Support Structure for Success (My BNI Story):

My name is Annetha Kruger, I am 31 years old and the owner of Ameliorate Self-Development. 5years ago (I was about 25years old), I was a new mommy just starting back in the job market after my baby was born. I worked as a PA for a financial planner, Mr. Rossouw Van Der Spuy.

Rossouw asked me to substitute for him at his next BNI meeting. I was not even completely sure of what BNI was, but I agreed without hesitation. Turns out BNI is the biggest networking, referral group in the world. Let’s just say my first 30 second pitch at BNI, did not go so well, I was nervous, flustered and shy. Mainly because deep down I knew two big things. One was that I was considerably poor, skinny and unsuccessful in life and two was that I really wanted what everyone in BNI has.

Soon thereafter, even though I had little knowledge about business or networking, Rossouw asked me to Substitute and man a stall at a BNI golf day. I remember feeling overwhelmed by how much respect every single member was treating me with. My insecurity and youth seemed to be no obstacle for any member, they just accepted me.

By my 3rd time substituting for Rossouw, I had the privilege of meeting our regions Executive Director Karin Metz. I remember telling Karin that one day I will own a business and become a BNI member. It became my dream and goal. I subbed for other BNI members and attended BNI events as much as I could. That’s why another employer of mine was also a BNI member & Financial Planner, Mr. Marcel Wasserman.

I am an official member of BNI (for my own business- Ameliorate Self-Development) for almost 2years now and have served in leadership roles of my chapter. Serving on the leadership team, building relationships with BNI members by having 1-2-1’s, offered me not only referrals, but also grew me, my business systems, processes and strategies. I apply BNI principles everywhere I go.

Even during the worst times in my life, real rough traumas that should have broken me and my business, I was not lost or hopeless, because I am a BNI member. I would simply pick up my phone and call out to my BNI network for solutions. I have lawyers, psychologists and countless other professionals right at my side that I could reach out to.

To a large degree, for me BNI is not just my network, BNI is my support structure, BNI is like my family. We are a networking group that builds each other and builds our communities. Besides, as most business owners know there are days when you want to give up. But every time when things get difficult and I am thinking about giving up, someone reminds me, that I am not in business or in BNI just for myself, I am there because someone else needs me… and yes, the referrals is great and leads to business success.

My message today is this, nobody can be successful alone. Make sure you have a great support structure and BNI is without a doubt the best way to have one.

As Always, Keep Improving

The Ameliorate Team

#networking; #myBNIstory; #Supportstructure; #refferals; #whyBNI