The Inside Scoop on a Power(s)ful Networking Event

240 BNI Golden Horseshoe members got out of bed at dawn on Monday, July 6, 2009 to honour the memory of Assistant Director Linda Powers, who passed away suddenly on February 6, 2009, from complications due to breast cancer.

Hamilton City Councillor, Russ Powers (Linda's husband) was in attendance at the First Annual BNI Power(s) Networking Extravaganza. Members who live the 'givers gain' philosophy were recognized for their accomplishments over the past year, just as Linda, the 'consummate networker', would have done.

Gold Club Members:

Members who have sponsored 5 or more new members into BNI received their Gold Club Member name badge holder.

Pictured left to right are:  Jennifer Black, BNI Excellence; Adam Hale, BNI Executive Referrals; Michael Ashley-Smith, BNI Referral Madness; Theresa Baird, BNI Eagles; Wendy Marlow, Building BNI Business Alliances.

Ten Year+ Member Pins:

Members who joined 10 or more years ago were presented with a stunning sterling silver lapel pin.

Pictured left to right are: Jamie Pritchard, Assistant Director BNI; David Agius and Augie Mirabelli of BizNet Builders BNI; Christel Wintels, Executive Director of BNI Golden Horseshoe Region.

Power Networking Award:

The BNI Member who best exemplifies Linda's passion for networking with the highest number of referrals passed and visitors invited in 2008: 34 external referrals given and 12 guests.

Pictured left to right are:  Russ Powers, Linda's husband; winner Danielle Fraser, BNI Rhythm; Christel Wintels, Executive Director, BNI Golden Horseshoe.

In the true In the true spirit of networking, participants then worked in pairs to determine how they could help each other through a specially designed BNI exercise developed by Christel Wintels and the BNI Golden Horseshoe Director/Ambassador Team.

As one attendee shared, "This was the best business building exercise I've ever done! Not only was I able to share my expertise with others, but both my partners gave me great 'outside the box' ideas. One member gave me a referral to help him in his business! It just doesn't get any better than that!"

Good Networking Groups Are Their Leaders!

An excerpt from Dr. Ivan Misner's blog

"The fact holds true that whether you're talking about networking, business, or life, people will follow the example of those in leadership roles which means it's imperative for leaders to be wise, positive, and solutions focused. One of the most important aspects of a good networking group is the leadership team that runs the meeting. These individuals should be chosen based on their ability to size up any situation, point in the direction that's best for the group, and lead the group toward the most positive path - they recognize the importance of leadership and the domino effect that both bad and good leadership can have." Read more.