A1 Networkers Times
The monthly newsletter of BNI A1 Networkers · Givers Gain®
Cooler Mornings, Cyber Safety and Fall Momentum
This month we spotlight Acey Systems, share fall tips for West Valley homes and businesses, and look at a new BNI Global idea about building a network that refers you.
We made it. October is the month West Valley residents wait for all summer. The mornings finally cool off, the windows can open again and patios fill back up. Fall festivals, Halloween and the start of the holiday season are just around the corner.
It is also one of the best months of the year for business. People are back from summer travel, ready to start projects before the holidays, and planning for the new year. If you have been waiting for the right time to step up your networking, this is it.
Member spotlight
Acey Systems
This month we are shining the spotlight on Ben LeMere of Acey Systems, who holds the IT consulting seat in our chapter and also serves on our Membership Committee, helping welcome new members and keeping our chapter strong.
Acey Systems provides IT services for businesses, including office network setup, computer support and security. For a small business, that kind of help means the computers, Wi-Fi and systems you rely on every day just work, and you have someone to call when they do not.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which makes it a perfect time to talk about Ben's work. Small businesses are frequent targets for phishing emails, scams and ransomware, and many do not have anyone watching out for them. Great referrals for Ben include:
- Small offices that do not have an IT person and rely on whoever is "good with computers"
- Businesses moving into a new space and needing a network set up
- Owners who are worried about security, backups or a recent scam email
- Offices with slow computers, spotty Wi-Fi or recurring tech problems
- Growing businesses that are adding staff and equipment
If you know a business owner who is frustrated with their technology, connect them with Ben.
Seasonal tips for the West Valley
At home
- Test your heat early. Run your heater or heat pump on the first cool morning. A brief dusty smell is normal. Strange noises or no heat means it is time for a checkup.
- Get the yard ready for fall. October is a popular time to overseed lawns, plant winter vegetables and refresh flower beds now that the heat has broken.
- Have a safe Halloween. Halloween is Saturday, October 31. Use flashlights or glow sticks, check treats before kids dig in and drive slowly through neighborhoods that evening.
- Protect your devices at home. Update your phones and computers, use strong passwords and turn on two-step sign-in for email and banking.
- Enjoy fall events. Fairs, festivals and pumpkin patches pop up around the Valley this time of year. Get out and enjoy the weather.
For your business
- Review your benefits. For many businesses and families, fall is open enrollment season for health insurance and benefits. Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. Now is a good time to talk with your insurance agent.
- Do a cybersecurity check. Make sure software is up to date, backups are working and staff know how to spot a phishing email.
- Prepare for the holiday rush. Plan your staffing, inventory and marketing for November and December now.
- Lock in year-end projects. Customers who want work done before the holidays are deciding now. Reach out and get on their calendars.
Networking tip of the month: follow up within two days
When you meet someone new, whether it is a visitor at our chapter or a contact at a fall event, follow up within a day or two. Mention something specific you talked about, and if you promised an introduction or a resource, send it right away. Quick, thoughtful follow-up tells people you are reliable, and reliable people are the ones who get referred.
BNI news: build a network that refers you
BNI Global's blog recently laid out how referral relationships develop. First you build a real relationship. Then you help the other person understand what you do, simply enough that they can repeat it. Next you give them a reason to want to help you, through appreciation and consistent contact. Only then do you ask for referrals. The article also makes a useful point: if referrals are not coming in, it is often because people do not fully understand your business or do not yet trust you enough. Both can be fixed with time and clear communication.
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. Use the cooler weather to meet a fellow member for coffee or a walk.
- Invite a visitor. Fall is a great time to bring a business owner who wants to grow before the end of the year.
- Check your contact sphere. Think about which members serve the same clients you do and look for ways to work together this season.
- Thank our Membership Committee. They help find and welcome great new members. Let them know you appreciate it.
Bring a guest
Visitors are always welcome, and there is no better time to invite someone than when the weather is this nice. We meet every Thursday at 7:00 AM at Brothers Family Restaurant, 8466 W. Peoria Avenue in Peoria. Plan a visit.
Happy fall, and happy Halloween from all of us at BNI A1 Networkers!