Dear  <<First Name>>

Welcome to the September 2015 edition of your BNI Australia Newsletter. Only three more editions to go before this calendar year is over. Only 14 more weeks to Christmas… wow!

For many of us as business owners, senior managers and employees, this is a time when we might start to feel a little worn out by the busy year so far. We might even be at risk to let things slide a bit – because our motivation is flagging, … the Christmas break is so very near. After all, it’s been quite a year already!

If that’s you, rest assured, you’re not alone.

This month let’s look at how we can keep our motivation up, re-energise ourselves, deepen connections and feel part of our global BNI community – because our goal is to support each other. 

How To Happily Eat An Elephant

Overwhelm, low self-esteem, lack of motivation: this is a somewhat vicious cycle all of us have been caught up in at one time or another. Whether you’re running a tiny business or lead a global empire – nobody is immune.

So, how can we dig ourselves out of the slump and back into positivity and motivation?

In this short & sharp Entrepreneur Magazine article by Dr Ivan Misner – Lacking Motivation? Follow These Steps to Get Back on Track – you’ll find out how you can give yourself a long-lasting, friendly kick up the bum by taking some small, positive and easy steps.

Ask, Listen, Support … Motivation Through Giving

Part of getting and staying motivated is to feel that we are achieving something; that our efforts take us towards a “win” or other positive outcome. Interestingly, this achievement does not have to be directly linked to ourselves: it does not have to be benefitting us.

In her article Develop Your Networking Relationships, networking strategist Hazel Walker reminds us that asking five simple questions of your networking partners will make your networking easier, build stronger bonds, and create trust and support for each each other.

Queen of Networking Reveals Secret To Success

There are few people more renowned for building a global network than Hazel Walker. Known for her straight talk, Hazel is a globally sought-after speaker and BNI Executive Director. Developing and cultivating business relationships comes as second nature to her – and has earned her the title of "Queen of Networking".  

In this podcast by Glenn Kirkwood, aka “The Referral Guy”, Hazel shares how from a humble start she has become the international success she is today – and how we can apply the lessons she learned to our own businesses.

It’s the Mindset That Sets You Apart

Highly experienced business coach Roland Hanekroot is a mentor and business adviser for small business owners worldwide, the author of the free The Ten Truths audio- and e-books for business owners – and someone who wears BNI pyjamas, apparently. Ok, perhaps he does not go that far. But after almost 9 years as a BNI and Leadership Team Member, we might want to consider getting him a pair!

So Roland knows a thing or two about business and about networking. In his article I’ve never sold anything at any business networking event he explains the importance of mindset to be successful, and why he chose BNI over other forms of networking. No-one goes to networking to buy – so if you are going to sell, you’ll be sorely disappointed.

Malta – The Place To Be This November

You might know that tiny European country of Malta has been appointed to host the 53 representatives of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in late November this year. Even HM Queen Elizabeth will attend.

What you might not know is, though, that BNI Malta has a close relationship with the Maltese Government – and we were approached by the British High Commission to see how we could lend a hand with the business forum that runs alongside the main gathering of Presidents and Prime Ministers.

Watch this short video by Ivan Misner to find out about the huge benefits BNI members and may reap from attending the Commonwealth Business Forum and new Women's Forum. 

Do you feel a seasonal slump in your motivation? How do you overcome overwhelm and low energy in business? What is, for you, the most important and effective way to handle difficult times in business? Share your thoughts and ideas with us – email social.media@bni.com.au for a chance to see your comments on our Facebook page or blog.

Warmest regards,

Frederick Marcoux
National Director BNI Australia