needed for a successful career in sales. After working as a Massachusetts Nursing Home Administrator in the early 1990s, Jennifer moved to Connecticut with her husband where she owned and operated a company for 15 years. Ten years ago, she got a divorce, and three years ago she closed the doors on her personal business endeavor. It was then that she took a sales position with Heartland Payment Systems – and began to reinvent herself. Despite never having worked for a Fortune 500 company before, Jennifer excelled on her new career path. She soon began actively seeking ways to boost productivity and results. Enter BNI Jennifer embraced the BNI process because it helped her improve in several key areas including: · Development of presentation skills · Fine tuning her “elevator” pitch · Building comfort with public speaking and 1-on-1 business interaction, and · Improving her confidence and self esteem Being a naturally social person gave Jennifer an edge in her new sales career, but her involvement in BNI enhanced her comfort level in the professional setting. The “Givers Gain” mindset became a focal point for her business activities. The early morning meetings never interfered with her normal business day. And following a three-step mantra – prepare, give, and show up to contribute to the group – put Jennifer on the path to success. Since joining BNI, Jennifer has consistently been #1 in sales for Heartland in the New England region – and one of the top 100 performers nation-wide. Jennifer says the group dynamic in the Minnechaug BNI Chapter is awesome. A collection of true professionals spanning many industries, BNI gives her an outside perspective and weekly contact with other business leaders that serve as a valuable sounding board. By gaining from the collective experiences of a group of professionals, Jennifer has discovered amazing growth potential, and found added structure for her sales role with Heartland. She believes BNI allows members to have fun while they are improving – and that Alice and her team in the Connecticut BNI Division really care about helping businesses and individuals succeed.

Terri Culley Primary Professional Pathways International Terri C. H. Culley, CEO, Business Consultant & Occupational Coach, Primacy Professional Pathways International, LLC., Valley (Canton) Chapter and Assistant Director BNI Five years ago, when I joined BNI, several businesses in my neighborhood provided business-consulting services. Thanks to my wonderful chapter members and the BNI referral system, mine is the one that survived those times. Even though invited to attend BNI, the other consultancies felt that they were better off on their own. It is clear that the BNI system is effective in all business conditions, especially in challenging times. Refuse to participate in a Recession!

Kyle Kummer Northwestern Mutual Mr. Kyle P. Krummer, Financial Representative, Northwestern Mutual, Greater Hartford Chapter With a mission to help my clients attain financial security for their families and businesses, I am committed to providing each of my clients with strong financial solutions that are tailored to their particular needs and goals. I attribute my recent promotion in part to my membership in the Greater Hartford Chapter of BNI. "BNI has been pivotal to my success in the financial services industry, and has allowed me to achieve a goal that only 3 out of the last 50 reps hired by Northwestern Mutual in New England have been able to do. The motto, “Givers Gain”, holds true and I love to help others grow their business, as mine continues to grow as well."

Shelia Davis Save Money On Energy Cost I joined BNI back in the spring of 2008 and jumped right into being an Assistant director. I had seen the tremendous support of the members of different chapters to each other and knew this was the right atmosphere for me. Here was proof that good business ethics and morals are still alive and well in These United States. These same ethics prompted me to become a sender of cards; I can touch friends, family and customers with the click of a mouse from the comfort of my home. People may forget what you say, They may forget what you do, But they will never forget how you make them feel. The training I have received, has helped me grow beyond my hopes and as my endeavors reach far beyond my original scope I am secure in knowing the people I am working with have my best interest at heart as I do theirs. My biggest concern in joining BNI was if I could support the individuals in my Chapter, and those chapters that I support as AD, well now I know I can and will continue to do so as we begin this exciting New Year 2009 together. Shelia Davis 203-395-4174 Send Out Cards Changing Lives One Card at a Time

Chris Colter Mad Science of Southeastern CT In April of 2008, I joined this group, it has exceeded even my most profound expectations. Like so many my original intention was to find another opportunity to be networked in the Community, and to find another stream for referral sources. I have received numerous referrals and had many closed pieces of business. However neither referrals or closed pieces of business are what justifies or motivates the investment of both my money, and time that I put into this group. I am always honored to receive a referral, but I find that Rose City BNI has done more for me than generate referrals. It has completely transformed my business, my life and my family. There exists in Rose City BNI an atmosphere that is electric. It is generated I believe by the fact that a majority of the individuals in this group lived there lives by the BNI philosophy that givers gain, before they joined the group. The Membership committee, and the leadership of Dino Tudisca, and Jim O'shea have produced and atmosphere so electric and positive that any visitor to our group immediately takes notice. While our chapter is creating a very large amount of referrals it is the things behind the scenes that are transforming lives. This group of people likes each other, and looks forward to spending time together. I find myself starting to think about and plan for the BNI MEETING which takes place on Thursday Mornings at 6:50 am - 8:30 am, usually on Fridays, at the latest on Monday. My excitement is caused by my belief that this group will undoubtedly make history. This is a group of World Changers and History Makers. A group of individuals that understands that making a profit is the fundamental goal of a business, and making a difference should be the fundamental goal of an individual. In the short time since I have joined this group what has absolutely amazed me is how many of these business contacts, are turning into close friends. It is these friendships, that are challenging me to not only live by the BNI Code of Ethics, but to be a better husband, father, employer, and person. This group as caused me to grow personally, spiritually, emotionally, and has inspired me in a way that words alone can not describe. In the midst of what is forecast as a downturn in our economy, I am ecstatic, energized, elated, and more excited than I have ever been in business or life. Each day I awake knowing that I have a group of 60 individuals and growing who are focused on not only finding me referrals, but genuinely care for me. It is no coincidence that this group is so heavily involved in Project 615. I believe we were created for such a time as this. We are sitting at a window of opportunity, the possibilities are limitless, the opportunities will be everywhere. The referrals and revenue generated by this group will I believe ultimately establish goals for other BNI groups to shoot for. I believe that the lives changed by this group will inspire people in all walks of life to reach in for strength,so that they may reach out in love. Their is no ceiling on the potential or possibility of this group, I am humbled to be a part of it, and forever thankful that I found it. There has been nothing that has had a greater impact on my life or business in the last year then the friendships and relationships I have developed in BNI. Scientifically Yours Chris Colter President and Chief Mad Scientist Mad Science of Southeastern CT 39 Wedgewood Dr Jewett City, CT 06351 860 376-9451 WWW.MADSCIENCE.ORG/SECONN

Bill Llewellyn Universal Printing & Mailing Services, Inc. I have been a member of BNI Fairfield Thursday for 8 1/2 years. Not only have I been able to generate over $300,000 in new business from BNI but I have been able to save thousands of dollars by using the services of fellow BNI members. I look forward to going to our meetings each week since I really look forward to seeing my extended business family. BNI works, if you give it a chance. www.universalprinting4u.com

Michael Carney Vanguard Moving Just completed an interesting exercise that I thought I would share. Last year from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 (according to BNI records) gave out 51 referrals and I received 48 referrals. From these referrals I had closed business with 27 clients or 56%. Some of the closed business included more than one move but I am only counting them as one referral each. Total sales attributable to BNI were $157,167.92, of these sales $57,140.67 or 36% were from outside the chapter. This is solid proof that if you stick with the formula and work the system BNI works. - Michael Carney, Vanguard Moving and Storage

Joe O'Donnell PC SWAT I joined BNI 2 months ago and it has been the best decision I have ever made for my business. March of 2007, the second month I’ve been in BNI, has been our best month EVER for my business. It is no coincidence that I joined BNI and had our best month of business. In fact, our revenue compared to the cost of joining BNI has been a 12X gain. It is quite evident that the value of BNI is directly proportional to the effort one puts into it. I have also been the beneficiary of savings due to a renegotiation of my car/house insurance. I tripled my coverage and lowered my yearly price. I have also connected with a retirement planner and a bank officer for a line of credit. The bottom line is, attend every meeting, put your energy into the effort, and it will yield fruitful results. Joe O’Donnell - member of the Valley Chapter in Canton PC SWAT Simsbury, CT

Jim O’Shea Achievement Unlimited BNI is the best system I know for networking and growing sales. Chambers of Commerce, industry associations, and social groups have their place, and I belong to many such organizations. But no group more directly leads to increased referrals and sales than BNI. BNI provides a venue for developing strong business relationships and a system that ensures accountability and generates qualified referrals. In my chapter, I have a team of people I can confidently refer and who know me well enough to refer me with confidence. BNI also provides excellent educational opportunities and a safe environment in which to develop public speaking and presentation skills. As someone who coaches businesspeople in effective networking, public speaking, and presenting, I strongly encourage joining a BNI chapter to grow your sales and develop your selling skills.

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