A few of our members had the amazing opportunity to visit the 2009 BNI International Conference in Long Beach on November 6^th 2009. The “Member Day Sessions” included keynote speakers Dr. Ivan Misner & Stewart Emery, as well as 6 Break-Out Sessions.

Dr. Ivan Misner discussed “Networking like a Pro”, his latest book (due to be released in early 2010) that covered key networking techniques to grow your business, how to reach quality prospects, leverage your contacts, motivate ongoing referrals, track your success, and much more!! He also described an amazing relationship between a “giver’s gain” moment in his past, that led to a personal meeting on Sir Richard Branson’s private island.

Stewart Emery, co-author of “Success Built to Last”, led a powerful hour on how to make people love you & your company. He brought examples like the iPhone and the new Barnes & Noble “Nook” eBook to show that “Great Products are about Ideas… not just objects.” Stewart also presented some basic questions that most small businesses haven’t taken the time to answer, such as:

1. Who are You?
   

2. What do you Provide?
   

3. Why does it Matter?
   

4. Why do you Matter?!

He finished off his time with a few powerful quotes I’d like to share:

“Design is important..but… The Experience is what matters”
“When you really matter to your customers, they want you to win”
“Think Differently & Ask the Right Questions”
“Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast”
and my personal favorite…
“What ever you are… Be a Good One!”