Interesting business notes from the Shoreline East BNI meeting at the Madison Beach Hotel on March 19, 2013:

New/Prospective Members

Ron Rivard, Eagle Home Inspection
Laurie Slater, massage therapist

Education

Green slips track dollars that BNI members have generated for other members.  White slips track referrals, which are important, but it’s the dollars that really matter.  Rough total dollar contributions can be found by member in the right-most column of the member roster.  Remember, “givers gain”!

Club News/Tips/Promotions

Paul Halagan, of Halagan Design Group and Jerry Kenney of Alphagraphics, will be organizing a special presentation during our April 2 meeting.  The topic is “The Power of LinkedIn.” 

The following is a sample of BNI “30 Second Commercials” in which members have 30 seconds to talk about their business and what kind of sales lead they are looking for.

    •    Balzano & Tropiano - Alphonse Balzano has a “black belt” in law, and big insurance companies know it and are eager to settle.
    •    Law Offices of Donald H Brown – Don Brown is a good resource for developing advantages investment property tax strategies.
    •    Repellapest – The most sensitive environment in which Guy Esposito works is the home.
    •    PrimePay – Dustin Galvin provides his clients with valuable information, such as the recent State tax assessment just announced.  If you’re not getting that type of service from your payroll provider, call him. 
    •    Halagan Design Group – Does Web/Print design, logos, and direct mail.  Do you pay more attention to each of the hundreds of emails you get every day or the two pieces of mail? 
    •    Landscaping with Hart - Christopher Hart is looking for people planning for Spring planting and mulch applications.
    •    Personal benefits – Mitch Langer has been in the business for 40+ years and represents over 50  insurance companies.  Therefore, he can get the best rates for clients.
    •    Youngs Printing - Dan Litwin is able to assist with design, print, mail, and promotional items.
    •    FengShui with Lurrae – Lurrae Lupone listens, encourages, and inspires, to help people realize their dreams as home and at the office. 
    •    Mike’s Tree Service - Mike Mackey warns the cedar or pine trees near the house can be dangerous.  He can make them disappear.  He cuts trees and then either chips them up or leaves them for firewood, as the customer desires.
    •    A+ Home Improvement – Steve Melby can help with woodpecker holes in peoples’ houses.  He takes pride in his work and does a quality job.
    •    Signs by Autographix - John Miller offers full-service, quality, and 20 years of experience making signs.  Everything is manufactured in-house. 
    •    Edward Jones – Dave O’Connor is looking for the long-term investor, or one with a SEP and facing retirement.
    •    Painting by Page - Aaron Page will be attending an April 5 event at Fellowship Place, at which he will be donating painting services for charity. 
    •    Car Care Clinic - Jeff Robinson notes that Michelin is offering a $70/tire rebate, and that coupled with Jeff’s BNI discount makes this a great tire to invet in  a new pair of Mchelins.
    •    The Rollins Group - Lisa Rollins gets real results, and can help with properties that have yet to be listed, as well as properties that are nearing the end of a contract with another broker, but are not selling.
    •    Amatech - Andrew Sabetta does computer repair and networking.  He reminds us that this is a great time to replace an again Windows 2003 servier. 
    •    Celebration Development - Joseph Sarfaty handles projects from small to large, and is looking for a leads from Lyme to Stonington.
    •    Wirelesszone – Matt Shloeman is looking for an intro to Chester Tech Services, out of Branford.  http://www.wirelesszone.com.
    •    Modern Electric, Jeff Sgnore is a full-service electrician, but also a certified Generac installer.  Others may be licensed to sell Generac generators, but they are not as qualified to install.
    •    Re-Thinc LLC - Mary Stager is a certified consultant, and an expert at teamwork and efficiency optimization.  She is looking for clients who want to build successful teams. http://rethinc.biz/wp/
    •    Nationwide - Andy Stevens offers great insurance rates for youthful drivers.  http://agency.nationwide.com/agent/andrew-stephens-060026068-06002606800000
    •    UPS Store -Jeff Von Flatern is a full-service moving supplier, and can help with  any aspect of a move., large or small.  http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/0613/
    •    Law Office of Stacy Errante Votto -Stacy Votto offers a free consultation for people going through a divorce, and can make the process easier.  Services include divorce, mediation, and custody.  She would like and introduction into Donahue, Durham in Guilford.  http://www.sev-law.com

Stats

SEBN generated $79,000 in sales last week on 50 pieces of closed business.  That’s a 66% closing ratio for the week; 79% for the year.

10 Minute Presentation

Chris Hart, owner of Landscaping with Hart , was the 10-minute speaker today.   Chris reviewed his background in architectural/industrial design, as well as his passion for auto restoration and racing.  The design background gives him a clear edge over competitors, who are more order-takers. 

Landscaping with Hart is able to design and build a wide variety of items, including patios, ponds, walkways, and much more.  As a part of these implementation, they also perform regarding, install retaining walls, fix gutters, and whatever else might be necessary to get the job done.  Chris also showed a brief demonstration of the design software he uses, which provides a very realistic simulation of the property, and how it could be accentuated with different landscaping options.

About BNI

BNI is the world’s largest referral network.  In 2010, Business Network Int'l passed over 6.5 million referrals in 5500+ chapters with over 135,000 members in 45 countries resulting in more than $2.8 billion in business! BNI membership in CT now stands at 2,027 and growing.

Visitors are welcome!  If you’d like to visit the Shoreline East BNI, just fill out the contact form under “Join Shoreline East” on our website (shorelineeastbni.com) and a representative from our membership team will contact you.