Robert Skrob
Keynote Day 1
Bio: As a marketing expert for more than 25 years, Robert Skrob has helped thousands of businesses attract and retain their best target customers. Robert’s superpower is simplification. Simplifying your message to attract more customers, simplifying what you deliver to improve long-term retention, and simplifying how you deliver it to increase your profits as you scale. While he has worked with entrepreneurs in more than 100 business categories, today he specializes in helping businesses grow recurring subscription revenue.
“How to Accelerate Business Growth Through the Connector Effect”
Most business people are stuck in a 1950’s method of running and growing their businesses. In a world based on connections, they are trying to use old-dated marketing techniques. There’s an easier way. You can work less and make more money when you harness the power of The Connector Effect in your business and life. This session reveals how to put The Connector Effect to work for yourself, to grow your business, and to have a lot more fun doing it. Become the person everyone comes to when they need a resource or have a problem to solve. Attract customers that already trust you, buy more readily, and are willing to spend more with you.
• The single-fastest way to grow your business so you can go home to spend more time with your family.
• The #1 secret to generating more high-value, faster-converting customers for your business.
• How to increase your company’s revenue by 56% without increasing marketing expenses or having to sell more.
Terry Atkins
Keynote Day 2
Chief Marketing Officer at BNI
Terrence J. (Terry) Atkins serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for Business Network International (“BNI”), the largest business networking referral organization in the world with over 270,000 members in 70 different countries. He brings to BNI over 30 years of business strategy and creative marketing experience at Fortune 500 companies, which will help set the foundation for the company’s continued growth.
Prior to joining BNI, Terry served as Vice President of Marketing Communications for Extended Stay America, the largest owned and operated hotel chain in the U.S. During his time there, Terry and his team launched the new Extended Stay America brand with the company’s first scale omnichannel marketing campaign contributing to double digit growth his first year. In an effort to build better guest relationships and experiences, Terry led the creation of “Extended Perks”, the company’s first loyalty marketing program, with over 2 million members in just 3 years. Terry also built an industry award-winning program with the American Cancer Society, called, “Hotel Keys of Hope”. Through his efforts, the company has been recognized as a community and humanitarian leader by donating over 250,000 hotel rooms and helping over 15,000 people get access to life-saving cancer treatment.
In addition, Terry’s held marketing leadership roles at Campbell Soup Company and The Kellogg Company. In each of those companies, Terry successfully created and executed strategically integrated big ideas that have built long-term equity and driven profitable growth. He delivers his winning performances by nurturing an engaged and collaborative team culture where anyone can have a good idea. Terry has also built strong relationships and marketing campaigns through strategic alliances with the NFL, U.S Olympics, Disney, DreamWorks, and the Harlem Globetrotters. Proving that doing good is good business; his work with the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Salvation Army, and Feeding America has brought medical treatment and hunger relief to millions of Americans and generated billions of positive PR and social media impressions for his brands.
Terry earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI., and has been the recipient of numerous industry awards.
Dr. Ivan Misner
Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI | Author
Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization. Founded in 1985 the organization now has over 10,000 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world. Each year, BNI passes millions of referrals resulting in billions of dollars worth of business for its members.
Dr. Misner’s Ph.D. is from the University of Southern California. He is a New York Times Bestselling author who has written 26 books including one of his latest books – Who’s in Your Room? He is also a columnist for Entrepreneur.com and has been a university professor as well as a member of the Board of Trustees for the University of La Verne.
Called the “Father of Modern Networking” by both Forbes and CNN, Dr. Misner is considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on business networking and has been a keynote speaker for major corporations and associations throughout the world. He has been featured in the L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times, as well as numerous TV and radio shows including CNN, the BBC, and The Today Show on NBC.
Among his many awards, he has been named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Red Cross and has been the recipient of the John C. Maxwell Leadership Award. He is proud that he and his late wife, Elisabeth, are the Co-Founders of the BNI Charitable Foundation. They also reached “empty nester” status after happily raising their three children. Oh, and in his spare time!!! he is also an amateur magician and a black belt in karate.
Graham Weihmiller
BNI Chairman & CEO
Graham Weihmiller joined BNI in 2014 to help execute BNI’s strategic plan that includes operational enhancements, continued membership growth, and ongoing global member expansion. Graham is passionate about building successful service organizations that have a remarkable value proposition and a positive social impact. Prior to BNI, he served as the CEO of a 32-year-old nationwide franchisor of homecare services. While there, he was a founding director of a foundation that provides homecare to those who cannot afford it. His previous leadership experience includes roles with Pioneer Equity Partners, American Franchise Company, Bank of America, Booz Allen and JP Morgan.
Graham speaks frequently on entrepreneurship and franchising and has recently been on panels at Harvard Business School, Stanford University, and Georgetown University. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School and his BBA from the College of William & Mary. He has done subsequent executive education with Harvard Business School in India. He is a Certified Franchise Executive and active with the International Franchise Association. Graham is trained in Lean Enterprise, Process Excellence, Design for Six Sigma, and is a Six Sigma Black Belt. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and the Harvard Business School Club of Charlotte, where he was formerly the Club president. He currently serves on the BNI Foundation Board of Directors.
• As Chairman & CEO, I’m focused on the overall strategy and execution of BNI’s strategic plan and mission. Now operating in 73 countries, BNI helps our more than 210,000 members around the world grow their business through a structured, positive and professional referral program that enables them to develop meaningful, long-term relationships.
Kai Bjorn
BNI Canada, National Director
One of Canada’s leading businessmen, and North America’s leading Thought Leaders in the field of networking, Kai has been a champion for business owners and entrepreneurship in Canada.
Kai is the Owner and National Director of BNI Canada (bnicanada.ca) and Corporate Connections Ca nada (corporateconnections.com), and the President of the BNI Canada Foundation (bnifoundation.org/bni-foundation-canada). He is the co-author (with Nicky Billou) of the forthcoming book, The Power Of Connecting: How To Activate Profitable Relationships By Serving Your Network.
A graduate of Bishops University, he is an accomplished athlete, playing 4 years of professional football in the CFL. Turning his attention to sailing, he won 2 Silver medals at the Star World Championships and represented Canada as an Athlete at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, finishing 5th. Kai was the 1st Canadian to Win the America’s Cup, which is the oldest sporting trophy in the world.
BREAKOUT SPEAKERS
(in alphabetical order)
Aanand Mehta
Scarcity vs Abundance Mindset: Welcome your Competitor
About: Aanand is passionate about seeing members grow, new travels around the world, and has a need for speed.
• A scarcity mentality keeps many from achieving their goals. Foster an abundance mindset with members & build their team!
• Maintaining a positive attitude will help you attract the right people into your network!
Al Tepper
Prospecting for your Business on LinkedIn
Marketing Strategist & Coach – TepFu
About: Al Tepper consults on marketing strategy and coaches business leaders on becoming the marketing leaders they need to be.
• Al shows us the key for prospecting success on Linkedin and how to map VCP to the three key areas to master on Linkedin.
• My top networking tip is to serve, give and listen and to make sure you only talk about yourself when invited to do so.
Andrew Johnson
Launch faster! They keys to a Rapid Chapter Launch
Managing Launch Director, US CORE:
About: Farmer. Family man. Super Connector. Grower of businesses, corn, and hay. Rapid Launcher of Chapters.
• What if your launches could consistently happen in 6 weeks or less? Andrew will share his top tips to a rapid launch.
• Level up the people who authentically want to see you succeed.
António Afonso
Reporting2You - Decision by Numbers & Emotions
About: Entrepreneur, Solution Oriented, Addicted to Speed, Passionate Husband and Father, In Love.
• Accountability is a must for those who want to succeed! Learn how to find trends to set proper strategies.
• Stop inviting, start connecting!
Barbara Lowe
3, 2, 1, Liftoff! Launch Chapters Faster using social media
Founder, Assisting You Social. Launch Director, BNI BC & BNI Melbourne
About: Social Media Motivator & Strategist. Astrophile, sapiophile, autodidact, tenacious, pragmatic, ENTJ
• Launching Chapters is hard work but with a strategic approach using social media, you can launch bigger chapters faster.
• Arrive early to meetings and be ready to give. You’re not networking to sell you’re networking to help.
Cher Cunningham
Take Power-Full Action
Mindful Entrepreneur – Business Hypnotist
About: Cher Cunningham is a business hypnotist who helps entrepreneurs take strategic action on their bold vision.
• Eliminating imposter syndrome and take bold action. 3 keys to build momentum, double down on strategy & see new results.
• Be the person who solves problems for the people you meet – whether it is with your solution or that of your network.
Christel Wintels
Including Others Equals Business Success
Franchise Owner BNI Golden Horseshoe
About: Christel’s mission is to eliminate cold calling by helping business people create a lifelong business referral network.
• Imagine yourself surrounded by like-minded business people who want you to be successful. Join us. We’ll show you how.
• Do what you say you will do. Because being accountable to your network is the key to your business success.
Cindy Mount
The Holy Grail of Marketing - Referrals
Regional Director, BNI Durham-Peterborough and BNI Toronto-Scarborough – BNI GTA plus
About: For 25+ years, Cindy Mount has been helping professionals spend less time selling and more time doing what they love.
• People influence people. Nothing influences people more than a recommendation – a referral goes a long way.
• Start by setting your intention before meeting new people; be interested, not interesting & know who you want to meet.
Claude Beaulieu
Le réseautage ... il ne suffit pas d'être vu !
—————————-
Networking … it’s not enough to be seen!
Directeur exécutif, BNI Québec
Quelles sont les meilleures pratiques en matière de réseautage? Comment faire en sorte que notre appartenance à un réseau soit une situation gagnant-gagnant ? Notre façon de faire, notre façon d’être, est déterminante pour que le réseautage porte ses fruits. Soyez stratégique ! Il ne suffit pas d’être vu mais surtout d’être reconnu !
What are the best practices in networking? How to ensure that our membership in a network is a win-win situation. It’s not enough to be seen but to be recognized. The way we do things, the way we are, is essential for networking to pay off. Be strategic.
Dalene Allen
The Power of Inviting and Visitors
Executive Director BNI Maritimes
• Activity = Results Want to build a more profitable BNI Chapter? It’s all about visitors!
• Talk to anyone who comes within six feet of you. Smile and say hello – make them feel special. It will make your day!
David O'Neill
Accelerating the right connections through depth of relationship
National Director | Corporate Connections Canada
About: David is National Director of Corporate Connections Canada. He has lived on 3 continents & was a professional golfer!
• Accelerating the right connections through depth of relationship
• Building the extraordinary relationships with the extraordinary people can help you build an extraordinary life!
Dawn Lyons
The Power of the Pride
BNI San Francisco Bay Executive Director
About: Dawn Lyons is a 20 year Executive Director with a team of 50 Director Consultants, 72 chapters and 1700 members.
• How much POWER is in your network? Dawn will share her love for big cats while showing you how to utilize your network!
• You don’t have to do this alone! Let me show you how to utilize the POWER in your network for MORE referral success!
Dele Ajele
Grow Your Power Team & Watch Your Business Grow
Co-Executive Director for BNI Alberta South and CorporateConnections® | Conference Host Region
• What if by collaborating in a smaller team and growing that team, you could significantly grow your business?
• Be genuinely interested in the person you’re connecting with and find something good to say truthfully about him/her.
Denis Brisson
Inviting is Prospecting
Executive Director, BNI Eastern Ontario & Western Quebec
About: Past speaker at the BNI Los Angeles & Australian conferences . Has worked with Rod Stewart, Aerosmith, & Celine Dion.
• Do you want to generate thousands of DOLLAR$ for your business and your BNI colleagues? It can be as easy as 1 -2 – 3
• What will generate more business for you? Following up on qualified referrals or cold calling? Build a referral team!
Frédéric Caron
Le réseautage ... il ne suffit pas d'être vu !
—————————-
Networking … it’s not enough to be seen!
Quelles sont les meilleures pratiques en matière de réseautage? Comment faire en sorte que notre appartenance à un réseau soit une situation gagnant-gagnant ? Notre façon de faire, notre façon d’être, est déterminante pour que le réseautage porte ses fruits. Soyez stratégique ! Il ne suffit pas d’être vu mais surtout d’être reconnu !
What are the best practices in networking? How to ensure that our membership in a network is a win-win situation. It’s not enough to be seen but to be recognized. The way we do things, the way we are, is essential for networking to pay off. Be strategic.
Garth McFadden
The Importance of the Interview.
Senior Launch Director – BNI BC
About: Garth, a BNI member since 2003, is consistently ranked in the top 10 on the Global Leaderboard in BNI BusinessBuilder.
• An interview can affect how successful an applicant will be in BNI. It also affects the growth potential of the chapter.
• Set your networking goals high. Both Giving & Receiving. Be the kind of member that you want to be in a chapter with.
Geneviève Piret & Alexandre Poty
"Mon Groupe BNI = la meilleure auberge espagnole ?"
BNI Belgique francophone | GENiALE
gregT
UP your Online Presentations
BNI Alberta South Marketing Director | Owner of The Image Stop ltd.
About: greg’s focus in all he does is summed up in his company mission statement – “How can we help you?”. Also proud sponsor, web designer, and hosting provider for the BNI Canada National Conference.
• Imagine a meeting where all attendees stayed engaged and connected with your presentation.
• Yes – this is possible! Even with online meetings. Learn how you can control the virtual room and reach more people.
Hazel Walker
Building Bigger Chapters
Franchise Owner, BNI Indiana & British Columbia
About: As an owner of 6 BNI Franchises and 30 years of experience, Hazel brings a unique experience to the business table.
• Bigger chapters are more likely to get and give more referrals thus makings a bigger impact in their local community.
• Always book time in your calendar for follow-up at the same time you book to attend a networking event. Or stay home.
Irindeep Badial
Leveraging Social Media to Prospect for your Business
Executive Director, BNI Ontario Southwest
About: Connecting business professionals to their ideal referral partners, Irindeep’s passion is to help individuals excel!
• Creating a strategy for social media that helps you stand out from your competition will help your business thrive!
• Who do you want to be connected to? Do you have a strategy to get that introduction? Social media can help!
Janice Baskin
BNI Core Values and Social Media - Grow your network and your business online
Owner, Camelot Interiors; Sr. Director Consultant BNI Alberta North
About: Janice is a business owner who is passionate about connecting and collaborating with others, both in person and online
• Learn how to grow your network and your business online by applying the 7 Core Values of BNI to your social media plan.
• Always give value to the people you meet with. If it’s not a referral, share knowledge and resources.
Jean-Michel Steber
Comment influencer nos partenaires de recommandations
About: Collaboration with BNI France for 14 years, launched 60+ chapters, French co-author of two of Ivan’s book.
• Everything rises and falls on leadership, influence is the only measure of leadership leading us to referral efficiency
• Behavioral congruence is the foundation to influence others to act on our behalf.
Jenny Yu
Myth Busting Government Procurement
Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME)
Public Services and Procurement Canada
Government of Canada
About: A dynamic and passionate public servant with extensive experience in federal procurement, entrepreneurial support, and stakeholder engagement.
• Helping entrepreneurs and businesses learn about the federal procurement process, how the Government of Canada buys goods and services, and where to find opportunities.
• Join Jenny in busting some of the most common myths in doing business with the Government of Canada and more!
John Breeze
Growing your business ‚what's holding you back?
About: As a Business Coach, John focuses on supporting Small Business acquisition, growth, and exit strategies.
• Business growth: new ways to provide more, higher-value services to more clients. Here are some ideas for your business.
• Listening for peoples’ needs, wants, and dreams. Connecting them with solutions. That’s why it’s called “Net”-working.
Jon Lamont
Discover how integrations & automations can save your business time & money
About: Jon Lamont is the owner of Get Automated one of Canada’s leading automation and integration agencies.
• How you can connect your software to remove yourself from time-consuming tasks & focus on growing your business
• Being strong with follow-up is the key to successful networking.
Kim Peters
Build the Right Foundation
Owner/Partner, Fully Promoted Lethbridge
About: Kim is a business owner with years of experience in helping businesses to be successful with their marketing needs.
• Are you able to quickly make changes in how you attract, retain and properly service all your customers?
• If it scares you, you’re probably learning and growing. Keep doing it and people will notice!
Lawrence Roberts
Empowering your chapter to make the hard decision
Executive Director BNI OSM
About: Executive Director of BNI Saskatchewan, Ontario Central North and recently started working with BNI Manitoba. #BNIGUY
• How to empower your chapters to say no to good to make room for great. Alleviating the fear in a chapter.
• The strength of your network can be gaged by how many people volunteer when you ask for help moving a piano. #BNIGUY
Lloyd Hamshaw
Up Your Online Presentation
About: Lloyd Hamshaw is a business development specialist & organizational driver. Lloyd is the main driver of REAL Recruitment.
• Presenting Online is different than in person. Come check out the tips can you use to Up Your Presentation On-Line.
• When having a networking meeting, scan their LinkedIn profile for who they know that can help you with your business.
Mark Graber
Passport to Success Program
About: Mark Graber hails from Perth, WA. Within BNI, Mark is an Executive Director across four regions in BC, Canada.
• Passport to Success Program is to help you get the most from your BNI membership.
• Follow the system.
Meaghan Chitwood
Success Habits for Growing Your Business
Executive Director, BNI Alabama Northern
About: Her superpower is taking a idea and turning it into actionable steps. Simplify what you are doing to get bigger results.
• Increasing business isn’t a race. There is no finish line. It is creating success habits you do over and over again.
• Constantly deepen relationships, communicate what you need and keep moving.
Mike Macedonio
Getting and Keeping Great People
About: Mike Macedonio is a New York Times Best Selling author, speaker, and entrepreneur.
• In this presentation Mike will be sharing how to attract and keep great clients, a great team or great referral sources.
• An empty Pipeline will have you saying yes to everyone. A full Pipeline allows you to select ideal candidates.
Moji Ajele
BNI ROI through Effective 121's
Executive Director for BNI Alberta South | Conference Host Region
About: Moji has helped thousands of business owners grow their business by referral so they can live the life of their dreams.
• Fave Saying: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Neville Ward
Support and encourage member success with BNI Connect
About: Neville has been supporting members of BNI for 8 years and was the BNI Alberta North Givers Gain Award recipient in 2020.
• Using reports in BNI Connect to help members find areas for growth, and new ways to make connections with fellow members.
• A positive and supportive mindset helps you support others without judging or preconceived notions about their industry.
Oob Nding
Converting, Fast and Slow - How to scale existing business revenue streams online in any economy.
Founder, Bumpy Leads Media
About: We help 6 and 7-figure businesses find money they are leaving on the table in their current marketing and sales efforts.
• Discover our digital agency’s #1 strategy to increase ripe-for-growth clients’ revenue immediately and for years to come.
• There is a wealth of value lying dormant in every relationship revolving around your business and beyond. Engage. Enjoy!
Patricia Stride
Recruiting and Retaining Great Talent
Executive Director, BNI Alberta North
About: Pat is the Executive Director of BNI Alberta North, a BNI region of over 800 members and 35 chapters.
• Networking is not about what you know, it is about what you learn.
Paul Konyk
Attracting and developing great members for your team
About: Paul has provided technology and IT solutions for over 30 years. The tech is easy. People make it fun and interesting.
• You hired the perfect addition to your team. Great start, but something is off. Did you hire the wrong person?
• Everyone wants something from us. Turn it around. Ask them – How can I tell my friends and colleges about your business?
Rav Badial
Using a CRM to manage your client pipeline
About: Rav has the honour of being Co-Executive Director with his sister Irindeep. They oversee two BNI regions in Southern Ont.
• We have many daily interactions with clients, prospects, and more. Let’s find a way to keep in touch with them all!
• Following up and following through are crucial to building our pipelines. Let’s talk about keeping on top of touchpoints.
Richard Cox
Culture Eats Strategy For Breakfast
About: Richard joined BNI in 2004, Amb in 2005, DC in 2006 and is now Director of Operations for BNI Canada.
• There is a famous Peter Drucker quote that says that “culture eats strategy for breakfast”, or Culture trumps strategy.
• Look for opportunities, don’t wait for them to fall in your lap.
Rob Mamchur
Time Management Techniques
Senior Director Consultant, BNI Alberta North / ATB Financial
About: A career banker with a strong passion and focus towards leadership and entrepreneurship development.
• Ever wonder how to get more out of the most limited resource in business?
• Invest time in others and you will see your influence grow. Enjoy!
Robin Schuckmann
Optimizing Your Team and Creating Engagement
Executive Director, BNI Oregon & SW Washington
About: Robin is passionate about helping small businesses thrive using good old-fashioned referral marketing.
• Explore communication, accountability, recognition and team building tactics that generate engagement and trust.
• You can do anything; but you can’t do everything! Build a support system around you to achieve your goals!
Russ Swandon
Starting Chapters / Attracting Drivers
Executive Director, BNI Durham and Teesside
About : Russ has been involved in BNI for nearly 20 years. Firstly as a member and now as an Executive Director in the UK
• Find out how to find Drivers that will help you to launch stronger
• Choose your conversations wisely
Shawn O'Hara
Secrets to engaging members and visitors online through an effective slide deck and meeting structure.
About: 9-yr member, 6-yr BNIBC support; visited 40 chapters in person & online seeking other ways to portray the BNI experience.
• Kaizen: Always try to improve.
Tiffanie Kellog
Always Get a YES when Asking for Referrals
• Never get a NO again when asking for referrals, and perhaps get a referral before the program is done!
• To be successful in networking, you need to know the right people that are in front of your ideal client.
Toni Guffei
How to Use Data to Gain a Competitive Advantage
Marketing Strategist with Ratio Marketing Inc.
About: Toni has a depth of experience in digital marketing that helps business owners optimize their ROI.
• This session discusses at how data can be used to inform and optimize your marketing budget and build your business.
• Ask a lot of questions to find common interests.
Vishal Ramanuj
Referrals In A Virtual World
MercPro
About: In the payment processing or merchant services industry since 2014, our main goal has always been, looking after you!
• I will be sharing some valuable tips and tricks on how to find and generate referrals.
• A perfect referral, may just be one post or comment away. Are you taking advantage of social media? If not, then why!
