Dr David Schischka has been a BNI member for more than ten years because he takes a long term position on returns.
While warm introductions and referrals work well for the intangible services that he provides, he quite simply enjoys the company of the members of his Waitakere chapter in the west of Auckland.
David helps business owners and leaders have a better quality of life, by exploring their relationship with Time, Team and Treasure. His business is called AMDG Enterprise Limited, trading as The Business Doctor.
He believes his greatest value-add to clients is that of balance and zest for living. So much so that he uses the memory hook: “To get your business rock-in, get the Business Doc-in!”
David strongly stands by BNI’s givers gain philosophy. He says: “If you’re not getting what you want from BNI, look at what you’re giving and triple it for 3 months.”
David Hickman has enjoyed the last 10 years as a BNI member because, although BNI is good for business, he also appreciates the regular contact with people he would probably not meet otherwise.
He belongs to the Gold Coast Chapter, and joined BNI when it was first setting up in Wellington, in December 2000.
His business, Second Image Printers & Copies, specialises in supplying new compatible ink and toner cartridges for printers, copiers and faxes. These cost significantly less than traditional ones, with no loss in yield or performance.
They also sell, service and repair printers from the most basic ink printer through to large colour laser multifunction devices. Everything they supply or do is fully guaranteed and, as well as a products and services guarantee, they also have a written environmental guarantee.
While providing value for money through their products, they also provide free advice and assistance to their customers.
The bottom line is if they sell it, they take responsibility for it.
Rose Richards’s BNI membership has passed the 10 year mark because, she says, “It works for me!”
Over time she has found it to be the best way to help people whom she would never have met otherwise. And because the camaraderie is so positive, her business always benefits in the end.
Rose belongs to the Tauranga Harbour Chapter, having spent her first 5 years with an Auckland BNI chapter.
Her speciality is office administration and through her business, Office Doctor Ltd, she offers services that include bookkeeping and creating orderly office spaces in which to work with simple, usable systems and processes.
Her memory hook, ‘Small business pain relief’, summarises Office Doctor’s value which is removing the fear and tedium of office work, to provide a clear pathway to greater knowledge for the business owner.
Rose’s business is proof of how BNI can impact your business. Over 80% of Office Doctor’s income has come from BNI referrals.
Says Rose: “BNI is a wonderful concept that really works, provided you put in the work.”
Because Robyn Greer’s business is largely referral based, continuing her BNI membership for more than 10 ten years has been a strong motivator.
However, what has been even more beneficial to her is the stimulation of staying in contact with the wider business community, as well as confidently recommending her fellow BNI members’ services to clients and friends.
Robyn belongs to the Howick Chapter and her real estate business is run under the umbrella of First National Real Estate Rutherford Real Estate Limited.
Through her professionalism and dedication to her clients’ real estate goals, Robyn offers expertise in marketing residential property, specifically in the Eastern Beaches stretching from the Panmure Bridge, Pakuranga through to Maraetai Beach.
Robyn’s memory hook ‘Robyn Greer, making your real estate dreams come true’ encapsulates her passion for her work.
Robyn says: “I am a firm believer that BNI is much more than a forum to obtain referrals.” She is a strong supporter of the Givers Gain philosophy and sees enormous benefits in doing business with people you can trust.
The benefit a of 10-year BNI membership for John Shattock has been solid friendships, great suppliers and business referrals.
John, a member of the Takapuna Chapter, joined BNI around the same time he took on the challenge of making New Zealand’s “leaky homes” issue, public.
He is the director of Shattock Communications & Research Ltd, a business best described by its memory hook: “We find out what they’re thinking — and change it if necessary!”
John believes their real value for clients is they take the guesswork out of communications by uncovering the reasons behind perceptions. Then they develop plans to influence change, not just in awareness, but also in perception and behaviour.
The Shattock Communications & Research service offering includes perception research for businesses and not-for-profits, and using the results to help clients develop and implement communication strategies. They are focused on ensuring the right questions are asked, that analysis is sound, and the whole process is robust.
Kris Hockley has been a BNI member for over 10 years and says that’s because of relationships in the chapter. He says: “We have a great group of people who refer clients regularly.”
Kris, a lawyer with Fortune Manning, is a member of the Howick Chapter.
Although the firm covers most aspects of the law, Kris specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing and asset protection, such as trusts.
The firm is situated in the CBD, but Kris offers a mobile service so he travels to wherever the client lives or works to provide a local service. He prides himself in offering a personal, convenient service at a competitive price.
In closing Kris says: “I am a believer in BNI!”
After 10 years as a BNI member, Theresa Pharo can vouch for the fact that no matter how many times you relocate, BNI is always an excellent way of getting to know your new business community.
Theresa says: “BNI is a great vehicle for participating in the business community. Everyone knows exactly why they are there … to give and get referrals.” But more than that, she believes the sharing of referrals comes from a place of helping each other, based on the strong relationships that are built during weekly meetings.
Theresa currently belongs to the Bethlehem Chapter, and trades under the name Planwise Financial Services Ltd. Her business is looking after people; Making sure that if they, their families, or their business partners are affected by an illness or an accident, they can survive financially.
Theresa believes the value of her business lies in the fact that she understands the real risks clients may face, coupled with the knowledge of how to protect them against those risks. In addition, the complete package of client care that Planwise delivers means her clients receive the best service possible.
In short, Planwise is all about assuring your wealth by insuring your health.
