Working on Dr. Mike's media content! Be prepared for a new look and feel to his online presence with video and graphical content.

Social Media Classes ARE BACK!

Social Media Classes ARE BACK!

Many members in the region have requested that the Social Media classes, both Basic and Advanced be put on the Success Workshop calendar...and guess what?  We have added BOTH classes on the same day at the same location in Irvine for you to take advantage of the social media marketing opportunities available to all BNI members in the social media universe.

REGISTER for the Social Media BASIC class here:  http://www.socalbni.com/eventdetails.php?eventId=8254

Online Training Academy
18004 Sky Park Circle, Suite 140
Irvine  Ca
United States - 92614
Ph. No: 949-783-5076
View Map

REGISTER for the Social Media ADVANCED class here:  http://www.socalbni.com/eventdetails.php?eventId=8255

Online Training Academy
18004 Sky Park Circle, Suite 140
Irvine  Ca
United States - 92614
Ph. No: 949-783-5076
View Map

What will BNI Members get out of these classes?

1) How to market YOUR business better and how to set yourself (and your company) up for ongoing referral sources.

2) How you can market and promote YOUR CHAPTER better and attract the RIGHT kinds of visitors to your weekly meetings and increase your overall visitor conversion ratio.  More qualified visitors, more qualified members = more qualified REFERRALS for you and your fellow chapter members.

3) How you can generate MORE referrals for your fellow chapter member through the use of social media AND the every evolving BNI Connect system.

Take some time and learn what other BNI members are raving about!  See what others are saying:

“Dan Fowler did a great job teaching the Social Media basic class. So informative, comprehensive, and made everything easy to understand. A very organized, relevant, and necessary training to take for anyone interested in networking and gaining more business via social media. I can't wait for the Advanced Social Media training!"
Thanks Dan!   Dr. Kathy Warren, Warren Chiropractic

“I have attended three of Dan's Social Media training sessions and have always been impressed with him. He is an excellent trainer, thoroughly covering his topic. He makes sure any questions get answered without getting sidetracked from the material he has set out to present.”  Marilee Bryant, Independent Consultant, Creative Memories

“The social media class that Dan Fowler taught was very insightful and fun! It's a class that teaches you how to get people's attention and how to advertise effectively for a low to no price! Great class and great teacher!!”  Christina Razo

REGISTER for the Social Media BASIC class here:  http://www.socalbni.com/eventdetails.php?eventId=8254

REGISTER for the Social Media ADVANCED class here:  http://www.socalbni.com/eventdetails.php?eventId=8255

I look forward to seeing you there!

Referral Success 101 classes offered in Irvine, Long Beach and Fullerton

Kim Spucces, of Investment Advisors International and the investment advisor in the High Trust BNI chapter, wants to share the June 2011 Referral Institute Calendar with her BNI colleagues and anyone else interested in improving their networking and referral skills.

The classes are taught by the institute's TR Garland.

"I recommend this teacher and the lesson," Kim said, offering the following email from TR Garland, TR@TRGarland.com.

"Hello Friends,

The June 2011 Referral Institute Calendar is now available.

Here are the following dates/locations.

Registration for you or people in your network is as easy as you replying to this email and saying “I’d like to attend on (DAY OF THE WEEK)” and I’ll register you. In other words, I’m offering this for FREE to you and your network.

REFERRAL SUCCESS 101

June 1 Wednesday 2pm-6pm in Fullerton (CSUF area)

June 3 Friday 10am-2pm in Long Beach (airport area)

June 8 Wednesday 2pm-6pm in Irvine

Looking forward to serving you or someone you know by helping them learn about referral marketing as well as better networking techniques.

DESCRIPTION:

Do you know how to eliminate inefficient networking tactics by properly training your referral sources to bring you high quality referrals? If not and you’d like to learn how, then check out this workshop in which you will also:

• Network with quality business professionals
• Learn tactics, techniques, & strategies to DOUBLE if not TRIPLE the number of referrals you both give and receive
• Learn a simple process to find out if you are investing time in the wrong business relationships
• Learn "5 Steps To the Referral Process" that’ll help you train YOUR network to pass YOU more referrals create a STEADY stream of referrals in no time
• and, in essence, “Create Referrals For Life!”

This workshop is for you if….

• You’re tired of giving to others with no reciprocation
• You’ve tried and tried to network “the right way” but it hasn’t been getting you the results you expect
• You’ve attended MSP/Advanced MSP but you’re still not getting the ROI you not only want, but NEED
• You’re tired of being the best kept secret in your field
• People are always telling you that everyone should know about your work – but they don’t
• You have a busy life…and you don’t want to recreate the wheel. You want to rely on system that has been proven time and time again to deliver RESULTS

Be more than ordinary...

TR Garland

Regional Manager and Referral Marketing Strategist

Referral Institute® of Orange County

(949) 836-2180 Phone

TR@TRGarland.com

Have you ever heard the term “It’s nothing personal…it’s just business”? I have.

And every time I hear it…it still disappoints me. Business is personal and my personal approach is why people do business with me.

Connect with me on Facebook:

http://www.Facebook.com/toddgarland

Connect with me on LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/trgarland/

I know someone that does that....

I had a new customer at my workshop this morning who is an interior designer. She moved to Cypress from the valley when she married in January and is looking to grow her business in this new location. She has been looking into networking organizations, had just recently heard about BNI, and was excited to be invited to visit. She will be back for another workshop Saturday and then I will send her a reminder e-mail about BNI.

Off the top of my head I figured she would be a great power partner for Julaine, Dennis, Ken, Tony, and Gale Boyd. As we talked I thought she might personally need Dan Fowler, Dan Arteritano, Dean Hill, and Lisa Lockhart, all of whom could help her re-establish her business in her new locale.

She also enjoyed the interaction between my workshoppers and remarked that she enjoys being in groups of people because all her girlfriends are back in her old neighborhood, so I invited her to the Arbonne party Beth Bingham Georges is doing at my house on the 18th.

This is why I love being a member of High Trust BNI. It feels so good to be able to connect people who can help one another.

Solid Oak Wrapped in Velvet

Let's talk about Lisa Foster's Simplicity Massage...

Imagine solid oak wrapped in velvet... that is how I would describe Lisa's hands.

From the moment I arrived, she did everything to make me feel relaxed and comfortable. The room was quiet and temperate with soft music and just a hint of aromatic candle to soften the senses. The table, draped in fresh linens, was soft enough to welcome my aching body and firm enough to support the work ahead.

Then, from the moment her fingers pressed into my shoulders, I could feel the stress, tension, and stored anxiety begin to melt away. She pressed and wrestled with stubborn muscles until they relented and relaxed, and she carefully and gently soothed others that were not so tense. For more than an hour she worked her magic...bliss.

When it was all said and done, I truly felt like a new person. When it came time to pay, I was almost embarrassed because the service far exceeded the price. Even after adding a generous gratuity, I was (and still am) sure that I got the better end of that deal.

All I can say, from personal experience, is this: If you are feeling tense & tired, overworked & underappreciated, give yourself an hour or so and go see Lisa Foster. Seriously.

Social Media for BNI Members - Embracing the Givers Gain (R) Philosophy

ATTENTION my BNI and other Social Media connections:

If you haven't noticed, Social Media is connecting us in ways that were never possible before, and creating business opportunities that may never have happened otherwise. I have teamed up with Todd R Garland of the Referral Institute who has started a fan page JUST FOR ...YOU called Social Media for BNI Members - Embracing the Givers Gain (R) Philosophy . If you have NOT become a fan of this page yet... DO IT TODAY! We will be providing the latest and greated Social Media news for BNI members and tips on how to leverage the social media universe for positive results in your business. We need 1000 fans to reach our inital goal, SO HELP US OUT!

CLICK HERE NOW!

Social Media for BNI Members - Embracing the Givers Gain (R) Philosophy

The sole purpose of this Fan Page is to provide a place for BNI members who are knowledgeable in the area of Social Media to POST relevant information (links, blog posts, videos, etc.) for BNI Members who are SEEKING relevant information about the Social Media Universe.

High Trust this week - September 28, 2010

Dear High Trust,
Thank you for another great, high energy meeting--our last meeting of the BNI year!

Linda Parra educated us about long-term care during her keynote presentation. I'm sure we'll all be listening for opportunities to refer Linda, especially this week.

Our Socal BNI Assistant Director, Lily Otieno, visited us and used her "stand and deliver" time to recognize several of our members who have outstanding statistics. Congratulations to Kim Spucces, Dan Fowler, George Papacalos, Julaine Waggoner, and Wendy Austin.

Our most important announcement of the day was that there will be no regular chapter meeting on October 5th. Instead, you are encouraged to attend the Winning Strategies for Business conference in Long Beach on October 5th. Dr. Ivan Misner, BNI Founder, will be the Keynote Presenter. This is a FREE EVENT! Even though it's free, you MUST REGISTER. Use this link:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/winningstrategies/index.html

This event is not just for BNI members - it's free for anyone, so invite your associates and clients to join you. They must register too, of course.

You can see the agenda for the conference here:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/winningstrategies/agenda.html

Your Leadership Team encourages you to take advantage of this opportunity, but we understand that not everyone will be able to attend. You will not be penalized in any way if you can't be there.

Right now we expect to resume regular chapter meetings on Tuesday, October 12th. You will hear from your new president, Jarvis Reeves, when there is a goal planning meeting scheduled.

I look forward to celebrating this past BNI year with many of you at “An Evening Among the Stars”, to be held on Friday, October 1st at the Hyatt Regency located at 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614.

Speaking of Friday night, have you seen the list of nominees? I fully expect to hear "High Trust" among the winners. Check out the list here:

http://www.socalbni.com/cgi-bin/viewnlcontent.cgi?nlarticle_id=73

Upcoming training opportunities:

MSP – Thursday, September 29th, 9 am in Capistrano Beach and Saturday, October 9th, 8 am in Placentia

Effective Keynote Presentation – 2:00 on Tuesday, October 5th, in Mission Viejo

Hidden Opportunities – 2:00 on Thursday, October 7th, in Capistrano Beach


Networking Opportunity:
Bixby Knolls Supper Club Monday, October 4, 6 pm or 8 pm at Baba Ghanouj, 4276 Atlantic. $20 per person. Our capacity is 50 each seating. RSVP to: info@bixbyknollsinfo.com

Last, but not least, I want to thank all the members of High Trust for making my year as President a smooth, fun, and rewarding experience. You are all amazing business people who exemplify the Givers Gain attitude. A special thanks to our Leadership and Support Team, who made my job easy. Kim Spucces and Dan Fowler--I relied on your expertise and good sense. This past year wouldn't have been as successful--or fun--without you.

Sincerely,
Marilee

High Trust this week - September 14, 2010

Dear High Trust,
Thank you for another great meeting this morning. I hope you all come out of our chapter meetings as inspired and motivated as I do. You are an outstanding group of business people and I feel honored to be working with you.

Dr. Michael Majancsik gave an informative keynote speech this morning. Now that we know a little more about his exercise-based chiropractic practice we will be on the lookout for referrals for him, especially for those golfers who want to improve their game.

Our GRC team, Wendy Austin and Tony Gullotto, talked about our short and sweet September Stars Contest. Members should be reporting all BNI activity (1 to 1 meetings, referrals, TYFCB, trainings attended, etc.) to their team captains. The team captains will in turn report to Wendy. We have just one week to go, so be sure to keep your activity level high. It's not only good for the contest, it's just plain good for your business.

Ken Tolerico gave a good Educational Coordinator moment about building trust by using members of your own chapter for your own business and personal needs.

Here is another look at this morning's announcements:

1) LT/Support meeting one week from today, Tuesday, September 21st, immediately following the chapter meeting.
2) Upcoming training opportunities (remember to count this for our contest):

LT Training at Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel– Tuesday, September 14 and Monday, September 20. 8 am or 2 pm both dates. THIS TRAINING IS MANDATORY for all LT and Support Team members, so please register today.

MSP – Wednesday, September 15th, 8 a.m. in Irvine and Friday, September 17th, 2:00 at Skylinks

Effective Keynote – Thursday, September 16th, 10 a.m. in Capistrano Beach

Basic Social Media – Saturday, September 18th, 8 a.m. in Placentia



3) Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce Mixer tonight from 6:00 to 8:00, hosted by Heifer International at 330 Main Street, Seal Beach, 90740

4) Dr. Ivan Misner, BNI Founder, will be the Keynote Presenter at the Entrepreneur Conference "Winning Strategies" in Long Beach on October 5.



This is a FREE EVENT - Look at the link to the event flyer on our SoCal BNI website. It's in the upper right corner. You'll see the full slate of presenters, and you can register at the same time.



Even though it's free, you MUST REGISTER. This event is not just for BNI members - it's free for anyone, so invite your associates and clients to join you. They must register too, of course.



Have you responded to the "survey monkey" about this event? If not, please do so now.





5) Victory Networkings’s Connect and Exchange Luncheon

Monday, September 20th, noon to 2:00 pm. (Check in starts at 11:30 am.)

Olive Garden Restaurant, 2955 Alton Parkway, Irvine 92714. Special no-host lunch menu. E-mail Lauren@VictoryNetworking.com to RSVP.



Wishing you a profitable week,
Marilee

High Trust this week - August 17, 2010

Fayla Acker of Fayla Jane Affairs gave her keynote address this morning and it was quite a treat. First we were greeted with a much lovelier than usual meeting room. Then we got a presentation that showed us what Fayla has to offer her clients. Let's be looking and listening for those people who need an event planner this week.

An Evening Among the Stars - Our chapter purchased three tables, but as of this morning there were a couple of seats still available. Please contact Dan Fowler a.s.a.p. if you have not already paid and would like to go.

Those of you who were able to stay for the videotaping got to work with Director Dan Fowler. I can't wait to see the finished WINNING chapter video.

Be sure to sign up for Leadership Team training. You will want to talk to incoming president Jarvis Reeves about the best position for you on the new support team. When you attend the training you not only get a better insight into how a BNI chapter excels, but you will also have the opportunity to network with members of other chapters and vote for the best chapter video.

VP Kim Spucces reminded us of our goals for the year. We still have another $85,000 in closed business to accomplish by the end of September. I know we can do it!

Room fees for September are due next week, August 24th. Keep our Secretary/Treasurer happy by paying in a timely fashion.

Absences are not good for our chapter. I know it can be difficult--especially during the summer--but it is essential that you have a substitute represent you when you are absent. Keep in mind that BNI policy says that after three absences within a six month period your category may be opened. It is also important that you realize that six month period is specifically October through March and then April through September. That is the way the BNI year is structured.

Be specific during your Sales Manager Moment. This was mentioned at our Leadership & Support Team meeting following the videotaping today. Some of you are very good about being specific in what you are asking for. I think that those who have this skill will tell you that it pays off. You should never be looking for "anyone". Sales Manager Minute training is very helpful in teaching you what to ask for and how to ask.

Here's a recap of this morning's announcements:
1) Your new Leadership Team beginning October 1st will be:
President – Jarvis Reeves
Vice President – Dan Fowler
Secretary/Treasurer – Lisa Foster
2) Bixby Knolls Community Happy Hour Thursday, August 19, 2010, 5:30pm - 7:00pm At Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio, 3740 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 201
Meet & Greet: 7th District Councilmember James Johnson 5:30pm - 6:00pm and Sami Reed, Long Beach Boot Camp
3) Upcoming training:
MSP – 7 a.m. Friday, August 20th, at Skylinks or
2 p.m. Thursday, August 26th, in Capistrano Beach
LT Training at Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel– Saturday, August 21, 8 am and
Monday, August 30, either 8 am or 2 pm
Chapter Success Forum – Monday, August 23rd, various times and locations
Advanced Social Media – Wednesday, August 25th, 2 pm in Irvine

4) August 27th – 80’s Night at the Petroleum Club, 3636 Linden Avenue, 8 pm to midnight. $5 donation at the door. Contact info: 562.595.0081 or info@bixbyknollsinfo.com

5) Remember that annual BNI fees go up to $365 on October 1st. You may want to take advantage of the current lower rate by renewing early.

Wishing you a productive and prosperous week,
Marilee

An Evening Among the Stars Fan Page

An Evening Among The Stars | Promote Your Page Too

Make sure and become a Fan of "An Evening Among the Stars", the 1st Annual Awards Celebration.

What is the key to a successful live event?

Let’s face it, the economy is not the same as it was 6 months ago.  People are becoming a lot pickier with their time and money.  I work with a ton of professional speakers.  Many of them are telling me how different it is to speak.  Events that would usually have 400-500 people are lucky to get 100 people.

Everything seems to be shifting online.  Having produced several live events, I still feel you can have a successful and profitable event.  A friend of mine asked me about this and here is what I had to say:

What is the key to pulling off a successful event (content & guest speakers)

Understanding what your target market wants and giving it to them.
There are several key pieces to having a successful event:

1. The right message for the right audience
2. The best speakers (you can get top speakers if you can book
   seats) Then you do a split with them. They pay their own way…..you
   share in the sales they make.
3. GREAT and ample marketing. Typically it can take 3-4 months to
   put people into seats. Just depends on how big your network is to
   start. Many times you can find people with large databases to
   promote the event for a split of ticket sales. I would keep the
   seats a low price with high value to have more people in a room.
4. Good use of time. Right now, people don’t want to have to spend
   a lot of time away.  I would consider doing a one day event, you can
   realistically have 4 speakers for the day. I would offer networking
   opportunities before, during and after the event to help boost
   attendance. You might want to offer a lunch so people can quickly
   get in and out of lunch and network together.
5. Powerful branding…..the more people feel they understand
   you….the more you will sell.
6. Follow up, follow up, follow up – when I book an event (and I
   have done many) I follow up with the attendees several times before
   the event to ensure we have the maximum attendance. People forget
   why it was so important to show up. My messages get progressively
   more energetic the closer an event comes.

Can you actually turn a profit from holding and event? YES!

1. You can make money from ticket sales.  Again keep it low so you
   can increase attendance. Even if you do a 50/50 split with people to
   promote the event, you should easily be able to cover your costs
   plus a little extra with a well attended event. Shoot for 300 people
   and you will hopefully get 100. You can offer attendees to bring a
   friend, business associate or family member for half off or for free
   to boost attendance.
2. You can make money from each speaker.  Most likely, this is
   where you will make the most money.  At least you should depending
   on how experienced your speakers are.  Right now, you can get pretty
   amazing speakers if you have a well attended event.   Do a 50/50
   split and have them offer packages from $497 and higher. I would do
   a big bonus for anyone getting the whole package.  Meaning, if they
   purchase all packages you have a huge bonus for them.
3. You can sell your next event and keep the excitement and
   momentum going.

What is your experience with live events?  Are you more likely to
attend a free webinar or attend a live event?

Why join BNI

Being a member of BNI is like having many other salespeople working for you. Each member carries a card file with all chapter members’ cards in it. When a client, associate, or friend mentions a need that can be filled by a member of the chapter, the member can provide a referral to fill that need.

If your business relies heavily on referrals, then BNI is an organization that you need to check out.