Covid Resources

Financial Assistance to Renew BNI Memberships

Up to 100 Members up for renewal in April and May can apply for the Easy Pay program. You can choose between a One Year or a Two Year membership and simply agree to pay $45 a month. This is a personal loan from the Executive Director, Tonya Strong who will pay for your membership in full to BNI and the member agrees to pay the Executive Director back in monthly payments. Click here to download PDF Application. 

Paypal 6 Months No Interest of Payments is also another option to consider when renewing. Click here for more information or to apply.

Loans, Lines of Credit and Other Resources

1. SBA Loans of up to 2 million dollars per business are Now Available for Small Businesses in Minnesota -  Click here to Apply https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Login
2. Need help filling out an SBA Loan? Contact Richard Caldecott with Caldecott & Forro, PLC BNI Member Me2U Referrals Email [email protected]
3. Heartland - Corey Adney - BNI Member - 1) Capital Lending - we offer lending options, and in some cases the lending applications have been instantly approved. Lending options are helping cover the cost of closing the doors, covering payroll, etc.  2) Online payments, E-commerce, mobile app invoicing for phone and online orders. We are giving businesses access to these tools with no contract.
4. Schooley Mitchell - BNI Member Blaine Stephens 612-209-2237

Schooley Mitchell always offers independent and objective cost reduction consulting and analytical services without an upfront cost or risk to our small business and nonprofit clients. Our fees are self-funded out of the actual savings we deliver to our clients. If we can’t save money, our services are 100% free. Our engagement normally begins with a 20-minute meeting held in person. However, under the present circumstances, we can offer our services remotely through phone calls and email. Please contact us today to learn how we can make your business more profitable by getting wasted money back from your service providers.

 

Marketing Ideas and Business Resources

1. BAAM! Explode Your Business: LuAnn Buechler, BNI Director Consultant, Member and Transformational Business Coach is offering a FREE Business Acceleration Assessment Meeting to listen, learn about your business and strategize with you to ensure you move your business forward. It's beyond surviving, it's planning to Thrive. Schedule your 1-2-1 Assessment with LuAnn using this scheduling link https://calendly.com/luannb/60min. To learn more about LuAnn visit www.LuAnnB.com.
2. Adversity Coaching Package - Do you need an accountabiity, thinking, or productivity partner? Do you want help developing a plan to get through a challenging time? Let me assist you! This package includes: A DISC Assessment, 6 One to One Zoom Sessions $497. Contact Mary P. Holtorf or email at [email protected]
3. Advice for small businesses with lots of informational videos and ongoing tips for how to stay on top of your online marketing. Click here to view
4. Human Resources - Joe Baldwin, Employee Benefits Consultant - We’re offering information for small to mid-sized employers to help them navigate this rapidly evolving situation as it pertains to their business in the areas of human resources, employment law, and employee benefit. Here’s the link to the page: https://sevenhillscleveland.com/covid-19-resources/
5. Cleaning Lance Lueck with ServPRO- we are trained to handle biohazard and pathogen cleaning and disinfection, i.e. Covid-19.  For those businesses that still have customers coming through the doors we can come in and do a precautionary cleaning throughout the business (high touch areas) and disinfect, with hospital grade disinfectants.  If there are situations of suspected or confirmed cases we come in with our hazmat suites and do an in-depth disinfecting of the building. Contact via Main Office 715-381-2266 Cell Phone:  715-216-1309
6. If you are looking to ramp up your marketing by contacting people/businesses via phone and need help BNI member of Dynamic Leads Jody Weinberg with Jtel can help you. The Star Tribune recently wrote an article about how effective their company is and how they are different from "traditional telemarketing". Click here to read
7. Hand Sanitizers! - Gretchen Boyd can help you get your business customized hand sanitizers. This is a great gift to current clients and employees. Contact Gretchen 651-592-0134 or email at [email protected]

Online Resources for Children and Adults 

1. Online Music Lessons - Akopp Music is offering music lessons for children and adults. Click Here to Contact Alicia Kopp BNI Member Intentional Excellence
2. Online Karate - Walter Johnson BNI Member of Powerhouse Partners and owner of Rosemount ATA is offering online karate classes. Click here for more information 
3. Online Workouts -Titanium Performance is offering virtual 1on1 personal training sessions! They offer a free introductory session and will design workouts to fit any amount of space and equipment even if you don't have any! To schedule a free introductory session or learn more email Morgan at [email protected]. To learn more about Titanium Performance check out our website here: https://mytitaniumperformance.com/  
4. Online Workouts-Success Fitness and Training - We have lots of online PERSONALIZED options for individuals!  A lot of people are struggling to maintain their physical and mental health throughout this, and we've found the guided, personalized workouts to be a huge help for our clients!  I know there is a lot of live streaming going on out there, which is great, but if there is anyone who needs something more customized and likes the idea of a smaller live class with an instructor they can engage with, then I would love to meet them! We have 18 virtual group sessions each week, and I have 8 trainers offering one-on-one training.  ALSO, we offer 2 weekly complimentary kids workout sessions!!For more information, they can contact me directly: [email protected], or visit our website: www.successfitnessandtraining.com
5. Online Applie Learning Activities for Children - If you've got your children at home 24/7 or you know someone who has their children at home 24/7, I'm guessing all of them are looking for a little break. Pass this on.I've got a list of resources from my teaching days, I've got all kinds of applied learning activities for nearly all ages. If you're looking for ways in which to augment, or you need some suggestions for teaching a concept your children aren't getting please reach out. My specialties were Math, Science and Reading; and I was a Special Education Teacher so adapting curriculum to level (whether challenged or gifted) is something I had done every day for nearly 30 years.I can assist with tutoring on Zoom if you need some help; whether its tutoring the children or the parents. Barbara L L Morghon Abundant Life Health Coaches, LLC  651-895-9507 Mobile
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Pay it Forward Programs, Free or Discounted Services

1. Rachel Silberman - Operation Gifting My mission is to donate snack boxes to health care workers (urgent care/emergency room workers that are on the front lines of Covid-19) on behalf of the donors to show support of their long, difficult and potentially hazardous hours spent with patients. There are four snack box sizes ranging in price with the option to use your company branding with a personalized note.Link for more information: https://luxjoyandcomfort.com/collections/operation-gifting
2. Nate Fears- Uptown Hub Nutition Club is providing free nutritous lunches for medical workers. Contact Nate to find out how a donation as small as $5 can help.Email [email protected]
3. Kurth Auto Repaire - Free Oil Changes is offering free oil change to anyone who has been laid off, had a job loss or public servants including nurses, doctors, police, fireman, teachers, religious organizations etc..! https://kurthauto.com/ or email [email protected]
4. TGK Automotive - $5 Oil Changes to individuals that have lost their occupation due to the the outbreak of COVID-19. https://www.tgkauto.com/ or email [email protected]
5. Bob Shurtleff - Bob the Website Builder - In these extra-ordinary times, we're all essential & deserving of at a minimum - a google my business maps listing so we can be found locally.  If you don't have a maps listing, give us a call (even if you are temporarily closed). We'll use your gmail account to get you listed. If you have a maps listing, we'll review it for service area, service keywords, description, & contact info (including a website address) - no charge.

 

Masks 

1. Brenda Brinkman-Smith with Amazing Alterations can supply masks to individuals, families and small to large companies. $10 per mask. Contact Brenda via email [email protected] or phone #763-464-7814

2. Cotton/washable masks available for $2 each with a minimum order of 15… and I can logo them for $1 more. My phone number is 507-390-4031 and email is [email protected]

3. We offer Disposable, KN95 and Re-usable Face Masks, Hand Sanitizer as well as in-house Embroidery Services.Joe Raus, President, Premier Specialties - 612.412.9079 (Direct) www.premierspecialties-mn.com
4. We are producing face mask clips made out of acrylic. They allow the mask to be attached to the clip instead of the ears. 6 different styles. Fast turnaround, and available online at www.tvivmn.com/ppea Contact Jay Doyscher 507-399-1120 
5. Tricia Manual of The Costume Shoppe of Maple Lake is doing masks as well! She just made a ton for my company and another one of our members company with our colors! She is able to do all of it online!  www.mooseburger.com
6. Broadway Awards has a large selection of masks available. KN95, Face Shields, Fandana and Disposable Face Masks. Large quantity orders available. Contact Cody at [email protected]
7. Dan Diamon with Hill Creek Marketing has KN95 masks available. Contact Dan at [email protected]
8. M.G. Incentives, Inc has hand sanitizers, masks, gloves and wipes available. Contact Glen Feyereisn at 952-829-9553 or email at [email protected]

Hand Sanitizer

1. Rinse-Free Hand Gel and Spay (Hand Sanitizer Gel and Spray). They come in two different scents: Citrus and Defend. Michael Dyda
2. Broadway Awards has a selection of hand sanitizers available. 1 oz, 2 oz and 8 oz. Large quantity orders available.
3. M.G. Incentives, Inc has hand sanitizers, masks, gloves and wipes available. Contact Glen Feyereisn at 952-829-9553 or email at [email protected]

Health and Immunity

1. I have many immune system support products like supplements and essential oils. In an effort to help people who are struggling right now I'm offering 25 dollars back on all premium starter kits through the end of May.  Here is my website: https://oily.life/elasessentials/young-living-thieves-starter-kit/  Phone # 2183496342   Thank you! - Liz Johnson 
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General FAQs For Members and Leadership Teams

 

 

Q. My Chapter/Town is not affected, why can’t we still meet in-person?

A. This is a dynamic situation that has proven to evolve overnight in some cases.  We would like all our chapters to err on the side of health and safety FIRST. Many companies throughout the U.S. are requiring their employees to work from home regardless of perceived cases in the area. Additionally, some Chapters have been told by their meeting venue that they should find alternative locations during this time. Given this, we feel that this decision is in the best interests of you, your Members, and your Chapter’s ability to continue meeting. Let’s proactively work together to help all our Members remain safe and healthy.

 

Q. We would rather just postpone meetings for a few weeks until this blows over, why can’t we do that?

A. In the spirit of our philosophy and primary core value of Givers Gain, please consider what that might do to your Members’ businesses. We truly believe this is the best chance your Chapter and Members have to continue to build business and reach goals. Having online meetings is your opportunity to lead your Chapter through this rapidly changing situation. Additionally, based on input from our Chapters globally, there is no ability to forecast a timeline in this situation. 

 

Q. How long are we going to be conducting bni online meetings? When will we go back to in-person meetings?

A. We do not have an estimate of when we will issue guidance to return to in-person meetings, and it could be different depending on the state and area where your meeting is held. The bni online platform is designed as a temporary alternative and we will support every BNI Member until this is resolved.

 

Q. Our Chapter already made plans to meet online, do we have to attend bni online training?

A. It is recommended that, at the very least, one Executive Leadership Team Member attend (P, VP, ST). Even if you are familiar with Zoom, and have led many in-person Chapter Meetings, there are operationally tested methods for making the experience easy and effective for every attendee. We want to share the tips and best practices from the hundreds of meetings and thousands of Members who are already using this platform globally.

 

Q. As a Leadership Team Member, I don’t feel confident in my computer skills to run an online meeting; where can I get help?

A. We completely understand! There are several solutions for your consideration:

• We are planning numerous trainings on bni online within the region. Click here to view the calendar of events https://bnimn.com/en-US/events
• If you still feel uncomfortable, practice with just the Leadership Team once or twice before the actual Chapter Meeting
• Refer to the Zoom website for videos and additional training - https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials
• Consider having the Vice President or Secretary/Treasurer run the agenda
• Consider experts in your Chapter that can lend a hand in the area of technology

 

Q. What will happen if I don’t attend a meeting because I feel unwell?

A. The medical leave of absence policy has been adjusted to accommodate this situation and maximize flexibility. Please communicate with your Chapter Vice President and request a medical leave.

 

Q. Will absences and participation be tracked?

A. Yes. All Chapter functions will continue as close to business as usual as possible. Included but not limited to:

• VP – tracking and reporting Chapter statistics.
• MC – fielding Membership Committee related questions and concerns, new and renewal application processing.
• ST – entering PALMS reports and reporting Chapter statistics, collecting Chapter Dues, announcing renewals, and maintaining speaker rotation
• Members: conduct One-to-Ones, pass referrals, attend Chapter meetings online, provide Bio sheet to Secretary/Treasurer when you are scheduled to be the feature presenter etc.

 

Q. What if I don’t have an internet connection to attend my Chapter’s online meeting?

A. The beauty of the online format we have chosen is that it allows participation by phone. If you are on the Executive Leadership Team, and you do not have internet at your home, please contact your Regional Director for solutions.

 

Q. As a Member, I am not as technologically inclined, how can I participate in my bni online Chapter meetings?

A. We understand and we appreciate your willingness to continue meeting with your referral partners. Consider asking for assistance from a friend, family member, or a Chapter Member who is skilled in technology. It is easier than it appears!

 

Q.  What do we do about our venue?

A.  A phone call is certainly more beneficial than an email. Many businesses are seeing affects in one way or another and they may be expecting your call. If you have a contract with a venue, let them know that virtual meetings are temporary, and the venue might be happy to extend a contract rather than cancel the contract or request payment. If you have a great negotiator in your Chapter, perhaps they can make the call.

 

Q. Should we continue to collect Chapter dues?

A. This decision is to be made at the Leadership Team level. You may also want to consider this as an opportunity to build a minor reserve for future use. If dues were normally collected via check, Members can mail their checks to the Secretary Treasurer.  If collected via credit card, work with your bank to assist with solutions.

 

Q. We are scheduled to attend the Member SUCCESS Program or March Leadership Team Training, are they still on?

A. We are quickly transitioning events that can easily be conducted online, such as Leadership Trainings and Member SUCCESS Program, to take place virtually until further notice.

 

Q. What about our Visitors Day, should we have it virtually?

A. Continue the Visitor Day process as if you were to be meeting in person. When members make their follow up phone calls the week prior to the Visitor Day you should know if we need let them know we are meeting online or hopefully by your date we will be back meeting in person. We will be actively marketing YOUR chapters Visitor Days at a regional level and will support your marketing efforts with the business community. We are working on a strategy for Visitors Day presentations and will have more information soon.

 

Q. We have visitor(s) scheduled for next week’s meeting; should we invite them to an online meeting?

A. Awesome job inviting! Depending on your Leadership Team’s comfort level with the new BNI Online platform you may want to consider having the first bni online meeting without visitors, like a dress rehearsal. When facilitated well, bni online is a positive experience for your visitors. They get to witness the innovation, positivity, and professionalism displayed during this unique time. What better way to show visitors your network, which may be helpful during this period? Be sure to email or call that visitor to let them know about the change and invite them to attend your online meeting a week or two in the future.

 

Q. How do we conduct our Chapter Success Meetings (Leadership Team Meetings)?

A. Please continue to conduct these meetings once a month as prescribed. You will be able to use the same Zoom account issued to you for your Chapter meetings. This also applies to the Membership Committee section of the Chapter Success Meeting. Just like the in-person Chapter Success Meetings, these online meetings should also not be recorded.

 

Q. How do we conduct and count One-to-Ones?

A. Count them the same way as if they were in-person: one hour, two Members. Try conducting them online! You can use the online meeting platform of your choice that will allow a 60-minute meeting, or sign up for a free Zoom account, which is perfect for one-to-ones!

 

Q. Will we still have Directors Visit and present?

A. Yes! We will assume the Director will be attending as usual and if scheduled, still present the feature presentation or Education Moment.

 

Q. What do we do if we get news that our Chapter might have been exposed to the virus?

A. Contact your Executive Director. We have communications ready to deploy that keep safety and privacy at the forefront.

 

Q. Who do I contact if I have more questions?

A. If you have questions regarding the topics discussed in these FAQs, please contact your Executive Director. All regular Chapter business questions would continue to be routed to your Chapter Director.

 

We will support each Member during this time and will continue to develop communications and more FAQs as we get answers. Thank you for your patience and understanding.