At BNI Decatur, we’re committed to empowering local professionals and fostering a vibrant network of collaboration and referrals. Every Thursday morning, our chapter gathers to exchange ideas, build connections, and grow our businesses together. Here’s a recap of our November 21, 2024 meeting, which was packed with energy, insights, and inspiration.
Kicking Off the Meeting
The meeting began with the usual housekeeping:
- Welcome and Introductions: Visitors and members alike were greeted warmly as we set the stage for the day.
- Leadership Updates: I introduced the leadership team, including Vice President Alex Merritt, Secretary-Treasurer Justin Reams, and our Membership Committee, Education Coordinator, and Visitor Hosts.
- Core Values Reminder: We reflected on BNI’s Seven Core Values, with a focus on Givers Gain, eloquently reinforced by Randy Godfrey. His reminder that giving selflessly creates abundant returns set a positive tone for the morning.
Education Moment
Our Education Coordinator, Steven Bentley, delivered a thought-provoking segment about how to extend Givers Gainbeyond the meeting room. He shared practical tips for engaging in industry-specific volunteer opportunities, participating in online forums, and intentionally giving value to others—whether through advice, resources, or time. His actionable advice left everyone inspired to find new ways to contribute both professionally and personally.
Member Spotlights
One of the highlights of the meeting is the 60-second presentations, where members get to share who they are, what they do, and what they’re looking for. A few memorable moments include:
- Ivan Ramon from Horizon Windows and Doors encouraged members to consider window upgrades as winter approaches, emphasizing the value of property managers as referrals.
- Jordan from State Farm introduced a unique life insurance product—“The Gift of Life”—as a meaningful holiday gift for children or grandchildren.
- Abby Griffith from Clarity Fitness invited everyone to celebrate the gym’s 5th anniversary in January with an open bar and vendor market.
This segment always showcases the diversity and expertise within our chapter, helping us all identify opportunities to refer and collaborate.
Featured Speaker: Randy Godfrey
Our featured speaker, Randy Godfrey of Every Angle Painting, captivated the room with his story. Randy shared personal and professional lessons from his life, including:
- His journey from a dirt-road childhood to founding a successful painting business.
- His commitment to integrity, quality, and tenacity, instilled through experiences like yoga instruction and overcoming challenges at Georgia Tech.
- How his business’s core values, like honesty and transparency, translate into exceptional customer experiences.
Randy’s anecdote about a painter calling him to report substandard instructions reinforced the strong culture of trust and accountability within his company. He also highlighted how Every Angle Painting handles jobs of all sizes, from holiday touch-ups to large-scale commercial projects.
Ivan Award and Recognition
The Ivan Award, recognizing the most memorable 60-second presentation, went to Mike for his creative and humorous pitch. The promise of an open bar may have given him the edge, but his presentation truly stood out.
Referrals, Testimonials, and “I Have” Section
The I Have section allowed members to share referrals, testimonials, and thank-yous:
- Several members praised Randy’s team for exceptional painting services.
- Members exchanged referrals for property managers, contractors, and even upcoming events.
- Testimonials flowed, showcasing the power of collaboration and the trust built within the group.
Announcements and Reminders
Before closing the meeting, we covered key updates:
- No Meeting Next Week: A reminder that there will be no meeting on Thanksgiving Day, November 28.
- Dues Reminder: Members were encouraged to finalize their Q1 dues to support the chapter’s operations.
- Upcoming Speakers: Steven Bentley and Art Wood will be presenting in December, with targeted referrals for remodelers, CPAs, and family law attorneys.
Closing Thought
We wrapped up the meeting with a quote from Richard Branson:
“Business opportunities are like buses; there’s always another one coming.”
Final Note
As always, BNI Decatur continues to thrive because of the dedication and energy of our members. If you’re interested in joining or visiting a meeting, we’d love to have you! Let’s connect, collaborate, and grow together.
Ruben Rodriguez
President, BNI Decatur
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