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Health & Fitness

Interesting business notes from the Shoreline East BNI meeting at the Madison Beach Hotel on April 23, 2013:

Education
One of Dale Carnagie’s many wise observations was that to be successful, one must give customers what they want, not what we want.  By example, when fishing for trout, we would have better success using bait that trout like, rather than what we like to eat.
To be successful at BNI, use the fundamentals, keep learning, and persevere.

30 Second Commercials
The following is a sample of BNI “30 Second Commercials”, in which members have 30 seconds to talk about their business and what kind of sales lead they are looking for.
    •    A+ Home Improvement – a good lead for Steve Melby would be a homeowner needing to replace window or door trim.
    •    Protect U Services – Kevin Miles would like referrals involved in new home construction, such as Chris Delmonico. http://www.protectuservices.com/
    •    Signs by Autographix – John Miller notes that one of the things that makes them unique is that they do everything themselves – design, production, and installation – so they have control over every job.  
    •    Coastal Chiropractic – Dr. Keith is able to help people with hand or arm numbness, due to any activity from biking to yard work. http://www.drmirante.com/
    •    Edward Jones – There is a common misconception, according to Dave O’Connor, that 529 plans hurt financial aid prospects.  They do not. http://www.edwardjones.com
    •     East River Energy – Now is a great time to upgrade air conditioning systems. http://www.eastriverenergy.com
    •    Car Care Clinic – See Jeff Robinson to get your trailer hitch installed for summer recreation. http://thecarcareclinic.com
    •    Rollins Group/Coldwell Banker – Consider a buyer’s representative next time you – or a friend – are shopping for real estate.  It costs the buyer nothing, and the broker has a fiduciary duty to you, not the seller. http://www.coldwellbankermoves.com/Associate/TeamProfile.aspx?TeamID=125


10 Minute Presentation
Today’s speaker was Aaron Page, owner of Painting by Page.  What makes Painting by Page unique is:

    •    Every crew member is an employee of the company.  There are no sub-contractors.
    •    E.P.A. certified to remove lead paint
    •    Member of Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA)

Painting by Page is not always the cheapest contractor, but they do quality work.  Others, for example, may not do as thorough a job preparing surfaces, resulting in paint peeling off in a year or two.  Like Sy Sims, “An educated consumer is his best customer.”

The company focuses on residential repaints.  Best referral sources are realtors, building contractors, and interior designers.  More information at: http://paintingbypage.com/.

Performance
S.E.B.N. has passed $1,037,738 in business since October 1, including 80 of 82 passed leads last week.  We have closed 77% of leads year-to-date.

Coming Up
    •    Paul Halagan, owner of Halagan Design Group, will be speaking on April 30.

About BNI
BNI is the world’s largest referral network.  In 2010, Business Network Int'l passed over 6.5 million referrals in 5500+ chapters with over 135,000 members in 45 countries resulting in more than $2.8 billion in business! BNI membership in CT now stands at 2,027 and growing.

Visitors are welcome!  If you’d like to visit the Shoreline East BNI, just fill out the contact form under “Join Shoreline East” on our website (shorelineeastbni.com) and a representative from our membership team will contact you.


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