Appointment of new directors for BNI Auckland

Business networking in Auckland central gets a boost this week with the appointment of two new BNI New Zealand directors who are committed to helping local businesses build stronger networks.

Experienced business owners and networkers themselves, both Carmel Murphy and Mark Trafford are excited about bringing new ideas and fresh energy to the local networking scene.

Carmel Murphy is living proof that a self-confessed introvert can become a networker par excellence.

“I used to be terrified of people, but knew that if I wanted my own business I would have to learn to network,” says Carmel.

As one of BNI’s newly appointed directors, she has experienced first hand what the organisation can do for your business and for you as an individual, and credits BNI with her transformation.

Carmel says, “I love to meet new people and am thankful to BNI for helping me overcome my intense fear of public speaking. I want to help others move forward and excel in their area of business.”

Carmel’s business, Leaping Frog, specialises in providing personalised education to prospective home owners so that they feel informed and confident when making purchase decisions.

She enjoys meeting people from varied backgrounds and says: “For me, business comes naturally once really fruitful, long term relationships have been set up. As director I would like to encourage members to get to know each other outside of meetings and have more inter-chapter functions.”

Mark Trafford is the general manager at Maintain to Profit, a maintenance and renovations company, and also a director with www.besttradesmen.co.nz

His chief motivation in starting his own business was his desire to control his own destiny and to move away from corporate politics.

Mark sees his role of BNI director as being one of the ways in which he can continue to grow and develop personally, while working with an organisation that he believes in.

His goal is to see his three chapters be vibrant and successful, where people walk into a meeting and immediately want to be a part of the group and contribute to the dynamics.