A1 Networkers Times
The monthly newsletter of BNI A1 Networkers · Givers Gain®
Fireworks, Monsoon Storms and Steady Referrals
This month we spotlight Affordable Windows Plus Exteriors, share Fourth of July and monsoon tips for the West Valley, and look at what BNI Arizona offers members.
July in the West Valley means fireworks, the hottest stretch of the year and the first real monsoon storms rolling in over the White Tanks. It is also the start of the second half of the year, which makes it a good time to look at your goals with fresh eyes.
Independence Day is a good reminder of something every small business owner knows: you built what you have through your own hard work. But nobody grows alone. The people in our chapter want to see you succeed, and the best way to get more of that support is to give it first. That is Givers Gain® in a nutshell.
Member spotlight
Affordable Windows Plus Exteriors
This month we are shining the spotlight on Rudy Pacheco of Affordable Windows Plus Exteriors, who holds the windows and doors seat in our chapter.
Affordable Windows Plus Exteriors helps Arizona homeowners replace windows and patio doors. The company's windows and doors are custom built for each home and designed for hot Arizona weather, with options like different exterior frame colors, grid patterns and privacy glass. The team offers free in-home estimates, helps customers choose styles that fit their home, and uses factory-trained installation crews.
There is no better month than July to think about windows. When it is 110 degrees outside, old, drafty or single-pane windows let heat pour into a home and make the air conditioner work much harder. Great referrals for Rudy include:
- Homeowners who say certain rooms never cool down in summer
- Anyone with old aluminum-frame or single-pane windows
- People whose windows are foggy between the panes, hard to open or letting in dust
- Homeowners thinking about replacing a sliding patio door
- Real estate agents and investors updating a home before listing or renting it
If you know someone who is tired of fighting the heat coming through their windows, connect them with Rudy.
Seasonal tips for the West Valley
At home
- Celebrate the Fourth safely. Fireworks rules differ from city to city, so check your city's rules before you light anything. Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby, and never let kids handle fireworks on their own.
- Watch your pets. Fireworks scare a lot of dogs. Keep them inside with the TV or radio on, and make sure their tags and microchip information are up to date.
- Prepare for monsoon storms. Trim dead branches, clear gutters and roof drains, and bring in or tie down anything the wind could pick up.
- Never drive into a flooded wash. It only takes a little moving water to sweep a car away. Turn around and find another route.
- Keep a storm kit handy. Flashlights, batteries, a charged power bank and water can make a power outage a lot less stressful.
- Check for leaks after storms. Look at ceilings, window frames and door thresholds after a heavy rain so small leaks do not become big repairs.
For your business
- Plan around the holiday. The Fourth falls on a Saturday this year, so many offices will observe it on Friday, July 3. Let customers know your hours ahead of time.
- Set your second-half goals. Look at what worked in the first six months and pick one or two things to focus on through December.
- Back up your data. Monsoon storms can knock out power without warning. Make sure important files are backed up somewhere other than the computer on your desk.
- Keep crews safe in the heat. Start outdoor work early, provide shade and plenty of water, and keep an eye on each other.
Networking tip of the month: be a great host
Every visitor who walks through our door is deciding whether this is a room they want to be part of. You do not have to be an official Visitor Host to make them feel welcome. Introduce yourself, ask what they do and who their ideal client is, and if you know someone who might be a good contact for them, say so. Then follow up after the meeting. A short note or a quick call tells a visitor that this group really does look out for each other.
BNI news: referrals start with relationships
A core idea in BNI is that referrals are not just about who you know. They come from relationships where people know you, like you and trust you. That trust takes time, and it grows through small things: showing up on time, keeping your word, and taking an interest in other members' businesses. When you focus on the relationship first, referrals tend to follow.
Happening at BNI Arizona
BNI Arizona keeps a full calendar of training and networking for members and visitors throughout the year. Regular offerings include:
- Member Success Program sessions to help members get the most from BNI
- 1st Year Member Essentials for newer members
- Open Business Days at chapters across the Valley, a great way to see how other chapters run
- BNI Tech Talks and National Speed Networking sessions
See current dates, times and registration on the BNI Arizona event calendar.
In our chapter
- Book a one-to-one. Summer is a great time to sit down with a member you do not know well yet.
- Invite a visitor. Think about who you already do business with. A trusted vendor or partner may be a great fit for an open seat.
- Thank your Visitor Hosts. They are often the first face a guest sees. Let them know you appreciate the work they do to welcome people.
Bring a guest
Visitors are always welcome. If you know a business owner who wants more referrals, bring them along. We meet every Thursday at 7:00 AM at Brothers Family Restaurant, 8466 W. Peoria Avenue in Peoria. Plan a visit.
Happy Fourth of July from all of us at BNI A1 Networkers!