BNI Conejo Valley

09/20/2019

Today we ushered in the NEW ownership of BNI Ventura County...Ray Gonzales training the 2019-2020 BNI chapter leaders! What a great job he did and will do! Exciting!

07/03/2019

Another benefit of BNI - relationships! Connecting with other human beings on a daily basis is a major contributor to our wellbeing.

Human beings are hardwired for connection and social interaction. Isolation isn't sustainable. Here's an exclusive look at the special mental health challenges of the busy entrepreneur.

02/19/2019

We were honored to have Linda McCarthy, Executive Director for the BNI-Ventura County Region speak with us on February 6, 2019. Linda shared her theme for 2019 with us - "All In!" What are we committing to? We're committing to growing our businesses and BNI as a marketing arm of our businesses! BNI provides the proven program to help us grow. This kicked off a great discussion.

One of the keys strategies is to help chapter members expand their contact spheres within their chapter by recruiting new members with related, but noncompeting professions. For example, a mortgage broker, real estate agent and insurance agent can serve the same client in different ways.

02/01/2019

David Schwamb, Prudential Adviser, gave an interesting talk on January 30, 2019. His title was Life Insurance from Womb to Tomb! You might think in terms of people, but David was thinking about everything that has to happen for a life insurance policy to be born and issued, i.e., tomb! It's amazing how much behind the scenes effort takes place in the middle. In all, there are 31 steps that start with David meeting with a potential client to explore wants, needs, life situation, and goals. Examples of steps the lay person is unaware of include things like an independent internal review by Prudential to ensure the proposed policy is appropriate for the person and coaching by David to help a person prepare for a health-related interview. Way to go, David!

01/28/2019

Byron Perry, owner of Perry's Auto in Thousand Oaks, spoke at the Conejo Valley Chapter of BNI on January 23, 2019. Byron shared expertise with us that is gleaned from his over 35 years of experience working on cars. He combines old school knowledge and diagnostic skills with his knowledge of the technology and diagnostic capabilities built into 21st century cars. His expertise was on full display as Byron responded to questions from the audience. Questions ranged from smog checks for newer cars to diagnosing problems with struts for air suspension systems to working on hybrids. With hybrids, Byron emphasized that mechanical issues remain the same and, as needed, he uses a specialist to work on their electrical systems.

01/17/2019

Joe Pickard from OPTAVIA presented an extremely important topic on how to do a successful transition from a diet plan to a regular plan without gaining the lost weight. Joe himself has used Optavia to reduce weight and successfully maintained it over a period of time. It is a perennial problem most people face when they stop dieting and gain the weight back again. Joe, a Certified Health Coach could be the key to this problem. Joe not only helps with weight issue but also assists his clients to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

01/15/2019

Josh Dyer, Independent Agent with Greenway Pacific Insurance Agency, spoke at the BNI Conejo Valley Chapter on January 9, 2019. Josh is licensed to sell insurance in California, Texas and Florida. He covered three areas in his talk - umbrella liability insurance, auto insurance coverage for young drivers, and insurance for cannabis businesses.

Who should have umbrella liability insurance? Anyone with high earning power, significant assets, a pool at home, and/or young drivers. Josh shared what happened to Hulk Hogan's family. Hulk Hogan's wife declined an offer by her insurance agent for umbrella coverage. Six months later, their son was speeding and crashed his car, critically injuring a friend. The friend's family subsequently won a huge multi-million dollar settlement. Hulk Hogan had to start wrestling again!

This brings up the question of how long can a child be on a parent's auto insurance? Basically, it depends! Coverage is based on who is part of a household - not age! As long as a child is part of the household, whether they are 16 or 40, the child is eligible to be on a parent's insurance.

Josh announced that cannabis businesses are now eligible for insurance coverage in California! He has access to several carriers.