BNI BELFAST CITY

It's all go this week at Belfast City. Paddy steadies himself for the impending nuptials, the numbers are fairly ramping up for next weeks visitors bonanza and David's suit was still in the dry-cleaners after the toil of the Balmoral show. Evan Morton of Concept Advertising flew us through his latest American Holidays campaign and put to bed any suspicions that Starplan were little league in their marketing thrust. Paddy road-tested a snippet of his wedding speech on us (leave it in Paddy, it's a keeper) and our roving reporter spotted a familiar dome in this perilously parked red truck. I'm not talking about Bob the Builder's hard hat, but rather the brave bonce of our own Mr Cunningham who was shanghaied into the drivers seat. Pleased to welcome the very lovely Janet Williamson this morning, partner in O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors, and we hope to see her next week at our visitors day. Curious about what BNI can do for your business? Give any one of us a call and come along for breakfast to see what it's all about. Oh, and Adam Jaffa of Gentle Dental went home with his arms full, earning himself both the choccy and door prices today for, well just for being Adam!

Thu May 20 2010

The Three Amigos

Belfast City Take 'Power Team' To The Next Level

'Three Professionals, One price, One message' is the memory hook. edsmarketing (www.edsmarketing.co.uk) is the exciting new strategic alliance which has emerged directly as a result of Power Team activity in the Belfast City Chapter. The group are dedicated to the marketing needs of the hospitality and service sectors, and thus fly under the banner of Eat Drink Stay Marketing. "As independent specialists in design, imaging and web, we have identified the core marketing needs for the SME start-up or rebrand and bundled them into two cost-effective packages" says Evan Morton of Concept Design & Advertising.

Evan joined forces with Margaret O'Hare of Fine Art Imaging (Commercial photography) and David Cunningham of Truska Enterprises (Web design and hosting) in a BNI power team alliance early in 2010. They soon realised the potential of pooling resources on a more formal footing in these competitive times and the idea for a unique cost-effective marketing solution emerged. Huddled meetings between the three aroused much interest after the chapter's weekly gatherings, and this week they finally launched with an extraordinary combined ten minutes presentation revealing the website and colour brochures to support the initiative.

"It's so simple, yet really quite unique. We have the strength of a large multi-skilled agency without the price tag. We get busy communicating with each other, and the client concentrates on communicating with the customer." explained Margaret. "I launched my business in 2007 and estimate I spent almost £4000 in the initial period on marketing tools, and untold man hours on meetings with independent designers, printers and web agencies. EDS offers the whole package for a fraction of the cost and effort. Furthermore they get three dedicated professionals with a proven track record of working togther and a coherent, cohesive marketing strategy"

Between them the three have over twenty years of BNI membership and are clearly keen exponents both of the BNI organisation and the Power Team dynamic. They hope to use the new partnership to generate further business within their chapter for other strategically aligned businesses, supporting the true spirit of Givers Gain. Tom Skipp walked off with the 'door prize' courtesy the EDS team who 'plumped' for a memory foam pillow as their memory hook as a 'nod' to the Eat Drink Stay ethos; complete with pillow chocolate. Sweet dreams Tom!

Visitors this week were Sam Redmond, Regional Sales Director with Close Invoice Finance in Belfast, and Martin Carroll, BDM with the Enigma Leisure Group based in Bangor.

Thu May 6 2010

Smile!

We have another new member! A warm welcome to Adam Jaffa, director at the very stylish Gentle Dental Care practice on the Lisburn Road. Meanwhile fresh from the grip of a mid-life crisis and the port of Alicante courtesy Eyjafjallajokull, Tom Skipp delivered a ten minutes which may or may not have been cobbled together on the first available plane out. However he did manage to keep Al Chada enthralled throughout the TS Office Supplies price comparison exercise. And very pleased to meet you too, Charles McMullan of the Dovetail Energy and Efficiency group.

Wed May 5 2010

3G BNI

healthcare recruitment

Experience seemingly the prevalent theme amongst members this morning. At least those not marooned in foreign climes by the Icelandic volcano sensation. Fine Art Imaging lamented she could well find herself featuring in Joe's cautionary tales one of these days. However with age comes experience which is one of the angles that gives FAI it's edge. Trudging barefoot through the snow to hand-process all those rolls of negatives...

Trevor Bradfield and his team have hundreds of years experience in the IT sector between them. Or was it just over one hundred? Either way they average out at 17 years in the game each. Must have been a slow day in the office when they worked that one out. Dylan O'Neil grabbed the ball and ran with it. The venerable print house of Sam Hutchinson & Co are now into their third generation of family business. As indeed are those Miscampbells. Highly respected Chartered Accountants over there on Annadale Avenue. A good egg, our Paddy Miscampbell. Who always manages to make accounting sound interesting during his ten minutes and takes the accountants jokes squarely on the chin. All with a slight smile that makes you wonder if he is laughing with us or at us..

Lisa Lynch of LML Recruitment had more positive news to share about the growth of her company, attributable in part to the support she has received from the Belfast City BNI chapter. Lisa read out a great testimonial for Joe Carey of CGM Associates, which can be found in the appropriate section on this website. The lovely Anne Lees kindly stood in for Mark Watkins and we welcomed Leigh Courtney as the chapter directors visitor. Leigh is a Holistic Nutritionalist (Nutrition NI Ltd) specialising in food allergy testing and nutritional consultation.

And the final word this week to Paddy, 'The Chancellor Legislates, Miscampbells Calculate, the Client Accumulates' I was trying to work in something there along the lines of 'the Accountant Discombobulates' but I'll let it be.

Thu Apr 22 2010

Our man in print

sam hutchinson printers

Amidst the usual giggles about funny handshakes and moose heads new chapter director Lisa Barwise officially welcomed Dylan O'Neil as the latest recruit to the Belfast City. A number of print houses had their eye on the coveted seat however we're jolly pleased to welcome Sam Hutchinson Ltd to the chapter. The general consensus is that Dylan will prove a valuable member and we sincerely hope he similarly reaps the rewards in the true spirit of Givers Gain.

And whilst Dylan is busy 'putting paper in it's place', Joe Carey is 'helping secure the future' and Trevor Bradfield is 'saving the world one computer at a time'. At around 8am I found myself wishing he would start with one photographer at a time as a somewhat recalcitrant projector scuppered my ten minute presentation. Which was a bit of a shame for as Fine Art Imaging specialises in commercial photography it all rather hinged on the visuals! Undeterred and ignoring the ungenerous heckles about arty types and their Apple Macs I employed the medium of modern dance to illustrate what makes a really great photograph...

Mon Apr 19 2010

Leadership Team

It was a busy meeting on April 1st for new chapter director Lisa Barwise of Viva Systems. (pictured right) As well the usual suspects, we were pleased to welcome a number of visitors to the chapter and an eclectic mix at that. Adam Jaffa, director at Gentle Dental Care on the Lisburn Road claimed to enjoy his first experience of a BNI meeting. Come to that, so did Barry Fox of G&H Bell Ltd, Insurance Brokers from Hillsborough, and Lynne Wylie from Enterprise Suites Ireland, who offer serviced executive and focus suites on Adelaide Street in Belfast. Not forgetting of course, super-visitor, Dylan O'Neill from Sam Hutchinson & Co, always 'putting paper in it's place'. Which reminds me, what has happened to that man's application form?

The stats are looking healthy too. In the last six months the excellent breakfast at the Welly Park has hosted 37 visitors from a broad range of business sectors, and members have passed 328 referrals generating £39,000 worth of business. Trevor Reid treated us to a efficient ten minute presentation. Sales Director at Clarity Telecom, Trevor reminded us that Clarity are the largest alternative to BT in Northern Ireland with over 10,000 business customers. With immense buying power they can offer highly competitive commercial packages. Trevor is keen to talk to business owners with upwards of 5 to 10 employees.

There were thanks all round for the out-going leadership team and their sterling efforts over the last six months. Particular mention in despatches to Paddy Miscampbell who was tireless. Some might say relentless. Tom Skipp as events coordinator will be sorely missed. Tom's particular brand of diligence in the role was notable. Well wishes to Susan Smyth and the irrepressible Al Chada as they join Lisa at the helm as Secretary & Treasurer, and Membership Coordinator.

Tue Apr 13 2010

The Power of Team

If you are in business and considering BNI membership in Northern Ireland one of the defining characteristics of the Belfast City chapter is the strong sense of team. This reveals itself variously in a spirit of community, comaraderie and the sustained level of business passed confidently between members. Some of course joined the group when they were still in short trousers - you know who you are Grandpa BNI - others such as our incoming chapter director have been members for a matter of months. Throughout the ranks however it is clear that we are not only there to help each other grow our businesses, we are there to encourage and bolster. Lisa Lynch of LML Recruitment is herself a relatively new recruit and during a recent 10 minute presentation thanked members for their support during a difficult transition period in her business. This was Lisa's first presentation to the group. There was a lively period of discussion afterwards which gave us all a better grasp of the procedures and certifications required by her industry and how with 15 years experience in recruitment we can refer Lisa with confidence.

Susan Smyth of SRCL Healthcare Waste Management also gave a great presentation this month. It was a highly efficient ten minutes. She gave us a brief overview of her company, outlining structure, resources, facilities and services. She then gave a generic list of sectors they would be keen to talk to, and more effectively, specific companies and names. She also gave us some simple visual memory hooks to look out for, for example the various types of waste bins that would be seen in the sort of premises SRCL might do business with.

Simon Smith, Ni BNI Assistant Director attended a recent meeting and gave a colourful talk on power teams with his usual gusto. At least we think thats what it was about, Simon is so committed to the BNI model he can't help but run off on tangents with success stories and useful tips on great networking.

Belfast City is harbouring a couple of interesting power groups at the minute, on the brink of going live with some exciting new initiatives to generate more business within the group. Urgent whispering huddles have been spotted, watch this space.

Recent visitors to the group include Alwyn Mawell of Complete Circuits Ltd and Geoffrey Abraham of Connect Direct Electrical Services (Pictured with incoming and incumbent chapter directors) We also welcomed Adam Bell of Third Source, Michelle Rutherford from the Ramada Group and Dylan O'Neill of Sam Hutchinson & Co printers. Dylan had better watch himself we've been crying out for a printer for a while now..there's business to be done here!

Thu Mar 25 2010

25th February

This week we were finally treated to a long overdue presentation from Mark Watkins of Tailored Mobiles UK. Tailored Mobiles do exactly what they say on the tin, tailored business to business mobile packages providing cost effective voice and data solutions. Have a look at the TM's website through Mark's link on our members page. It carries a wealth of useful and topical information about the mobile market and the latest products. Tailored Mobiles will be happy to review your business mobile bill and suggest areas where you might save. In fact you can upload a recent bill for auditing and one of the team will be in touch for a chat.

We were pleased to welcome Lisa McGrogan from Macmillan Cancer Support as our visitor. Lisa spoke for a moment or two to remind us about the wonderful work Macmillan do to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. It's great to know that every penny raised here in Northern Ireland stays in Northern Ireland. Bottom: Chapter Director Trevor Bradfield with Lisa McGrogan from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Thu Feb 25 2010

Top Drawer Stuff

Evan Morton Concept Advertising Choosing the Choccy Prize (the best 60 seconds) was a tough one this week. Susan Smyth of SCRL is always a contender. Susan never fails to interrupt breakfast with a sound bite for body parts or a call for firemen. Her 60 seconds often sound more like an episode of CSI. Meanwhile our very own pantomime dame Paddy Miscampbell has a knack of rousing a chorus of 'oh no they didnt' from the assembled. However as a true Ad Man Evan Morton of Concept Advertising knows the impact of a strong visual so his mini filing cabinet with a 'top drawer' Concept business card earned him the family sized bar of Aero. It's behind you Paddy.

The Belfast City group is definitely one of the more gregarious chapters in BNI circles. Most mornings members will gravitate towards the leather sofas following the meeting for a final coffee for the road and a bit of a chat before getting stuck into the rest of the day. Some will take advantage of the Wellington Park Hotel's ample facilities to fit in a 1-2-1 or a business meeting. Some will just hang around awhile, mostly to make fun of David it seems.

Ryan Hay, Managing Director of Independent Mortgages & Loans was this weeks ten minute speaker. Ryan has a strategic alliance with Templeton & Robinson Estate Agents and is keen to talk to first time buyers. Ryan's 'memory hook' is The Loan Arranger, however whilst looking out a suitable graphic I realised that the mask probably doesn't project quite the right image! So to balance here's a shot of our lovely Ryan Hay who we can assure you bears no resemblance to the masked hero.

Mon Feb 22 2010

Ready Steady Go!

The Traffic Lights Report is used throughout BNI as a means to test and measure individual chapter performance. It takes account of a number of variables each month such as referrals given and number of members to give a fairly accurate profile of how each chapter is performing. What is most important of course is the bottom line of Business Done, however the proven success of the BNI model is that strong statistics ultimately do translate into business.

The Belfast City chapter is one of the longest established in Northern Ireland. Performance as with all chapters is cyclic and personality driven. The chapter currently enjoys a healthy mixture of fresh blood in the form of new members and new businesses, underpinned by the experience and contact-rich resources of many with five to ten years membership behind them.

Patrick Miscampbell of Miscampbell & Co Solicitors is presently the chapter membership coordinator and gave the following report this week:

"The Belfast City Chapter in September 2009 was 9th out of 10 chapters in Northern Ireland (NI) on the BNI traffic lights report. Things were looking bleak for the new leadership team, who took office on 1 October 2009, something needed to be done to change the City Chapter fortunes around.

The new leadership team, motivated by the training received from Phil Berg in late November 2009, decided to set out new goals for the chapter which they announced in December 2009. The idea behind these goals was to move the chapter forward and get all the members more focused on getting each other more business.

In January 2010 the chapter has now moved to 3rd out of 11 chapters in NI and we had a referral rate 1.02 per member per week"

We were very pleased to welcome Electrician Robert McKay and Mark Kelly from Northside Graphics as this mornings visitors and they are welcome back any time. Anne Lees kindly subbed for Ryan Hay. Anne runs company based workshops. Trevor Bradfield from Unity IT spent most of his ten minute presentation on his knees in front of his laptop it seems, demonstrating Unity's water-tight data-encryption services for those prone to leaving USB sticks on the bus..

Image Courtesy Roo Reynolds via Flickr (http://rooreynolds.com)

Thu Feb 11 2010

Invitation to visitors

BNI education slot Belfast City BNI warmly welcomes any visitors to our Thursday morning meeting. Simply get in touch with the chapter director or any member listed here on the site and we'll give you all the details. You'll find us a particularly welcoming group and the breakfast at the Wellington Park is one of the best in Belfast! Recently opened up seats include the Printer, Banking and Solicitor chairs. These are highly sought after positions in BNI in general so anyone representing these professions and interested in learning how to gain more business is encouraged to visit us at the soonest opportunity. Come along, see what it's all about.

Each week a different member hosts the Education Slot and focuses on a different area of networking skills for a few minutes. It was my turn this week and I chose to talk about Listening. I prefer to do something interactive to grab everyone's attention at 7am, so all members were asked to list three people that they consider really good listeners. (Slightly cheeky slips of paper duly supplied) Interestingly all confessed to finding it difficult to come up with three names, which speaks volumes in itself about how rare a skill good proactive listening really is. I then asked four questions looking for a show of hands. Everyone was able to say yes, there was someone on their list they loved, there was someone they liked, and yes someone they respected. Only one hand for someone they disliked, but the member conceded they did fall into the 'respected' category regrdless. I didn't need to summarise the exercise, everyone saw the point and the simple message was to think about how much good listening is valued and is reflected in our opinion of a person. It's also the primary skill of good communication and in turn productive networking. Food for thought.

BNI education slot I was tempted to ask is there was anyone they wished was on their list but wasn't, or indeed if there was anyone who was a good listener because they themselves were such relentless talkers!

Al Chada of Kendlebell Messaging Service hosted the ten minute presentation. There was a fairly thorough Q&A session at the end to clarify some of the Kendlebell telephone answering and virtual office services, particularly for the newer members. Al is always an engaging speaker, though we're still convinced he makes most of his statistics up.

Sun Feb 7 2010

Davids Daffs

David Cunningham and Lisa Barwise

A colourful meeting this morning with David Cunningham from Truska Enterprises keeping things lively with a strong visual prop. As memory hooks go, we won't forget Davids bag of daffs in a hurry. Not least because most members went home with a big handful each. The bulbs were sent to Truska by way of thanks from a client. David designed and maintains their website which has been much applauded by daff growers the world over according to the letter of thanks accompanying their generous sample pack.

This weeks ten minute slot was presented by Lisa Barwise of Viva Systems. The Viva vision focuses on building a strong foundation of education and accountability. Lisa galloped through an overview of how she helps her clients unlock their human potential to maximise entrepreneurial potential. reminder to all about the Viva Systems 'Vision Day' on Tuesday 9th February. Have a look at Lisa's website for all the details.

Many members had attended Simon Smiths Presentation Training at the Premier Inn on Monday, so we were pleased to see some added oompf to many of the 60 second slots. The leadership team were able to report a distinct improvement in our percentage of referrals per member lately, well done all and keep up the good work.

Belfast City were pleased to welcome visitors from Practical Waste Solutions based in Ballyclare, and Varin Marshall from Botanic Media in Belfast.

As ever there was more tea and coffee after, with the usual banter in the big sofas outside in the main lounge. If we get those bulbs in at the week-end we might just get lucky and see a few this spring!

Thu Jan 28 2010

Chapter Director in new jumper shock

Sources have revealed that our esteemed leader will be eschewing his ubiquitous blue sweater for a natty pink number Thursday coming...watch this space.