A Very Unique Networking Event

I’ve been invited to participate in what I think is going to be an incredibly unique networking event.

It’s happening on Thursday January 20^th at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville. I’ve attended a lot of networking events over the years. I’ve even hosted a few, so I know that sometimes they sound terrific, but on the actual day they’re not all they’re cracked up to be.

I think this one will be different. It’s being hosted by corporate level B2B members of the referral network BNI.

In the essence of total transparency, I confess that I am an Executive Director with BNI. But this wasn’t my idea. It was the idea of a corporate BNI member named Judi Johnstone. Judi’s thought was - there are so many interesting businesses in BNI, wouldn’t it be fascinating to put them all together under one roof to showcase themselves, their businesses and BNI.  Not only that, but encourage them to invite all their contacts to attend the event.

That’s how BNI Showcase 2011 was born. From the initial idea, Judi contacted B2B/corporate chapter members and invited them to participate. Boy, have they. There are 60+ exhibitors committed to the event and about 10 exhibitors will actually be offering educational presentations throughout the day.

The BNI corporate philosophy is Givers Gain. BNI members believe in the concept of “what goes around comes around”. By giving business to others, they’ll get business in return. Since BNI members across Canada have given each other $91,295,615 in closed business so far this year, it looks like it’s working.

When we share the people we know with each other – the potential for opportunity is unlimited. You never know who someone knows and we’re all just a couple of introductions away from our next extraordinary opportunity.

Here’s what I think is going to make this Showcase a one of a kind networking event. The hosts believe in Givers Gain, so their approach will be connecting people who can help each other. Which means for guests; you could be introduced to your next extraordinary opportunity.

Not a bad way to start 2011.

Oh, by the way. The price for you to attend and mix and mingle with some of the most well-connected businesses in the Golden Horseshoe?

Zilch……zero…….nothing. It’s free.

You can register for this event at http://www.bnicorporateconnections.com/ or http://www.bnigh.com/ under Events.

Hope I see you there.