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When BNI Elite Professionals started Fast Track in February 2011 they had only 14 members. Since then they experienced a 71% growth, and now boast 24 members. The chapter is five years old, and here to tell their story are Alan Leitson, the secretary-treasurer and former education coordinator, John Carr, the president, Sarah Fanger, the vice president, and Margie Scheiman, the chapter’s area director.

“In January of 2011,” says Alan, “several influential members left the chapter. At that time Margie told us about Fast Track and encouraged us to think about it. In fact, one of our members, Morry Barron, who is consistently our highest contributor on referrals, had also been encouraging us to do the program. But we weren’t ready. But when we lost more members, Margie encouraged us again, and we started the program in February.  We used our quarterly dues to cover the cost and we had 100 percent buy-in. We were all willing to do the work.

“Our chapter right now,” says Alan “has the highest level of energy I have ever seen in my experience with BNI.”

“Fast Track,” says John, “got us back to the fundamentals and reminded us how important it is to stick to the basics.” Sarah has the numbers to prove it.

• Before Fast Track, October – January: 22 members, 182 referrals, 55 1-to-1s, and $30,441 of booked business.


• During Fast Track, February – May: 14 members, 215 referrals, 120 1-to-1s, and $339,606 of booked business. (This period covered 16 of the 18-week Fast Track program.)


• After Fast Track, June and July -- 22 members, 209 referrals, and $302,067 of booked business.

“Without Margie’s encouragement and Fast Track,” says Alan, “we probably would have lingered at a lower membership and would not be where we are today.”

“When you think about it,” Sarah says, “Fast Track helps the individual member be more profitable and get better and more frequent referrals. When that happens, a chapter can’t help but grow.”

“Fast Track, says Margie, “is perceived by visitors as an additional value they get from their BNI membership. I remember when I visited the chapter during Fast Track, a visitor came up to me and said, ‘Can I ask you a question?’ I thought it was going to be about the fee or membership requirements. But the person asked, ‘As long as I turn in my application with my money, can I get the Fast Track CDs?’"

John says the advice he gives to any chapter even remotely thinking about Fast Track is summed up in three words, “Just do it!”

You can hear the full story recorded on the Fast Track Friday call at

http://www.delfuego.com/gallery/August%2026%202011%20Fast%20Track%20Call.mp3

In the picture from left to right: John Carr, Sarah Fanger, Alan Leitson

For more information on the Fast Track Program, go to www.delfuego.com/bni.

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