Ballantyne Business Network BNI

Ernie's team brings home the trophy!

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:40:00 +0000

Congratulations to Ballantyne BNI's own Ernie Linger of Carmel Place for his team's spectacular bowling victory!

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Green to save the Earth, green to save some green!”

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:21:00 +0000

**Ballantyne BNI Member, Patrice Hawkins is GREEN! ***

PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release

DOING WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE: Local Business Can Now Go Green

Charlotte, NC – For small businesses in Charlotte, this is a make-it or break-it time. The economy has (we hope) hit bottom and will swing up, but when, and how soon are questions no one can answer.

While some business owners are just hanging on—afraid to make any changes, for fear of losing the business they have, there is one business owner in Charlotte taking the opportunity to stand apart—and do the right thing!

Interior Designer, Patrice Hawkins, Owner of Interiors by Decorating Den in Charlotte has taken this opportunity to achieve the designation as an Accredited Professional with GREEN-Leaders at the Sustainable Furniture Council ("SFC").

“Eco-friendly design becomes more important each day!” says Patrice, “I really feel that the time is now to get the tools and resources so that my company can provide the best home design trends to my clients, and offer a ‘green’ alternative—especially when people are extra concerned about how and where they spend their money: Green to save the Earth, green to save some green!”

Patrice Hawkins has completed the rigorous course, including an exam which was developed in conjunction with the Sustainable Furnishings Council, (www.sustainablefurnishings.org), the #1 green organization in home furnishings with board members including ranking staff of World Wildlife Fund, Rainforest Alliance, and one of the co-founders of USGBC/LEED. This is the most comprehensive training program available, providing manufacturers, reps, retailers and designers with the knowledge and credentials to differentiate themselves as experts in sustainability. The course focuses on environmental issues related to home furnishings, including the factual basis for climate change, indoor air quality, toxic waste, and water conservation.

“I have always thought of myself as progressive and environmentally conscious—now I have the credentials to prove it!” – Patrice Hawkins, CID.

For more information on Interiors by decorating den, go to: www.decdens.com/phawkins.

###

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

It was a GREAT Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:00:00 +0000

The final numbers are in, and this BNI year has been a great one!

We set out to meet our goal of $350k+ and we did it! Congratulations Team!
Here are our numbers:

The winners for September...
Most Referral given: Chris Reshetar- 14
Most Visitors: Brian Hines- 4
Most 1 to 1's: Carol Schulenberg- 8
Total Value given: $43,233

Winners for Oct 1, 2008- Sept 30, 2009
Most Referrals: Darin Brockelbank- 124
Most Visitors: tie Peg Casey & Tammy Copeland - 14 each
Most 1 to 1's: Patrice Hawkins- 68
Total Value given: $355,904

*Remember: We need your slips to count the closed business, and the 1:1’s, so don’t forget to hand those in! AND when you bring a visitor, fill out a referral slip so that we make sure we give credit to the right people!

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Two More Hands - Your Affordable Personal Assistant: Moving Checklist – How to Move

info@twomorehandsnow.com (Two More Hands) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 04:37:00 +0000

Two More Hands - Your Affordable Personal Assistant: Moving Checklist – How to Move

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Marketing Services Power Team

mariellen24@gmail.com (Mariellen in Charlotte, NC) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:44:00 +0000

The Marketing Services Power Team meets the third Tuesday at 4pm at Grape D'Vine in Ballantyne. And yes we do sample the wine to loosen up at the end of the day. What better way to hang out and work?

We are off to a great start by sharing our bios and GAINS sheet at the last meeting. Our group has already found our meetings to be very helpful in targeting referralls, building business and finding new ways to market our services.

Power Team

Leader: Mariellen Auer, Auer Agency

Julie Bee, SyncSmart

Peg Casey, Coupon Magazine and TheAd Spot.com

Marianne Linker, Client Linker

Alisa Wenning, Pyramid Printing

Meg Wier, Copywriter

We are still seeking a website designer. But I have a lead on that and he will be visiting us this week.

Mariellen Auer

Ballantyne BNI UPDATE

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:41:00 +0000

June Basic and Advanced Training
June 9, 2009

Next Training:
August 3, 2009

Charlotte SOUTH - MSP Basic and Advanced Training (July 9th)
1:00-3:00pm - Member Success Program Basic Training
3:00-5:00pm - MSP Advanced Training
Location: PR Store Ballantyne, Corporate Offices, 15720 John J Delaney Drive, Suite 206, (1st floor), Charlotte, NC 28277
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlotte EAST - MSP Basic and Advanced Training (July 9th)
4:00-6:00pm - Member Success Program Basic Training
6:00-7:30pm - MSP Advanced Training
Location: The Levine Senior Center - 10545 NE Parkway (across from Old Navy in Sycamore Commons), Matthews, NC

June Chapter Numbers

Most Referrals:
Carol Schulenberg – 9
Darin Brockelbank – 8
Chris Reschetar – 8

Visitors: 27

96 Referrals Given

Most One to Ones
Julie Bee

$49,149 Total Revenue Passed

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

LIngerie Football League asks Auer Agency to put their apparel together

mariellen24@gmail.com (Mariellen in Charlotte, NC) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:58:00 +0000

That's right with all the news in Charlotte these past two days, we thought you would like to know that the LFL contacted us on Tuesday seeking our services to do the team gear.

I'm not kidding, I'm totally serious about this.

We are currently working out the details with the LFL, but right now they are looking for tops, bottoms and sexy knee highs to wear for their upcoming mini-camps/games for 5 teams.

We can't tell all, you know us girls don't kiss and tell, but we will keep you posted as we draw nearer to sealing the deal.

For more info about the league go to: http://www.lflus.com/index1.html

For more info on us go to www.aueragency.com

Mariellen Auer/704-236-0568/mariellen@aueragency.com

BNI BBQ

mariellen24@gmail.com (Mariellen in Charlotte, NC) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:35:00 +0000

Ballantyne Business Network BNI BBQ.

Family and friends gathered Saturday night for some pig pick'n, bocci play'n and network'n.

Pictured is Steve Smith supervising the BBQ, Bryan Maddex with his contagious smile, Monica and her niece Mia and our very own Gail and her 5 week old baby that is being held by Marianne Linker.

Visitor's Day: May 14th

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:23:00 +0000

VISTORS DAY: May 14th, 2009

Have you ever wondered what BNI is all about? Do you want to meet with over 30 of Charlotte's top business people before 9am? Do you want more business?

Ballantyne Business Network will be holding a Visitor's Day on May 14th. Please come! Email Meghan Wier at meghanwier@meghanwier.com for more information.

A light breakfast will be served. Bring plenty of business cards and be prepared to network!

...Can't make May 14th but still interested? Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15am in Ballantyne, North Carolina - and you are welcome to come check it out any time!

e-Testimonial

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:21:00 +0000

I would like to give an e-Testimonial for Metro GreenScape who began my landscape design installation this week.

The process started a couple months ago with a review of my (then) current landscape. The design architect came out, surveyed and took notes. Then, with a week, a full design was presented, including a mounted color to-scale diagram and a booklet with all the plants proposed for the property, pictures, their care instructions and information. -- Very Professional!

When the "install team" came, they did so on time, and with obvious respect for me and my yard and home. They have planted more than a dozen new shrubs/trees and transplanted some that I had previously. Before they left they cleaned up the sidewalks, driveway and patio, and re-seeded and covered any bare spots in the lawn. And probably the most impressive part to me was how when they dug the beds, they roto-tilled and added new soil conditioner and new soil to the heavy clay dirt. This will ensure that what was planted will thrive, and it is something that could easily have been neglected--but wasn't.

Metro GreenScape has been a pleasure to work with from the start and I look forward to having my landscape completed and maintained.

I highly recommend Metro GreenScape for all of your Charlotte-area Outdoor Living needs.

Meghan Wier

Writing for the Web

http://www.meghanwier.com/

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Metro GreenScape wins 1st PLACE AT SPRING SHOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:13:00 +0000

We are proud to announce that Ballantyne Business Network BNI member Darin Brockelbanks's Metro GreenScape took home 1st Place "Best of Show" and the "Art Award" for creativity for their garden display at the 2009 Southern Spring Home & Garden Show!

We are all excited for Darin for getting this much deserved recognition!

Metro GreenScape is the premier Design and Build Landscape and Outdoor Living Company in the Charlotte area, and has the awards to prove it. We are happy to have Darin represent Metro GreenScape in out group and we welcome you to check out Ballantyne BNI to meet Darin and the other members of our group.

If you would like to learn more about Metro GreensScape, call 704-504-0980 and schedule your in-person, on-site consultation with one of MGS's outdoor living design experts this spring!

Submitted by: BALLANTYNE BNI Business BLOGGER: Meghan Wier!

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Happy Holidays - Holiday Party 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:45:00 +0000

Happy Holidays from Ballantyne Business Network--BNI Charlotte, NC.
We all had fun at our holiday party this year... next year we hope you can join us!

Are you a Ballantyne BNI member? Would you like a copy of one of these pics? Email meg!

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Member Profile: Rich Ferretti

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:40:00 +0000

Rich Ferretti
10801 Johnston Road,
Suite 216
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 564-0807
rich@richferretti.com
www.richferretti.com

Broker / Realtor NC & SC
“Exceeding your expectations in Real Estate Service”

Knowing I can make a difference and entrusting me with your Real Estate needs, I promise to provide you with my total loyalty, dedication and to conduct all business with a focus on professionalism, integrity and service. It is my goal as your full service Real Estate Broker specializing in Charlotte NC and the surrounding areas, to provide you with superior service at all times. My local expertise and extensive real estate experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time, or are a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources we offer.

Buying a home? I look forward to helping you select the home of your dreams by taking time to listen to your needs and desires.

Selling a home? My real estate expertise and many effective marketing programs will give you the exposure and edge you need to sell your home quickly for top dollar.

Returning Client? I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve you and hope you take advantage of the valuable resources I provide. Come back to visit often!

I consider the Charlotte area an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you our enthusiasm for the many neighborhoods that encompass it. I pride myself on providing unparalleled service and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with you. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss how I can best assist you with your real estate needs.

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Member Profile: Darin Brockelbank

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:24:00 +0000

Darin Brockelbank
Metro-GreenScape, Inc
13601 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28278
704-504-0980

darin@metrogreenscape.com
http://www.metrogreenscape.com/

Who is Metro-GreenScape, Inc?

Metro GreenScape is the premier Outdoor Living Design + Build company serving homeowners across the Carolinas. We specialize in designing and building environmentally-friendly, outdoor living spaces like kitchens, aquascapes, patios, retreats, and specialized landscaping projects. Our goal is to create beautiful outdoor living spaces that naturally extend the living space of your home and property while increasing the value.

Our Services Include:
Landscape Design
Landscape Services
Patios
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor Fireplaces
Fire Pits
Retaining Walls
Seating Walls
Masonry stone and brick work
Irrigation
Outdoor Lighting
Swimming Pools
Ponds and Water Features
Landscape Maintenance
Lawn Maintenance
Organic Fertilization
Pergolas and Cabanas
Grading and Drainage

Metro-GreenScape, Inc plans to kick off our non-profit organization called The Green Life in 2009. This program focuses on giving back by teaching homeowners how to be “earth friendly” in the landscape techniques used to install and maintain landscaping as well as hardscaping. We plan to educate the public on ways to take care of the earth and still enjoy their outdoor living spaces!

Metro-GreenScape, Inc holds many awards including 2nd Best In Show and The Creative Art Award in the 2008 Southern Spring Home and Garden Show. We also hold the title of 2008 Mover & Shaker of Charlotte, Charlotte’s Best of 2008 Landscape Designer Award, and Third Place at the Southern Women’s Show exhibit. We do hold our NC General Contractor’s License, North Carolina Landscape Contractor’s License, Certified Plant Professional License, ICPI Certification, NCMA Certification, and plan to continue our education in the future.

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Member Profile: Susan Kent

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:01:00 +0000

Susan Kent - Archadeck of Charlotte
2311 Village Lake Drive ● Charlotte, NC 28212
(704) 944-1350 Office (704) 301-3377 Cell

skent@archadeckofcharlotte.com http://www.archadeckofcharlotte.com/
Archadeck of Charlotte is the largest deck and screen porch builder in the Carolina’s. Our showroom is located at the corner of Independence Blvd. and Village Lake Drive in Charlotte. Archadeck is a fully insured licensed General Contractor in North and South Carolina. We have been beautifying backyards in Charlotte for over 20 years. Archadeck has earned a reputation for building quality structures designed specifically for our customer’s homes. In our 20 years in business we have completed over 20,000 projects. In those 20 years our business has been recognized and awarded with every major award in remodeling both locally and nationally for quality and design. We have even won the “Ethics in Business” award 3 of the last 4 years. We are proud to say we are recommended by everyone from the BBB to the county Building Inspectors.

Archadeck of Charlotte offers a free no obligation in home consultation to all

PRODUCTS & SERVICES OFFERED:

●Custom Decks
●Paver Patios
●Pergolas / Arbors
●Outdoor Kitchens
●Screen Porches
●Outdoor Fireplaces
●Sun Rooms
●Awnings
●Room Additions
●Children’s Playsets
●Replacement Windows
●Cabot Wood Stain

Susan Kent along with her husband Eric, own and operate Archadeck of Charlotte. They are the largest of the 80 Archadeck franchises in the country. Archadeck is the largest deck builder in the USA as ranked by both Remodeling Magazine and Qualified Remodeler. Susan is a licensed General Contractor in both NC and SC. She has a college degree in Marketing from Ohio State University and is active in all aspects of the business. She is passionate about helping homeowner’s and businesses getting a quality project and enjoying the process!

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Member Profile: Tammy Copeland

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:36:00 +0000

Tammy Copeland
Two More Hands
13720 Summit Commons Blvd
Apt B
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 804-1761
tammy@twomorehandsnow.com
http://www.TwoMoreHandsNow.com
Two More Hands Overview

Two More Hands was created by Tammy Copeland. Tammy is a native of Southern NJ and is currently a resident of Charlotte, NC. With over 19 years of dedicated and diverse work experience in various industries such as hospitality, construction, retail, and sales, Tammy grew to understand the importance of time management along with creating efficiency in order to increase the quality of life and productivity in both the workplace and at home.

An entrepreneur at heart, Tammy wanted to start a business that had a profound impact on the lives of individuals. As a mother of 3, she has a talent for multi tasking, keen eye for detail, and her optimistic attitude, it’s no surprise she decided to open Two More Hands, a personal assistant / concierge service tailored to help busy individuals organize their life.

Two More Hands offers personalized services to meet the everyday needs of busy individuals helping them to maximize their time and increase their efficiency as a result of increasing their quality of life and becoming more productive in both their personal and professional environment.

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Member Profile: Gail Matre, Esq.

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:37:00 +0000

Gail Matre, Esq.
1701 First Baxter Crossing
Suite 201
Fort Mill, SC 29708
(704) 516-0902
matre@matrelawfirm.com

http://www.matrelawfirm.com/

Matre Law Firm

The Matre Law Firm is located in the beautiful Baxter Village area of Fort Mill South Carolina. We handle real estate transactions for individuals and families throughout Charlotte and Northeastern South Carolina.

Matre Law represents buyers and sellers in all types of commercial and residential real estate projects including:

-->Buying and selling real estate
-->Commercial and retail development
-->Contract and deed drafting, negotiation, and litigation
-->Income, estate, and gift tax ramifications
-->Insurance binders and title binders
-->Landlord tenant law and litigation
-->Lease and purchase options
-->Mortgages and wraparound mortgages
-->Preparing purchase agreements, deeds, and bills of sale
-->Real estate closings
-->Real estate disclosures
-->Real estate financing
-->Residential real estate transactions
-->Seller financing
-->Title examinations and title insurance
-->Zoning, land-use, permits and variances

Firm founder Gail P. Matre, Esquire has been an attorney in practice since 2000. She is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (BS Finance, 1993) and the University of South Carolina School of Law, (Juris Doctor, 2000). Ms. Matre focuses primarily on residential and commercial real estate closings and is an approved title agent for Chicago Title. Ms. Matre also has extensive experience in counseling on domestic matters and in drafting simple wills and health care directives.

Gail Matre is licensed in South Carolina and serves families and individuals throughout Charlotte and surrounding counties in North and South Carolina.

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Member Profile: Patrice Hawkins

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:58:00 +0000

My name is Patrice Arends Hawkins, a dynamic decorator who eagerly looks forward to helping area homeowners beautify their homes with top quality home furnishings products, and exceptional interior decorating services.

My background is quite varied. Born and raised in Aruba, I speak five languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, French, and Papiamento (the dialect of the Antilles). I moved to the United States in 1969, to complete my education, ultimately graduating from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland, where I met my husband. We are the proud parents of two adults. Before joining INTERIORS by Decorating Den in 2004, I retired after 25 yrs with Bank of America as a Vice President, and Tax Manager.

In 2006, I received the INTERIORS by Decorating Den Chairman’s Positive Thinker award for business leadership, and am a member of the INTERIORS by Decorating Den prestigious Century Society for Business Excellence. In May 2006, I was named to the INTERIORS by Decorating Den top forty franchisees. In the spring of 2007 my work was featured in Today’s Charlotte Homes, an upscale developer and real estate magazine. I was also featured in the April issue of Today’s Charlotte Women. Just recently I received a breaking records award at our 38th Annual Conference in Nashville, TN. In May 2008 I was elected by my peers to The Leadership Counsel, a group of 10 franchise owners, who represent the voice of the 500+ franchise owners in the U.S. as well as Canada.

When not busy helping clients beautify their surroundings, I wholeheartedly believe in giving back to my community. An active member of the Women’s Initiative Network (a Christian Organization for Working Women), ST. Matthew’s Women Guild, Business Networking (BNI group), Charlotte Catholic Women Group (CCWG) and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte (LACCC) as well as active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Junior Achievement.

I pride myself on providing first class service to my clients, while diligently working with them to achieve their design dreams. I enjoy helping my customers achieve that beautiful home of their dreams.

Please visit my website www.decdens.com/phawkins or email me at patricehawkins@decoratingden.com

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Member Profile: Kevin Carlisle

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:03:00 +0000

Perfect Image, Inc.

Perfect Image assists small- to mid-sized companies with their print communication needs. With our reputation for outstanding service, we’ve been helping our clients grow and succeed for over 27 years.

Taking a process approach to printing, we offer a broad array of print-related services including marketing consultation, creative graphic design, direct mail, and our on-line portal for access to all stored print materials. This holistic approach enables us to offer a ‘system’ of collateral that consistently presents and builds on your company’s branding efforts while offering easy and fast access.

Products offered span several categories:
- Office Stationery--—business cards, letterhead, envelopes, etc.
- Marketing & Sales Collateral—brochures, postcards, flyers, etc.
- Binders & Manuals—employee handbooks, training manuals, presentation binders, etc.
- Forms, Labels, Posters & More—all the other print items needed to help promote your business and build your brand.

We work to add value at every stage along the way so that your print materials can be as effective as possible in helping you grow and succeed. That’s our mission! Please check us out at http://www.perfectimageprint.com/.

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Member Profile: Meghan Wier

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:52:00 +0000

Meghan Wier

meg@meghanwier.com
http://www.meghanwier.com/

Writer Author Web Consultant

Business Blogging

Corporate/Business Blogging has become a popular tool to increase traffic to a corporate site, inform the public, connect with customers and share information in a casual and informative way about corporate news, policies, events and more. But keeping up on writing these blogs and making sure that they are linked properly is a lot of work—often sometimes the internal marketing staff or small business owner is unable to accommodate into their schedules.

I will work with your team to provide ongoing content writing on a blog platform which will demonstrate your authenticity and dedication to communicating with your prospects, clients or staff.

Business Blogging is an affordable and accessible way to reach your customers and get found on the search engines!

Professional Profile

A Generation X/Y professional with a knack for balancing work and fun. Strategic in thought and deed—a natural marketing communicator, community activist, writer and neo-web guru. Adept at melding technology and communications to deliver a message. Articulate. An innovator, lifelong learner and believer in the importance of managing your job like a business—always focusing on high-value activities and looking for a better way to measure success. An emerging leader-activist-change agent always looking for a new challenge.

Knowledge Base

Marketing plan development Ÿ Turnaround management Ÿ Special event logistics Ÿ Internet strategy Ÿ Search engine optimization Ÿ New business development Ÿ Social networking Ÿ Not-for-profit management Ÿ Business writing Ÿ Fundraising Ÿ Corporate blogging Ÿ Volunteerism Ÿ Public speaking

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

BNI Education

rich@richferretti.com (Rich Ferretti Charlotte NC) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:07:00 +0000

Good Monring BNI

Have a question? Post it here.

Look for a new post covering VCP and the time confidence curve.

Rich

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Free Smart Reader Seminar from the Charlotte Business Journal

rich@richferretti.com (Rich Ferretti Charlotte NC) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:28:00 +0000

Free Smart Reader Seminar from the Charlotte Business Journal

You’re Invited to the Charlotte Business Journal’s Free Smart Readers Seminar

Would you like to know how the Charlotte Business Journal can help with your business development and growth?

Let us show you how. The Charlotte Business Journal is offering you and your co-workers an opportunity to attend a FREE Smart Readers seminar. This is a great way to learn about the Charlotte Business Journal and how the content and information in the newspaper can help your business or career.

You will learn:

How to recognize sales leads within news stories and features.
How each section of the paper can help you grow your business.
How to generate leads and referrals.
Specific examples of how current companies and individuals use the Charlotte Business Journal and the Book of Lists.

Learn all this by spending as little as 30 minutes with the paper each week

Continental Breakfast and Free Parking is Provided.

Date: July 16th, 2008
Time: 8:30-9:30 AM (Networking starts at 8:00 am)
Location: Charlotte Business Journal, (1100 S. Tryon St. Suite 100)
Register: Online at http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte/event/4675

Seating is limited so you must register by 5pm, July 11th, 2008.

UPCOMING SEMINAR DATES:

Date: July 30th, 2008
Time: 8:30-9:30 AM (Networking starts at 8:00 am)
Location: Charlotte Business Journal, (1100 S. Tryon St. Suite 100)
Register: Online at http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte/event/4626

Seating is limited so you must register by 5pm, July 25th, 2008.

Date: August 14th, 2008
Time: 8:30-9:30 AM (Networking starts at 8:00 am)
Location: Charlotte Business Journal, (1100 S. Tryon St. Suite 100)
Register: Online at http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte/event/4731

Seating is limited so you must register by 5pm, August 8th, 2008.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE

Smart Reader Seminar
Charlotte Business Journal
1100 South Tryon St.
Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28203

704-973-1102 fax

FREE Charlotte Business Journal Daily Email Update: Sign up for the Charlotte Business Journal’s FREE Daily Email Update and get top local business news headlines each day. Keep yourself informed throughout the week by receiving this FREE email update that has been delivering local business news online for 7 years.
Sign up by clicking here: http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/account/modify_email_subs/

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every
Thursday at 7:15am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Making Introductions

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:31:00 +0000

Making introductions is an important part of the networking process, and one we sometimes forget. As we prepare for our BNI meeting each week, we might think about whether we can refer anyone in the group, or if there is a member whose business services we need--but we may overlook one of the simple, but vital aspects of networking.

About a year ago I got an email from a business contact of mine who thought I might benefit from a couple of her contacts. There was no direct referral for business, but rather an introduction to someone who themselves may be a good referral source, and with whom I had many commonalities.

The email was sent to us both, with an explanation of the reason for connection, short profiles and contact information. The rest was left to us to set up time to meet--and when we did, we had immediate rapport. That meeting generated three new clients for me in the following months.

The people you know may benefit from just knowing each other. Don't be afraid of connecting people with just an introduction. While an introduction is not a referral, an introduction may turn into something even more rewarding.

Meghan Wier
Author: Confessions of an Introvert: The Shy Girl's Guide to Career, Networking and Getting the Most Out of Life

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7:15 am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

Successful One-on-Ones: Dance Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:29:00 +0000

BNI (Business Network International) used to call the one-on-one meetings that were conducted between members "dance cards" -- And I still cling to this terminology, although I can see why it has evolved into the more easily understood "one-on-one". A dance card refers to an old tradition of filling up your card (calendar...) with names of people you will be dancing with (meeting)... (Now I know I have not explained this well... which is why the Internet provides us with Wikipedia, for a better description).

Dance cards -- one-on-ones, allow each member of the group to have a face-to-face meeting and get to know each other. The concept is simple: when you know a member better, you will better be able to refer business to them.

Recently I had a very good dance card and the woman I met with had her GAINS profile printed out so that she could go over this right at the meeting. This was both to her benefit, and to mine, and I was impressed that she had this available.

I have decided to adopt this as well--afterall, the reason for your one-on-one is to learn from each other and adopt high-value ideas! While all members of BNI should be introduced to the concept of GAINS, I had never typed mine up to go over during a one-on-one. (I tend to take the freestyle approach!)

To review GAINS:

G - Goal -- What are your business goals? What are your goals in BNI?
A - Accomplishments -- What are your qualifications; things that set you apart from the competition, (or are interesting talking points)?
I - Interests -- What do you like to do in your free time?
N - Networks -- What organizations, associations, boards, groups, do you belong to?
S - Skills -- What kind of training have you received? What are your particularly good at?

Now, there is no need to go through this word for word. Certainly these topics may flow through the course of general conversation. However, if things get of track, this can be a great reference to you. Not to mention that thinking in these terms will help you better focus on what you need and want from your BNI experience.

TIP OF THE DAY: When having your one-on-one, remember to ask:

"Who would be a good referral for you?

- Meghan Wier

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.

BNI Meeting Location Changed this week

noreply@blogger.com (Meghan Wier) — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:09:00 +0000

"NEW LOCATION FOR THIS WEEK ONLY" The next weekly BNI session will be held at the Sandler Training Center / Dunn Enterprises 13925 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Suite 125 Charlotte, NC 28277 Thursday, May 15th, from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Coffee and Donuts will be served. Visit the website at www.dunn.sandler.com

Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.