A visit to Upland, Ca

Director Tidbit, by Cys Bronner

Looking back at Tuesday, Oct 21st
Dear Diary,
Today I had a chance to travel to the BNI Headquarters for a recognition luncheon. Now Diary, you would think as an Executive Director this would be old hat to me. After all, I am in the region closest to the main office and get to pop over there approx. once a month. But you know, it never gets old.

Myself, Lonie Misner-Feigerle and Sue Goodsell all invited our Directors and Ambassadors to this meeting for the recognition they sorely deserve. That part was planned and executed, what I didn’t expect was that we would hear from both Beth Misner and our founder, Dr. Ivan Misner.

Beth Misner spent some time talking about the BNI-Misner Foundation. Since I am on the board for the mini-grants I sat back prepared to wait it out. But again, I was pleasantly surprised. Beth had fabulous information and I learned alot. She spoke about mini-grants relating to  education and children which is theme for this foundation, the BNI Monthly Heroes, those who pledge to donate a minimum of $50 per month to our fund, and the amazing work that has been done in other countries as well as the US.

Then came Ivan, the Master – I never get tired of watching him speak – seems odd, I know to say watch – but I do watch how he brings life to the topic, engages the audience and leaves us with a feeling that we have seen greatness on the spur of the moment.

One of our members, Dr. Amir Motamed, once told me that he never attends anything without the goal of having at least one take-away from the event. If he has three take-aways then the meeting was like gold to him.

But Diary, I am not a newbie – I’ve been in BNI over 11 years! Was there something new here? I’m setting you up, Diary, of course there was something new, here are my take-aways:

1) The  BNI-Misner Foundation does more than supply books for educational needs. They actually have helped build at least one school and it is done only by referral.

2) While it was not Dr. Ivan Misner’s intent, I learned how watching a great speaker can help me achieve better speaking presence.

3) Each one of us as the power to choose NOT to participate in the recession. It is all about attitude. (I love this, very much in my line of thinking. If it is to be, it is up to me.)

I had a lot to think about on my way back to Los Angeles, watching the mountains fade away as I approached the famous downtown skyline I knew that this workshop was golden to me.

In networking: The more memorable (positive and helpful) you are, the better the results. Questions? Feel free to call BNI Executive Director Cys Bronner 818 667-8967 or email her at Cys.Bronner@BNI4success.com
Her motto: BNI, Making word of mouth marketing work for you.