BNI Northern Networking Neighbors

BNI Northern Networking Neighbors BNI Northern Networking Neighbors | We help West Michigan businesses grow through weekly referrals, trust, and accountability.

Join us to build relationships, sharpen your pitch, and generate qualified leads.

What Is the MSP and Why Is It Important?The MSP, or Member Success Program, is an important part of your BNI journey. It...
09/04/2026

What Is the MSP and Why Is It Important?
The MSP, or Member Success Program, is an important part of your BNI journey. It helps you understand how BNI works and gives you the tools to build strong relationships with other members.

Through the MSP, you can learn how to:
➡️ Use BNI’s referral system
➡️ Give effective weekly introductions
➡️ Build trust with fellow members
➡️ Create quality referrals
➡️ Track your business goals
➡️ Make the most of your BNI membership

Completing the MSP also helps you get on the rotation to present about your business. Your presentation gives members a better understanding of what you do, who you help, and what referrals are a good fit for you.

The more your BNI members understand your business, the easier it is for them to recognize opportunities and refer people to you.

Congratulations to our newest MSP completion members, Freshta Tori Jan and Andrew Kushel! They have completed this important step and will soon have the opportunity to present their businesses to the group.

Stay tuned to see Freshta’s and Andrew’s presentations on YouTube!

This morning, Matt Watson was our 10-minute speaker. Matt owns UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Grand Rapids, a loca...
09/03/2026

This morning, Matt Watson was our 10-minute speaker. Matt owns UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Grand Rapids, a locally owned company that makes moving, storing, renovating, and staging much easier.

Here are five things that make UNITS great:

1. Smart container delivery
Their ROBO-UNIT® system can place storage containers in tight spaces while allowing for level loading and unloading.

2. Flexible packing timelines
You pack at your own pace, without the pressure of a moving truck schedule.

3. Convenient on-site storage
Keep the container at your home, business, or project site for easy access.

4. Clean, secure storage options
UNITS offers weatherproof containers and climate-controlled warehouse storage for both short-term and long-term needs.

5. Local service with long-distance capability
Their local team provides personal customer care, while their nationwide facilities help support moves of any distance.

UNITS works with:
🏠 Residential customers
🛠️ Restoration companies
🔨 Renovation contractors
🏡 Real estate professionals
🍽️ Restaurants and hospitality businesses
🎨 Interior designers
🚚 Moving companies
🏫 Schools
⛪ Churches

Whether you are moving, remodeling, staging a property, or simply need more space, UNITS offers a clean, safe, and convenient solution.

Watch Matt's presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE04hEmP43Q

Learn more about UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Grand Rapids (link in the comments).

Meet Ryan Leonard!Ryan is a New York Life insurance agent and registered representative serving clients in the Grand Rap...
08/27/2026

Meet Ryan Leonard!

Ryan is a New York Life insurance agent and registered representative serving clients in the Grand Rapids area.

His approach is simple: relationships first, solutions second. Ryan takes time to understand each client’s goals, concerns, and long-term plans before helping them explore their options.

Ryan works with:
• Individuals and families
• People preparing for retirement
• Retirees seeking more predictable income
• Business owners
• Families planning for life insurance needs
• Businesses considering key-person insurance
• Business owners reviewing buy-sell agreements
• People planning for long-term care and unexpected expenses

One topic Ryan often discusses is the balance between market-based assets and non-market correlated assets.

Market-based assets may include:
• 401(k) and 403(b) plans
• IRAs
• Brokerage accounts
• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
• Other growth-focused investments

Non-market correlated assets may include:
• Whole life insurance cash value
• Fixed deferred annuities
• Income annuities
• Other cash value life insurance options

The goal is not to replace market-based investments. Instead, Ryan helps clients explore how different types of assets may work together to:
• Reduce reliance on the stock market
• Create additional income options
• Provide more flexibility during market downturns
• Help prepare for unexpected expenses
• Add guarantees and liquidity to a financial plan
• Build multiple sources of retirement income

Ryan believes every client needs a plan built around their own situation. Whether someone is five to ten years from retirement, concerned about market volatility, or unsure how to prepare for future expenses, Ryan is ready to start the conversation.

Watch his presentation now: https://youtu.be/_RvwWK5-dP8?si=q3r7K72OqRxlSjtD

Our next featured speaker is Ryan Leonard with New York Life!Ryan helps individuals, families, and business owners build...
08/25/2026

Our next featured speaker is Ryan Leonard with New York Life!

Ryan helps individuals, families, and business owners build a stronger financial future. Whether someone needs life insurance, retirement planning guidance, or help protecting the people and goals that matter most, Ryan is a great person to know.

If you have a friend, family member, or client who has been putting off their financial planning, make an introduction to Ryan.

Learn more about Ryan using the links in the comments

JULY AWARDS!Please join us in congratulating our July award winners!💬 Most Referrals Given = Freshta Tori Jan💰 TYFCB (Th...
08/21/2026

JULY AWARDS!

Please join us in congratulating our July award winners!

💬 Most Referrals Given = Freshta Tori Jan
💰 TYFCB (Thank You For Closed Business) = Steven Speckman
⭐ Outstanding Performance = Zack Foster

Are you looking to grow your business? Why not join multiple other business owners who are all about helping each other reach their goals?

👏 Big applause for our award winners!

Do you want to be a 2026 award winner? Visit us, become a member, and receive your awards.

We had a great time connecting with visitors this past Tuesday at Peppino's Downtown Grand Rapids.Events like this give ...
08/20/2026

We had a great time connecting with visitors this past Tuesday at Peppino's Downtown Grand Rapids.

Events like this give us a chance to meet local business owners, community members, and professionals face-to-face. We enjoyed sharing what we do, learning about the people and businesses that make Grand Rapids such a great place to work, and building new local connections.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, said hello, and spent time with us. We look forward to staying connected and supporting the Grand Rapids community.

If you are looking to connect with others, we would love to meet you at our weekly networking meetings, Thursday mornings at Complete Health Dentistry.

💬 Send us a message to start a conversation.

Final call: Our BNI visitor event is tomorrow.If you are a Grand Rapids business owner who wants more than random networ...
08/17/2026

Final call: Our BNI visitor event is tomorrow.

If you are a Grand Rapids business owner who wants more than random networking, come meet BNI Northern Networking Neighbors tomorrow night.

We are a group of local professionals who build trust, look for referral opportunities, and help one another grow. Our chapter already includes experts in electrical, roofing, real estate, tax and accounting, insurance, IT and cybersecurity, moving, and dentistry.

We still have room for the right professionals in these categories:

Financial Advisor, Painter, Plumber, Cleaning Company, Restoration Company, Builder, Remodeler, Videographer, Attorney, Car Detailer, and more.

BNI is built on Accountability. Members show up, build relationships over time, and actively look for ways to help fellow members succeed.

📅 Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18
🕔 5:00 to 7:00 PM
📍 Peppino’s Downtown, 130 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids

Come see who is in the room. Make a few meaningful connections. If you enjoy the event, you are welcome to visit our regular Thursday morning meeting on August 20.

Register now:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bni-nnn-august-visitor-event-tickets-1997047424606?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Questions? Send us a Facebook message. Know a great local business owner? Tag them or share this post.

The best business owners keep learning, improving, and finding better ways to serve their clients.BNI offers more than i...
08/14/2026

The best business owners keep learning, improving, and finding better ways to serve their clients.

BNI offers more than introductions. It gives local professionals a place to practice talking about their business, learn how to identify a great referral, and build relationships that can lead to long-term growth.

At BNI Northern Networking Neighbors, members support businesses across Grand Rapids, from roofing and electrical work to real estate, insurance, accounting, IT, moving, and health care.

We are looking to add more great professionals to our referral network, especially:

→ Financial advisors
→ Painters
→ Plumbers
→ Cleaning companies
→ Restoration companies
→ Builders and remodelers
→ Videographers
→ Attorneys
→ Car detailers

If you are looking for a better way to meet local business owners and earn referrals through trust, join us for our upcoming visitor event.

📍 Peppino’s Downtown
📅 Tuesday, August 18
🕔 5:00 to 7:00 PM

All visitors are invited to join us again for our regular BNI meeting on Thursday, August 20, at 7:00 AM.

Reserve your spot here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bni-nnn-august-visitor-event-tickets-1997047424606?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post.

El Diana with DiverseTek LLC - Tech Support & Cybersecurity just crossed the Passport to Success finish line!This milest...
08/14/2026

El Diana with DiverseTek LLC - Tech Support & Cybersecurity just crossed the Passport to Success finish line!

This milestone helps BNI members get to know their chapter, build stronger connections, and create more referral opportunities. If you're a small business owner, visit a Northern Networking Neighbors meeting and see what the buzz is about.

Could your business category be the next one to join us?

A lawn can make a business look welcoming before anyone walks through the door, and Alex Gonzalez knows the assignment.A...
08/13/2026

A lawn can make a business look welcoming before anyone walks through the door, and Alex Gonzalez knows the assignment.

As the owner of Gonzalez Lawn Impressions , Alex spoke with us and toured Complete Health Dentistry, showing the landscaping work he recently completed. The updated design gives the property a cleaner, more polished look and helps the building stand out for the right reasons. The changes also provide better pest and water control.

Alex helps homeowners and businesses with lawn care, landscaping, and snow plowing. Watch his presentation video (link in the comments) to see what he changed at Complete Health Dentistry and why the results caught our attention.

Address

901 Michigan Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI
49503

Telephone

+12489318387

Website

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