Better Referral Network

2011-11-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

Our very talented photographer, Shoey Sindel captured this great shot of our chapter - Shoey definitely knows the magic words to say to get us all to smile!

Welcome to our newest members!

2011-10-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

In the last few months, our membership has grown. We're happy to welcome the following new members to our group:

Michael Tertes Business Coach (510-610-5373 email Michael www.IntegrityforReal.com)
Karen Moss Realtor (510-282-3853 email Karen www.MarvinGardens.com)
Laura Natkins Architect (415-519-4302 email Laura)
Carmela Lieras, Personal Trainer (510-525-1477 email Carmela www.fitness-evolved.com)
Rae Lovko, Personal Injury Attorney (510-859-7377 email Rae www.lovkoandking.com)
Julie Hicks, Landscape Maintenance (510-390-0690 email Julie www.HahnandHicks.com)
Heather Headley, Mortgage Broker (510-339-5939 email Heather)

We're lucky to have some really talented and inspiring new members, and we're definitely getting off to a good start toward our goal of 40 members this year... yay team!

Congratulations to Us — We 're a Million-Dollar Chapter!

2011-10-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

Last term, we surpassed our 2010-2011 goal of earning $600,000 for our chapter, exceeding our "pie-in-the-sky" vision of being a $1 MILLION Chapter by $23,301!

This proves that there is something to be said for setting your sights high. We have a motivated group of business professionals who love a challenge.

This year, our goal is to generate $1.5 MILLION. Our vision of being a $2 MILLION chapter of 40 members guides us forward."

We're on Facebook!

2011-08-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

For a little more insight into our group, you can always check out our facebook page: go to
www.facebook.com & search for better referral network.

Our page is updated by members frequently - check it out!

Berkeley Business Referral Network | BNI

2011-06-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

We are looking for business professionals who want to grow their businesses. As entrepreneurs living and working in the Berkeley, California area, we invite you to consider the mutually profitable prospect of becoming a part of our growing network for a mutually profitable business association.

BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world, and it has a unique twist. We accept only one person per professional specialty in each chapter. If you are accepted into membership, you will lock out your competition. Our network functions as your extended sales force through the world's most effective form of advertising, word of mouth! Our purpose is to provide referrals to you when we encounter persons looking for goods and services that you can provide. And likewise, we expect you to provide leads to us.

Is BNI right for you? We welcome you to visit our chapter to find out. Bring plenty of business cards, and take the opportunity to network with dozens of Berkeley business professionals. The cost for visitors is $15, and breakfast is included. We meet at 7 a.m. every Thursday morning at the Jazzcaffè, 2087 Addison Street, in Berkeley. There's plenty of free street parking before 9 a.m.

Please contact chapter President Katherine Korlacki for more information.

View Larger Map

Our Chapter Goal for Closed Business

2011-06-06T22:20:00.001-07:00

Last term, we surpassed

our Chapter Goal of $600,000

for closed business generated by our members.

We are a MILLION DOLLAR CHAPTER !!

Our GOAL for this term - ending September 30, 2012 is:

$1,500,000

Our new VISION is

2 MILLION DOLLARS

in business generated by our members

Current Membership List

2011-04-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

BNI-BRN Membership list

Laura Anderson Graphic Designer
415-845-4386 email Laura
www.lauraandersonart.com
Richard Burg Chiropractor
510-843-1234 email Richard
www.DrRichardBurg.com
Lisa B. Cain Web Design and Marketing
510-558-1534 email Lisa
www.MarketingU.com
Rebecca Cates Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
415-573-6168 email Rebecca
www.RebeccaCates.com
Mike Clauson, Farmer's Insurance Agent,
510-839-3276 email Mike
Heather Headley, Mortgage Broker 510-339-5939 email Heather www.masonmcduffiemortgage.com
Julie Hicks Landscaping
510-390-0690 email Julie www.hahnandhicks.com
Marty Kaliski Auto Maintenance and Repair
510-374-4279 email Marty
Marty's website
Clay Kirchenbauer Jeweler
510-339-6269 email Clay
www.ckjewelrydesigns.com
Katherine Korlacki Organizing Professional
510-525-3310 email Katherine
www.KKorlacki.com
Elizabeth Korza Naturopathic Primary Care Doctor
510-845-8600 email Elizabeth
www.berkeleynaturopathic.com
Walter Liebe Electrician
510-508-4095 email Walter
Walter Liebe's website
Carmela Lieras, Personal Trainer
510-525-1477 email Carmela
www.fitness-evolved.com
Rae Lovko, Personal Injury Attorney
510-859-7377 email Rae
www.lovkoandking.com
Cynthia Lubow, Psychotherapist 510-525-2341 www.womenspsychotherapy.com
Aviva Morger Hair Stylist
510-849-0306 email Aviva
www.KeterSalon.com
Karen Moss Realtor
510-282-3853 email Karen
www.MarvinGardens.com
Laura Natkins Architect
415-519-4302 email Laura
Arturo Nieto Auto Repairs & Collision
510-815-4427 email Arturo
Continental Bodyshop website
David Ourisman Travel Agent
510.647.8444 email David
Luxury Travel website
Yaron Rosenthal Computer Consulting
510-652-4101 email Yaron
Lan Shaw Financial Advisor
510-704-8854 email Lan
Edward Jones website
Shoey Sindel Photographer
510-917-0659 email Shoey
www.ShoeySindel.com
Jim Spain Painting Contractor
510-620-0164
email Gate View Painting
Gate View Painting Co., Inc.
Eric Sterken General Contractor
510-710-1985 email Eric www.EJBuildersInc.com
Michael Tertes Business Coach
510-610-5373 email Michael
www.IntegrityforReal.com
Michèle Voillequé Soprano, Music Educator
510-552-8160 email Michele
MV Musik website
Tova Zeff Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney
510-593-8393 email Tova

Meetings: 7:00 - 8:30am on Thursdays at Jazzcaffe, 2087 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA

Karen Moss | Realtor

2011-04-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sold Listings

Direct: (510) 282-3853

Office Phone: (510) 527-9111 Ext 113

Mobile: (510) 282-3853

Fax: (510) 527-7782

Email: karenmoss@marvingardens.com

Real Estate License: 00963704

Michèle Voillequé | Soprano, Music Educator

2011-04-04T12:44:00.001-07:00

If you can speak in complete sentences, hear the difference between a statement and a question, and have ever yawned, Michèle Voillequé can help you improve your singing voice. Michèle is a classically-trained soprano and certified Orff-Schulwerk teacher who specializes in private voice and music lessons for children and adults. Lessons are playful and individualized, taught one-on-one and in larger groups. Her students currently range in age from 5 to 90 -- it's never too early or late to find your natural voice.

Contact Michèle at 510-552-8160 or singermv@gmail.com

Lisa B. Cain | Marketing

2011-04-04T12:43:00.001-07:00

I am Lisa Cain and I am the founder of MarketingU.

I invite you to kick your marketing up to the next level by learning and doing! I have been passionate about marketing since I started taking MBA level marketing classes in the early 90s. I went on to earn a Master’s of Marketing and a PhD in marketing (both from the Wharton School of Business).

MarketingU.com is based on the idea that small business owners can benefit from learning the same marketing concepts taught in MBA programs but customized for an action-oriented entrepreneur.

I offer workshops, boot camps, consulting and more to support you in meeting your business and marketing goals.

MarketingU. Learn It. Do It.

Contact at 510-517-1935 or via email:lisa@marketingu.com

http://www.marketingu.com

Dr. Elizabeth Korza | Naturopathic Doctor

2011-04-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

Dr. Elizabeth Korza is licensed as a primary care, Naturopathic Medical Doctor. She received her doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, Oregon. While at NCNM, she completed an exclusive 3-year clinical mentorship program in women's health, along with 200+ additional hours of training in herbal and homeopathic medicine. Her practice at the Berkeley Naturopathic Medical Group focuses primarily on issues related to women's health including gynecology, endocrinology, fertility, gastroenterology and chronic disease, as well as preventative medicine.

Dr. Elizabeth Korza has long been driven by two main beliefs: that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, and that each of us has a right to optimal health and wellness. Following the naturopathic tenet, 'Treat the Whole Person', she works with the individual as a whole, to find and treat the root causes of disease and imbalances in health. She does so through well researched natural medicine options including botanical medicine, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, physical medicine and detoxification.

Dr. Korza understands that treating the whole person is more important than treating a diagnosis. Rather than viewing symptoms as a focus for treatment, she utilizes them as clues to the underlying imbalances. Her work as a naturopathic doctor centers on the totality of each individual, with treatments aimed at restoring balance biochemically, physiologically, structurally, nutritionally, emotionally, and energetically.

Treating people as individuals requires time and energy on the part of both the doctor and the patient. As a patient of Dr. Korza's, you will be asked to take an active role in your pursuit of optimal health. Rather than offering a "quick fix", Dr. Korza will guide you on your journey toward realizing your optimal health potential.

Contact Elizabeth at 510-845-8600 or at drkorza@gmail.com

http://www.berkeleynaturopathic.com/

Rebecca Cates | Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

2011-04-04T12:42:00.002-07:00

Rebecca is a licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Herbalist with a Masters of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from American College Of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in San Francisco.
She has been providing gentle, relaxing acupuncture since 2002 to effectively treat a wide variety of health issues, including chronic and acute pain, digestive discomfort, fatigue, PMS, insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress, weight loss support and fertility concerns.
She also has advanced training in Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation techniques and micro-current therapy.
Rebecca focuses her treatments and herbal prescriptions to address the individual needs of each patient, whether working on immediate pain relief or ongoing wellness care. She is a great listener and clear communicator, and often gives lifestyle and nutritional advice and support to compliment the in-office sessions.
“I bring to my treatment table, 17 years of bodywork experience, as well as an accessible and easy going manner. I believe in life-long learning and enjoy sharing what I learn with my patients. I demystify a medicine that can seem exotic, so my patients feel comfortable incorporating it into their self care.” - Rebecca Cates

Contact Rebecca at 415-573-6168 or at rebecca@rebeccacates.com

http://www.rebeccacates.com/

Tova L. Zeff | Business Attorney | Estate Planning, Elder Law, VA Claims

2011-04-04T12:42:00.001-07:00

Tova L. Zeff's practice consists of two parts: 1) estate planning and probate, elder law, and VA benefits; and (2) legal services for small businesses, non-profits, start-up companies, and growing organizations. For over 23 years, she’s helped clients navigate legal challenges and protect themselves throughout the stages of their personal lives, and though their business’ lifecycle.

Her estate planning and probate, elder law, and VA practice includes:

consultation on the estate planning process; what to do when a loved one dies, including probate; trust administration, and initial steps;
drafting wills, trusts, advance health care directives, powers of attorney, etc.;
prenuptial agreements;
elder law issues; and
VA benefits (Aid and Attendance).

Tova believes strongly in client education, and is committed to furthering her clients' understanding of legal issues that impact their livelihood and their lives. To this end, Tova speaks on these topics, and has authored and contributed to multiple publications, including: Bricklin on Technology, Bricklin, Dan, Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, 2009; The AllBusiness.com Practical Guide to Incorporation, published on www.AllBusiness.com in April 2004; and Harroch, Richard D., Business Contracts Kit for Dummies, IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., Foster City, CA, 2000.

In January 2011, Tova participated in Golden Gate University School of Law's Beat the Clock MCLE program. Her session was titled, POWERS OF ATTORNEY: Their Importance and Usefulness. In 2011, Tova offered several workshops on creating a California Advance Health Care Directive.

Contact Tova at: 510-593-8393 or tovazeff@comcast.net

For BNI referrals, Tova offers a complimentary one-half hour telephone consultation.

Walter Liebe | German Master Electrician

2011-04-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

Walter Liebe is a German Master Electrician with more than 25 years of experience. Walter specializes in upgrading existing electrical installations in residential buildings. His services include troubleshooting electrical problems, upgrading electrical panels, installing and replacing water heaters, modernizing old installations, repairing wiring, and installing indoor and outdoor lighting to illuminate your life without wasting energy. Fully licensed in the Bay Area, Walter can respond quickly and reliably to your electrical needs.

Email Walter with questions or a service request.

David Ourisman | Travel Consultant

2011-04-04T12:41:00.001-07:00

David Ourisman has a life-long love of travel. He has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, the South Pacific, and Europe including extended study trips in France. A dedicated adventure and active traveler, David is the veteran of four Backroads tours.

For David, travel provides the joy of coming into contact with different cultures and cuisines and the opportunity for artistic expression. On every trip, David captures distinctive landscapes with his camera. In fact, the spectacular photographs featured throughout this website were taken by David on his many travels.

As one of a handful of members in the first mentoring group assembled by renowned travel agency Sterling Brownell, David has been educated in planning travel to exceed all expectations. His clients appreciate his strong travel background and his intelligent and intuitive approach to the art of travel planning.

Yaron Rosenthal | Computer Consulting

2011-04-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

I offer Windows PC and Mac consulting, repair, maintenance and backup. We also build networks (this can include the actual wiring); resolve issues with routers, modems and problems relating to service providers such as Broadband and mail/web hosting. An ideal client for me is a small business with multiple PCs, Macs or mixed platform environment. Our clients include schools, churches, dental offices.

Dr. Richard Burg, DC | Chiropractor

2011-04-04T12:40:00.006-07:00

Dr. Richard Burg is a licensed Chiropractor serving the Berkeley community.

Dr. Richard Burg has been freeing people from pain in his clinic in Berkeley, CA. As a Chiropractor with experience, Dr. Burg is committed to promoting the health and well being of his patients.

Dr. Burg uses a "whole person approach". This approach to wellness means looking for underlying causes of any disturbance or disruption (which may or may not be causing symptoms at the time) and make whatever interventions and lifestyle adjustments that would optimize the conditions for normal function. Using this unique approach, Dr. Burg is able to help you to accelerate and/or maintain your journey to good health.

Contact Richard at 510-843-1234 or www.DrRichardBurg.com

Arturo Nieto | Automobile Collision Repair

2011-04-04T12:40:00.005-07:00

Continental Auto Body's commitment to their customers is to always provide quality customer service. Their customers are the reason they are in business, and continue to remain in business. They see it as their duty to meet their customer needs by responding to their request in a timely fashion.

Whether you want to economically restore your older vehicle’s original appearance, touch up your leased vehicle’s finish or return your damaged newer car to showroom condition, Continental has the perfect repair and pricing options.

Each and every vehicle repaired receives a written limited lifetime warranty for workmanship and defects, for as long as the customer owns his/her vehicle.

Contact Arturo Nieto at 510-524-0563 continentalautobody@yahoo.com Website: www.continentalautobodyalbany.com

Marty Kaliski | Auto Maintenance and Repair

2011-04-04T12:40:00.004-07:00

Marty Kaliski, owner of Marty's Motors has lived in the Bay Area since 1970 and has been repairing cars since 1975. A New York transplant, he much prefers living in the Bay Area.

Marty's Motors has been at its present location for 12 years and has won many awards for his service including 'Best Car Repair' in the East Bay Express Best of The Bay issue and the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce 'Best Small Business' award. Marty's Motors has been on the Better Business Bureau's Honor Role for 5 consecutive years.

Marty's Motors has a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on all its repairs and offers free local towing, free loaner cars and free rides home or to work in the local area. For more information, call 510-374-4279 or go to Marty's website www.martysmotors.com.

http://www.martysmotors.com/

Katherine Korlacki | Professional Organizer

2011-04-04T12:40:00.002-07:00

Katherine Korlacki is a professional organizer in the Berkeley area. She helps people get past the "overwhelm" to find peace and order in their homes and offices. Bringing a nonjudgmental approach to organizational challenges, Katherine helps people who are overwhelmed and don't know where to start get a handle on the "stuff." A three hour session will change your life. Her motto: Clear out what weighs you down, keep what brings you joy.

Contact Katherine at 510-525-3310 - kkorlacki@aol.com - www.kkorlacki.com

Clay Kirchenbauer | Jewelry Designer

2011-04-04T12:40:00.001-07:00

I am a jewelry artisan and designer with more than two decades professional experience, bringing to life the special jewelry pieces that commemorate the special occasions of your life.

Whether you find an inspiring design from my pre-existing creations or we collaborate to create a new design with a special meaning for you, what I offer is the personal.

Fine jewelry is a very personal item - often worn daily, for years and even passed down through generations. Style, quality, fit and finish all play important roles in personal satisfaction with a jewelry piece. Satisfying my clients' visions and quality expectations has been my passion for more than two decades now.

Contact Clay at 510-339-6269 or clay@ckjewelrydesigns.com

CKJewelryDesigns.com

Eric Sterken | General Contractor

2011-04-04T12:39:00.002-07:00

Prior to moving to California in 2007, I owned and operated my own construction company in Grand Rapids, Michigan called Green Bear Builders. My main focus was buying land, building new houses, and selling them. I also did commercial and residential construction and remodeling.

Before starting Eric Sterken Construction in the fall of 2009, I worked for two prominent San Francisco construction companies as Foreman and Supervisor.

In addition to building, I also love the design process.

Why Choose Eric Sterken Construction?

We pride ourselves on a job well done. Your satisfaction, both during and after the job is completed, is our priority. We have the years of experience and the skills required to make your building and remodeling dreams come true, and the respect and exceptional service to make sure the process isn’t a nightmare! Our estimates are clear and correct from the start; there are no surprises or added costs- what you see is what you get!

Ask about our two year warranty.

What Our Customers Are Saying About Us

“I highly recommend Eric Sterken’s services- I was extremely pleased with Eric’s level of professionalism, experience, and quality of work.” --Dawn Turner

“I really appreciate his friendliness, positive can-do attitude, easy to communicate with, excellent quality of work.” --Diane Jarmolow

Services Offered

We take on jobs of all sizes, large and small. Building new structures, remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, handyman fixes, painting, hanging blinds, doors, windows, decks, planter boxes, custom furniture, cabinets, design, finish work.

Aviva Morger | Hair Stylist

2011-04-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

Aviva Morger is the newest stylist at Keter Salon. She began her career in San Diego in 1999 and just recently moved to the Bay Area. She is enthusiastic about hair and loves cutting, coloring and styling to achieve her clients' desired looks. Her mission is to achieve the perfect balance of face shape, lifestyle, and at-home hair care and maintenance for her clients.
Aviva is inspired by the colors, shapes and beats found in art, fashion, and music, and is reinvigorated in the everyday beauty found in nature. She works hard at educating herself and her clients on the latest and greatest in the hair world through formal education, magazines and a pure love of fashion. She says, "Hair is the most important accessory that we wear every day of our life, why wouldn't we want it to be the best that it can be?!"
In 2001, she competed in the Davines Global Style contest, where her partner and she placed 1st in North America. From that it was off to Rome, Italy to compete for the Global position. It was there that they won 3rd place and had a fabulous time shopping and enjoying the incredible sites!!
Aviva has a strong color background as she was a color educator for 5 years with Davines North America. She also has extensive haircutting training from Rusk, Vidal Sassoon and TIGI and more color training with L'Oreal Professional.
She is very excited to build her career here. Aviva looks forward to experience the influence NorCal has on fashion, hair, and style. She says the beauty of the people and landscape of Berkeley has already been so welcoming and inspirational to her.
You can reach Aviva at 510-849-0306 or aviva.ruth.morger@gmail.com

Shoey Sindel | Photography

2011-04-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

Laura Anderson | Graphic Designer

2011-04-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

Laura Anderson is originally from Lansing, Illinios, Laura moved to California in 1994. She has a B.A. from Eastern Illinois University and an MFA from the University of Kansas. Laura's work includes print and web design projects as well as user interface design. She lives in Oakland.

Julie Hicks | Landscaping Services

2011-04-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Julie Hicks and Darcy Hahn have won awards from the American Institute of Architecture and Berkeley Heritage Association. Their garden designs have been featured in Sunset magazine and have been included in the Bay Area Garden Tour.

Julie works with clients to develop outdoor spaces that please on both esthetic and practical levels. Combining her love of gardens and design with her doctorate in psychology, Julie uses her design training and knowledge of local and ornamental flora to help give clients their dream gardens.

Together, Darcy and Julie provide clients with spaces that are livable, useable and beautiful.

Laura Natkins, Architect | www.natkinsarchitect.com

2011-04-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

Laura is a California licensed architect as well as a LEED AP and a Certified Green Building Rater/Advisor. Originally from NYC, she received her MArch from Harvard Graduate School of Design and then moved to the Bay Area in 1979. She honed her skills at several Sf and East Bay firms while working on a wide range of projects before setting up her own shop in 1995.

Laura brings to the table a love of collaboration, Through listening, questioning, observing and interpreting she explores the needs and wishes of her clients, seeking solutions that fit the client, the context, the budget, and the environment.

Committed to the principle of the “right-sized” house she helps her clients see how they can make better use of the space they have and develop its character and quality before adding more.

Regardless of size, each project receives Laura's personal attention; in fact, small changes that have a big impact are her specialty; building less is the greenest solution.

http://www.natkinsarchitect.com/

Cynthia W. Lubow | MS, MFT

2011-04-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Cynthia is a licensed psychotherapist who has been in private practice, specializing in women's issues, PTSD and depression, for over 25 years. She has a BA in Psychology, a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling, and she trained at the Women's Therapy Center in the psychology of women.

Cynthia listens carefully and empathically, and she will always be kind, but she is not a therapist who says nothing but "uh huh" and "how do you feel about that?" She constantly adjusts to be responsive to your needs as they change. She can help you explore the root of what is causing you to suffer, as well as all sides of any issue,including those you don't initially see.

Cynthia also has 19 years experience using EMDR, an amazingly effective treatment for trauma. Treating with EMDR, Cynthia has had the priveledge of watching people's phobias, sadness, guilt, panic, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, anxiety and misery melt away almost magically.

Over the past 25 years, she has worked with, written books and articles about, and lectured on a number of topics, including:

depression
PTSD
survivors of abusive, neglectful or mismatched parents
grief and loss
infertility
parenting
shame
addictions
homophobia/heterosexism
spiritual cynicism

Success Stories:

"I noticed real shifts following that EMDR session we did a few weeks ago..."

"I feel amazed at how much this is changing in my life... and I know that the EMDR session with you played a big role. "

"Thanks so much, Cynthia, for your wisdom, healing presence, and emotional girth! You have helped me make some tremendous shifts in what felt like immovable stuff before!"

Cynthia W. Lubow MS MFT
www.WomensPsychotherapy.com
www.EMDRinAction.com
www.Psychotherapy-Websites.com
510-525-2341

Our Contact Spheres

2011-03-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

Trades:

Walter Liebe, Electrician

Jim Spain, Painter

Eric Sterken, Contractor

Health and Wellness:

Richard Burg, Chiropractor

Rebecca Cates, Acupuncturist

Elizabeth Korza, ND

Aviva Morger, Hairdresser

Michele Voilleque, Music Teacher/Singer

Carmela Lieras, Personal Trainer

Special Events:

Laura Anderson, Graphic Design

Clay Kirchenbauer, Jewelry Designer

Aviva Morger, Hairdresser

David Ourisman, Travel Consultant

Shoey Sindel, Photographer

Michele Voilleque, Music Teacher/Singer

Automobile Related:

Mike Clauson, Insurance

Marty Kaliski, Auto Repair

Arturo Nieto, Collision and Body Shop

Business Services:

Laura Anderson, Graphic Designer

Lisa Cain, Marketing

Mike Clauson, Insurance

Katherine Korlacki, Professional Organizer

Yaron Rosenthal, Computer Services

Rae Lovko, Personal Injury Attorney

Tova Zeff, Estate Attorney

Financial Services:

Mike Clauson, Insurance

Karen Moss, Realtor

Rae Lovko, Personal Injury Attorney

Tova Zeff, Estate Attorney

Lan Shaw, Financial Planner

Marketing Communications/Design/Web:

Laura Anderson, Graphic Design

Lisa Cain, Web Design

Shoey Sindel, Photography

Home Services:

Mike Clauson, Insurance Agent

Katherine Korlacki, Professional Organizer

Walter Liebe, Electrician

Karen Moss, Realtor

Eric Sterken, Contractor

Julie Hahn, Landscaper

Tova Zeff, Estate Attorney

Our Chapter - October 2010

2010-10-04T01:02:00.000-07:00

Our fabulous photographer Shoey Sindel recently took this picture of our chapter.

Help for Finding Substitutes & The Benefits

2010-09-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

Finding Substitutes

Each member is allowed 3 absences with a substitute and 3 absences without a substitute in the 6-month term. Keep in mind that people do business with people they know and trust.

There's nothing like showing up consistently to build credibility with your chapter members!

The best kind of substitute:

It is always better to invite someone outside the extended BNI network. Clients, friends, or colleagues who can sing your praises or someone in a profession you think might be a good fit for chapter membership, are all good choices.

Start prepping a few of these people now, so when you need them, they can sub for you. Plan in advance if you're going out of town.

The subs you invite are visitors and as such hear the informercials of your fellow chapter members. They are potential customers, so from a "giver's gain" perspective, this really helps your chapter members. (If you receive business from someone who subbed for a member, credit that member with the "thank you" slip.)

Subs get introduced by the President and get their business cards passed as well. Let your subs know it's a great opportunity for them to get publicity for their businesses when you invite them. Remind them to come on time (7 AM) to network and to bring business cards.

The second best kind of substitute:

If you can't find a "best kind of sub," the second best are members of other BNI chapters whose profession is not represented in our chapter.

You can find a list of local chapters and members on the local BNI website:

www.bnisfbay.com, then click on "chapters," then start calling or emailing.

Professional courtesy:

Although not required, if you can't make a meeting, let the President or Vice President know. If you wake-up sick the morning of, you can send us an email.

Inviting Visitors

2010-09-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Inviting Visitors

We encourage you to invite to our weekly meetings your friends, colleagues, and people in professions who would be good BNI partners for you or someone else in our chapter.

Why Visitors Are Great For You and the Chapter:

They hear the "infomercial" of chapter members and often immediately refer to one of us.
They take the business cards of chapter members for future needs.
They receive the visitor pack, learn more about you from your GAINS/Member Profile, and have it as a referral resource in the future.
When a visitor you invite uses the services of a member, you get credited with the value given.
They participate in the meeting and may decide to join.

Our goal is for every member to bring one visitor per month.

Think about who you can invite.

You may need to invite four or five people for every one person who comes.

More members = more referrals = more $ for you

Let's build the chapter to 40 members!

The referrals you receive will go up exponentially!

More tips:

Carry a few of the chapter's visitor invitation cards with you at all times and fill-in your name on the back in front of the person you're inviting so it feels like a special invitation.
If you're sending a letter, put it on your letterhead, enclose a visitor invitation card (signed on the back) and write on the envelope: Attn: Personal invitation for xyz. This will increase the likelihood that the invitee, rather than an assistant, will get it.
Follow-up with a phone call, if appropriate.
Let the President know the name and profession of anyone who's planning to visit. We want to make sure the membership team gets a chance to talk to each visitor, so they can evaluate them for membership.
Remember… everyone's a Visitor Host. If you see a visitor who's "lost", go up and talk to them. Ask them about their business. When you're done, introduce them to someone else.
If you have impressions of people, let the membership team know via email after the meeting.

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Example visitor invitation email/letter - edit (where underlined.) Make it personal! Feel free to use your own language. This is just an example.

Subject: BNI- Better Referral Network, Berkeley Chapter- we need an image consultant!

Hi Micki,

I'm a member of the BNI Chapter in Berkeley (Better Referral Network) and just this morning we were discussing how it would be great to have an image consultant/personal shopper for our chapter. I found you on Yelp and the Berkeley Parents Network and was impressed by the reviews. I looked at your website and I think you'd be a great fit.

We meet on Thursdays from 7-8:30am at the Jazz Caffe: 2087 Addison St. Berkeley CA . The fee for our breakfast meeting is $12 for non-members and we'd love to have you attend our meeting to see if it's a good fit for you. If you're not familiar with BNI- it's the largest business networking organization worldwide.

Our chapter blog is: http://bni-brn.blogspot.com/

Please let me know if you're interested in joining us next week or on the 29th!

Thanks.
Rosie (President, Better Referral Network)