It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to the first e-edition of BNI's SUCCESSNET, South Africa. To all South African BNI members, welcome to the organisation.

BNI is now a truly global organisation with Chapters operating in 16 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and of course, right here in Africa. We have plans to launch BNI in several other countries during the year 2003/04. Currently meetings are being held in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Hebrew. Being part of BNI is truly being part of a substantial worldwide network!. Currently we have over 3050 Chapters with about 60 000 members world wide. Success in BNI does not happen by chance or luck. It is about working a proven system and committing yourself to the success of your chapter and fellow members.

I would encourage you to all focus on these three things:
1. Embrace the “givers gain” philosophy. You need to give people referrals in order to receive referrals.
2. Remember good networking is more about farming than it is about hunting. Sound business relationships are developed over time.
3. Each Chapter needs to be built on a solid foundation of trust and professionalism. Remain focused in bringing in qualified business professionals into your group.

Thank you for being a part of BNI team in 2003. I am confident that you will be well pleased with your decision to join. Please accept my best wishes for a rewarding and profitable 2004.

BNI passed over 2.8 million referrals, resulting in more than $1.2 billion U.S. Dollars' worth of business for our members in 2003.