What Is New In BNI NZ

  Whilst visiting the Hastings Chapter of BNI yesterday I delivered a ten minute presentation entitled “What is new in BNI”.  As many of the changes that take place are often invisible to the membership – I thought that it might be helpful to share this information:

1. Website Optimisation – Over the last few weeks we have quietly been replacing the pages of the BNI website in a “non-frames” format.  The resulting change to our Google ranking has been immediate and dramatic – we are now listing top or close to top in all of the countries where our NZ software is in use – NZ, Australia, Canada and parts of the US.
2. Application forms – the current Yellow application forms are in the process of being replaced by Blue ones!  Whilst this may not seem particularly newsworthy – the reason for doing this is to ensure that all chapters are using the latest application forms.  As of this week we have signed off on a Finance Option with NZ Finance & Loans Ltd  (Members of BNI Viaduct Chapter) – so all new applicants will have the option of paying their dues over a six month period.  But wait, there’s more….
3. “On-line renewals” – the finance option also includes membership renewals.  The “on-line” website renewal system has been updated and this will be available from next week.
4. Chapter Websites – these are now available and we anticipate that they will be ready for take up by the chapters from next week.  We are currently signing off on a “how to use” video being produced by Tony Allwood (Member of BNI Waikato Metro) and as soon as this is ready “we are good to go!”
5. BNI and Hospice – we have put together a “Chapter Event Organiser” pack – to include information regarding our association with Hospice.  This is currently with Hospice for their approval and we expect to start sending these out as of next week. Watch this space for an update on this as we ramp up for “Time to Remember” in the second half of this year.
6. BNI EcoBags – “Sustainable Business Through Referrals”.  These are now available on the website and will be supplied to your chapter Director when we meet next week to be given away as Director door prizes.  Made from Cotton Canvas and recycled plastic – these are a great way to promote your BNI chapter whilst cutting down on your use of plastic bags.  These can be ordered from the BNI Website Shop at $15 to include postage & packing.