Fostering The Growth

Business Network International India hosts its annual leadership convention in Kolkata. BNI emphasises on the need for connectivity among business leaders and service providers

- Baishali Mukherjee & Ankita Banerjee

On August 19, Business Network International (BNI) India hosted its Annual Leadership Convention at JW Marriott Hotel, Kolkata, India, an event attended by business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the country. Graham Weihmiller, Chairman & CEO of the world’s largest business referral company BNI, visited India to recognize the phenomenal achievement of the APAC team as they bagged the top 10 positions in the world as well as commemorate the India team for setting a world record by launching the world’s largest chapter in the history of BNI. Main highlight of the event was catalysing the growth of SME across India to grow from 3,000 crore to 7,000 crore. Weihmiller was on his third visit to India since becoming the global head of BNI in 2014. Weihmiller also attended a series of BNI members’ day events in Mumbai, Bangalore and Surat.

Avryl Au, National Director, BNI Thailand, and Stella Yung, Executive Director, BNI Hong Kong and Stanley Kong, Regional Director, BNI Hong Kong were other dignitaries present. Au spoke on length about the retention strategies employed by her region, while Yung and Kong focused on the importance of creating leaders than attaining members and also on the importance of launching big chapters.

Anurag Batra, Chairman & Editor in Chief, BW Business world, moderation the session on BNI’s success and its personal achievements of the kingpins present on the day, was replete with acerbic wit and humour. He left the audience thoroughly amused.