Business Testimonials

BNI referrals helped define our company

2008-04-13T16:08:00.002-07:00

Bottom line: My friend Dianne Kelley became the sponsor or my company for membership in BNI Northwest, and my company made the commitment to have me show up for weekly networking meetings. Within one year our business doubled. It wasn't all at once, but it happened--all during our first year in BNI...Sure, I got lots of small referrals for our smallest products, but there were three key referrals that defined our company, and they all came from BNI....During the years leading up to that point, I had been researching marketing concepts for small businesses, including telemarketing, but I'm so glad w decided on networking through BNI instead. I can't think of a better place to grow our small business than BNI, and I'm so happy to be a part of it.
--Michael Liskow, D'Menton Systems, LLC

Invaluable referrals, training, friendship & support

2008-04-13T16:05:00.003-07:00

I joined BNI Northwest as a fledgling business person with a fledgling business and received my first referral before I was even an official member! I have continued to receive invaluable referrals, training, friendship and support from everyone in the group. I can't imagine ever needing another networking group!
--Margie Waterbrook, Clear Content Editorial Services

A weekly opportunity to build your business

2008-04-13T16:01:00.003-07:00

BNI Northwest provides a weekly opportunity to build your business. All you have to do is show up, share information about your business with those you meet,and set up opportunities to teach them how to be effective salespeople for you. Since joining BNI in August of 2007, I have personally seen my business grow both from a combination of professional referrals from other BNI members as well as members themselves who have become clients.
--Chris Litten, Body Basics Health & Fitness, Inc.

BNI put our small business on the map!

2008-04-12T15:11:00.002-07:00

The Givers Gain philosophy, meeting structure and overall energy are all reasons why I joined BNI Northwest in May of '07. You can see with 60+ people on your sales team all working together just how quickly your business can grown. In Oct. '07 we were very fortunate to be chosen for the "Givers Gain" project. This incredible project brought our members together to brainstorm ideas to market and promote the Sonoran Bed and Breakfast. By the end of the year our business had increased steadily, and 33% of our sales were from BNI. As we advance into '08, we are seeing more and more 2nd generation referrals. BNI testimonials have put our small business on the map. I look forward to our weekly meetings and am so grateful to be a part of BNI.
--Mary Gibson, Sonoran Bed and Breakfast

More business than I could have imagined!

2008-04-12T15:07:00.002-07:00

BNI Northwest has really helped provide me with more business than I ever could have imagined. I love BNI and signed on for two years as soon as I could.
--Laurence Bonfoey, Casa Buena Fe Dance Studio

A vital part of my marketing campaign

2008-04-11T18:38:00.003-07:00

I joined BNI Northwest in June of '07. In the 7 months after that, 18% of my company's income came from BNI. In the first quarter of 2008, 48% of my revenue has been from BNI. And I get more from BNI than just income. I have also made wonderful, helpful and strategic alliances with other business owners that have been critical to my business's success. It is a vital part of my marketing campaign, and the meetings are a special part of my week.
--Rachel Gioannini, Casa Serena Landscape Designs, LLC

A friend in need...

2008-04-11T18:33:00.002-07:00

I moved to Tucson to provide companionship for my elderly aunt and was not able during that time to build up clientele for my reflexology practice. I had been in BNI Northwest barely 6 weeks when Dr. Darl Shipley stood up at a meeting and invited me to join his chiropractic practice. Through Dr. Shipley and BNI I have developed many wonderful friend, clients, and referrals and am now in business on my own. --Benita Babeckis, Tranzformations Healing Arts

One of the best business decisions I ever made!

2008-04-11T15:07:00.002-07:00

Since joining BNI Northwest in May 2007, my business has increased 20%! The level of professionalism is superb, and the Member Support Program training really works--even in organizations outside of BNI. The way the members care for each other is tangible and real, and I have found new friendships which will last a lifetime. I wasn't looking for an organization like BNI, but joining has been on of the best business decisions I ever made!
--Sue Zepeda, Within Reach Organizing Solutions

BNI made me feel at home in Tucson

2008-04-11T15:00:00.002-07:00

BNI Northwest was a life-saver for me. When I first arrived in Tucson, I didn't know anyone, but as soon as I joined BNI I was surrounded by 60+ wonderful friends, salespeople, and clients. --Dr. Peggy Hyde, P. Hyde & Associates, NGH Certified Hypnotherapist

Couldn't have done it without BNI!

2008-04-10T22:41:00.002-07:00

I was invited to a BNI meeting by a friend and business associate with whom I'd been doing a lot of networking. I was already involved in another networking group and reluctantly agreed to the 7 a.m. breakfast meeting. That was in August of 2000. Now, almost 8 years later, BNI is my main networking activity and resulted in about 30% of revenues in 2007. Having started my own company from scratch in 2005, I know my new company could not possibly be where it is today without BNI. --Diane Kelley, Benefits Consultant, Sandbrook Benefits Group

Testimonial for Pat Taviss Consulting

2008-01-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

My world was spinning out of control. No matter how much I tried to organize myself, all I did was generate more sticky notes and stacks of paper. I couldn’t keep up this juggling act…….

Enter - Pat Taviss Consulting with a Time Management Seminar! Pat’s three hour seminar was time and money well spent. In a congenial and informal atmosphere, Pat challenged the participants to look our procrastination and organizational habits straight in the eye. We engaged in a lively and productive “therapy session” which brought laughter as well as insight into our personal values, commitments, and goals. It was so helpful and cathartic to share our feelings about time with each other. With Pat’s guidance we were able to meld our individual issues into working strategies for ourselves.

My sticky notes are tucked away in a top drawer….I now make a prioritized list of each day’s tasks and am able to actually execute them in a timely fashion. What a relief to stop the spinning. I’m back in control – my favorite place to be! Thank you, Pat.

Susan Fulton
Desert Penguin Custom Framing

Testimonial for the Sonoran Bed & Breakfast

2007-08-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

Testimonial for the Sonoran Bed & Breakfast
By Pat Taviss, July 2007
"For a great getaway that's not too far away come stay at the Sonoran Bed and Breakfast....."

If you are looking for an occasion for a romantic dinner for two, then you definitely want to take the short trip to just north of the mile 100 marker on Oracle and spend an evening at the Sonoran Bed and Breakfast.

When I planned the evening, Mary told me that this is not like ordering at a traditional restaurant. I need to provide her with an idea of what we would like to eat. So, I selected some of our favorite food including Caesar salad, butternut squash soup, rack of lamb, and of course anything chocolate for dessert.

Warmly greeted by our gracious and talented hosts Mary & Michel Gibson for a private dinner for two, my husband and I had no idea what a wonderful evening awaited us. Despite the monsoon rain, a double rainbow was soon to present itself – just adding to the romance of the evening.

We started our meal with a major decision, which of the selection of wines paired to the planned dinner would meet with our approval. The bread, freshly baked, and aromatic also paired to the entrée to follow was amazing. The classic Caesar Salad included generous croutons, slices of parmesan cheese and a light dressing. The butternut squash soup was definitely one of the best Michael and I have had. The addition of pepitos added pep and crunch to the experience. The wee surprise of the evening was a cantaloupe and mint sorbet, to cleanse the palate before the entrée. The rack of lamb, done to perfection according to our preference, shared the plate with glistening baby veggies, garlic mashed potatoes and of course a garnish of rosemary. Sprigs of rosemary also adorned the centerpiece created just for us.

If that was not enough, the individual truffle cakes with fresh raspberries were the crowning glory to our meal. We wisely decided to split one and take the other home to enjoy later in the week. We both look forward to future opportunities to dine with our new friends at the romantic getaway that is not too far away…

Taviss Menu for Two

Rosemary and Kalamata Olive artisan bread with olive oil, cracked black pepper, and balsamic vinegar
Caesar Salad
Butternut Squash Soup with Crème Fraise and pepitos
Cantaloupe and Mint Sorbet

Entrée
Rack of Lamb with a Shiraz Cranberry Butter Sauce
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Sautee Baby Vegetables

Dessert
Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cake

Testimonial for Darl Shipley-The Back Alley

2007-07-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hello All, I have been meaning to write this for several weeks and I can't let any more time go by without sharing my latest experience with Dr. Darl.
I was watching television on a Sunday night and dozing at the same time. I feel deeply asleep and woke up when my head snapped back and then forward with a frightening violence. I actually heard it as I woke up. I got up and got myself ready for bed and didn't think any more about it. During the night I was aware that I felt headachy and queasy but just kept going back to sleep. In the morning I could tell I was getting a migraine. I thought if I went for a nice relaxing walk that might help, but during the walk i had the sensation that I was walking on uneven ground and that my right shoulder was several inches lower than my left side. By the time I got home I had developed a full blown migraine. Those of you who have had one know what I mean when I say I was having sensory distortions and tremendous nausea, not to mention the pain in my head itself. If this have never happened to you, take my word that it is one of the most debilitating feelings you can ever have and the nausea can be overwhelming.
I managed to get myself to Darl's office which luckily for me is only a few minutes away. He took one look at me and knew that I was in trouble. I was pretty tightened up by this time but he was able to put all my unaligned vertebrae back in place (more or less). Then he sent me home to take ibuprofen and go to sleep. I think I had actually had a mini-whiplash the night before. He said some of my vertebrae were pushed out of line by at least a half inch or more. That is a scary thought.
I went home and slept for an hour. When I woke up I bounced out of bed and felt fine, just a bit sore. I consider this to be a miracle performed by Darl. I am so blessed to have him in my life.

Susan Fulton-Desert Penguin

Welcome BNI

2007-07-03T10:55:00.001-07:00

Welcome BNI. It is my pleasure to present to you your Blog for business testimonials.

Michael Liskow
D'Mention Systems, LLC