BNI Cornerstone - London, Ontario

07/28/2026

Is your website just sitting there looking pretty (ish)?

Recently, Karen Leonard from IGV Website Design & Marketing reminded us that a website should be doing a lot more than existing—it should be out there hustling for your business 24/7!

Karen and her team don’t just build beautiful websites; they create lead-generating machines that help businesses climb Google rankings, attract the right customers, and turn clicks into calls. As she put it, it’s all about boosting visibility and growing your business through strategic website design, SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, and digital marketing.

And if you’re wondering whether it actually works… the proof is in the numbers! One client went from inconsistent leads to generating over 140 qualified website leads since launching their new site—and that’s not even counting phone calls! Add in increased website traffic and double the revenue, and suddenly “I’ll fix the website later” doesn’t sound like such a great plan.

Karen also shared a fantastic reminder for all of us networkers: listen for business owners who are frustrated that customers can’t find them online, who are planning a new website, or who keep complaining that their competitors are everywhere on Google. Ding, ding, ding… that’s your cue to introduce them to Karen!

07/21/2026

Lights. Camera. Action! 🎬

If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine what an incredible video can do!

This week’s spotlight shines on Mark M Drewe of Mosaic Mind Pictures. He is the guy who doesn’t just press record… he tells stories that people actually remember. Whether it’s a high-energy commercial, a behind-the-scenes documentary, a live event, or social media content that stops the endless scrolling, Mark knows how to make your brand look like the star of the show.

With over 16 years of experience, Mark has worked with businesses, charities, sports organizations, and major events, creating everything from documentaries seen in over 15 countries to eye-catching marketing videos that leave a lasting impression. His philosophy is simple: authentic stories create real connections, and that’s exactly what he delivers.

So, if your website is still rocking a grainy cell phone video from 2018, or your social media could use a little Hollywood magic, it’s time to call Mark.

Because let’s be honest… your business deserves more than awkward selfies and shaky camera work.

Check out the trailer for his newest series about the London Airshow at the London International Airport.

Coming soon - Airside All Access: a thrilling, exclusive docuseries...

07/20/2026

Let’s face it: we’ve all been seduced by the siren song of AI automation. But let’s be entirely real for a second—would you trust a robot to transcribe the message that your wife is in labor? Or offer genuine, comforting human words when a caller is dealing with a death in the family?

Yeah, didn't think so.

Enter Kate Harrison and Infinity Virtual Answering. They aren't just another robotic, soul-crushing call center with strict scripting, high turnover, and low morale. Their philosophy? "Hire for Heart, we'll Train the Brain." That means real, living, breathing people who actually care about your customers. They've been holding it down for businesses since 1996, from healthcare and high-end law firms to trades and emergency dispatch.

You might be thinking, "I’ll just hire an internal receptionist" or "We only miss 5 or 6 calls a month, no biggie."

The reality: At a minimum wage of $17.60/hr, a full-time receptionist is going to cost you $2,640 a month before taxes. And guess what? You pay that regardless of how busy they actually are. If they’re only spending 20–30 minutes a day on actual calls, you are paying a whole lot of money for them to scroll TikTok.

The "Small Business" Delusion: "We only miss a few calls!" Okay, but if you make $100 on a standard sales call, and 3 out of 5 of those missed calls would’ve closed... you’re tossing hundreds of dollars into the trash every month.

With Infinity, you only pay for the time actively spent on your calls. They have a 50-minute starter plan for just $145/month, or a robust 400-minute plan for $799/month. Your phone coverage is handled, your wallet is happy, and you actually get to take a holiday without losing business.

Listen closely to your own daily complaints. If you find yourself uttering any of these phrases, it's time to face the music:

"I just can’t get to the phone."

"I don’t want to answer calls after hours."

"We’re aiming for growth, but it feels like we can’t keep up."

"No one leaves a voicemail anymore." (Spoiler: They don't. They just call your competitor.)

Stop letting revenue slip through your fingers and stop pretending an AI bot can replicate human empathy. Let's get your front desk sorted.

07/16/2026

Making Big Dreams Happen!

When it comes to real estate, Jeff Nethercott and The JN Real Estate Team are all about turning dreams into addresses! With 20 years of experience, a ranking in the Top 2% nationally, and an impressive network of REALTORS both nationally and internationally, Jeff isn't just helping people buy and sell homes—he's helping people build the lives they want.

Did you know the top reasons people move aren't always because they're house hunting? Often, it's life itself that gets things rolling:

- Wanting to be closer to family
- Needing more space for a growing family
- Downsizing and cashing in on equity
- Major life changes—the "4 Ds": Diamonds (marriage), Diapers (new babies), Divorce, and Death
- Relocation and affordability

So, who makes a great referral for Jeff? Not necessarily someone scrolling real estate listings! Think about the person saying:
"Our house is too much work to maintain!" or "The kids need a bigger yard to play in!"

And here's something to think about: according to the Altus Group, every home sale in Ontario between 2020 and 2022 generated an average of $88,966 in spin-off spending, creating a ripple effect that benefits countless local businesses.

If you know someone whose big dreams are starting to outgrow their current home, connect them with Jeff Nethercott. He just might help make those dreams happen!

07/15/2026

Great to hear from Shari Burrows Hall of Lewkowitz Financial.

Spoiler alert: people rarely walk up and say, "Can you recommend a financial advisor?" Shocking, right?

What they do say is:

“I have no idea what to do with my pension."
“I should probably update my will."
“I'm overwhelmed helping my parents."
“We're having a baby!"

And just like that… BOOM. Money Moment!

A Money Moment is any life event that suddenly comes with financial decisions attached. Retirement, new babies, business transitions, inheritances, aging parents—life has a funny way of handing us important decisions when we least expect it.

The good news? You don't need to know all the answers. You just need to notice when someone is going through one of these moments and connect them with someone who can help.

The easiest way to uncover a Money Moment? Ask simple, human questions:

What's new?
What's exciting?
What's next?

People will practically hand you the referral opportunity on a silver platter.

So here's your challenge: Think of one person in your life who's navigating a big life change right now. Chances are, they're experiencing a Money Moment.

Reach out. Check in. Start a conversation.

Because the best referrals aren't about selling services—they're about connecting people with the help they need. And sometimes, the best stories (and referrals!) begin with a simple, "How are you doing?

07/15/2026

A huge congratulations to Dennis James Bradbury, owner of Fully Promoted Canada on being named the Best Uniform Supplier and Best Promotional Product Supplier by the London Inc. Magazine, for the second year in a row!

Quality and good customer services make all the difference!

07/09/2026

What happens when hard work, family values, and a passion for helping people come together? You get Scrap Easy Junk Removal, a London-based business built on trust, excellence, and a commitment to making life a little easier for their customers.

Co-owners David Featherston and Ally Featherston have built Scrap Easy from the ground up. David, a London local with roots in delivery services and a passion for serving the community, teamed up with Ally, whose background in interior design and organization helps bring order to even the most overwhelming spaces. Together, they've created a business that goes far beyond junk removal.

From estate and property cleanouts to renovation waste, commercial debris, insurance restoration projects, tenant move-outs, and even free appliance pickups, Scrap Easy is the team you call when a space needs a fresh start.

Helping round out the crew is Jimmy, affectionately known as "The Muscle," who tackles heavy lifting with a smile and a strong commitment to salvaging and recycling whenever possible.

What sets Scrap Easy apart is their purpose. They aren't just hauling away unwanted items—they're helping families reclaim their homes, supporting local businesses, reducing landfill waste through responsible recycling, and providing stress-free solutions during some of life's most challenging transitions.

Their ideal referral partners include real estate agents, contractors, tradespeople, insurance professionals, movers, HVAC technicians, and anyone connected to home or business services. If your clients need a cleanout, renovation debris removed, or an old appliance hauled away, Scrap Easy is ready to help.

As one happy customer shared, "We were overwhelmed with an estate cleanout, but David and Jimmy made it look easy. They were respectful, incredibly fast, and left the home completely ready for sale."

When you refer Scrap Easy, you're supporting a local family business that's dedicated to serving the community one clean space at a time.

07/06/2026

If you’ve ever wondered how someone goes from dreaming in barcodes to branding over a million products, meet Dennis James Bradbury of Fully Promoted Canada.

After spending 20 years in grocery management, our featured member made a career pivot that would make any motivational speaker proud. Trading produce aisles for promotional apparel, he discovered that the only “fit” issues he wanted to deal with were helping clients choose between regular and relaxed-fit corporate polos.

When he’s not helping businesses look their best, he’s serving as a Métis Nation Councillor and Vice President of Rotary Club of London South.

At Fully Promoted, Dennis believes your brand deserves better than mystery-quality online ordering and fingers-crossed logo placement. His mission is simple: help businesses look polished, professional, and memorable with high-quality branded apparel, promotional products, signage, and marketing materials.

And when we say options, we mean options. With access to more than 1.2 million customizable products, if it exists, they can probably put your logo on it. Pens, mugs, jackets, coolers, trade show swag, and possibly that oddly specific item you’ve been searching for.

The best part? You get the buying power of a large international franchise with the personalized service of a local business that actually answers the phone.

So if your company swag is looking a little tired, your team apparel needs an upgrade, or you’re ready to stop gambling with your brand’s reputation, Fully Promoted North London is ready to help.

Because life’s too short for shrinking polos and disappearing logos

07/03/2026

Community isn't just about who you're connected to, it's about where you feel you belong.

When people feel seen, valued, and included, they contribute with greater confidence, creativity, and purpose.

Belonging isn't a nice-to-have. It's the foundation of strong teams, meaningful relationships, and lasting impact.

We had a lovely social event last night at Palasad South. It is always nice to connect on a personal level and crack a couple too many jokes!

06/24/2026

Meet Craig Legary, our go-to IT guru and founder of EndPoint Technology Solutions. Originally from "Winterpeg" (Winnipeg, Manitoba), Craig keeps our technology running smoothly and our data protected, while also keeping us entertained with random trivia facts.

Did you know:

- Google was originally called Back Rub?
- Billions of emails are sent around the world every day (well over 30 billion!)?
- Rebooting your computer isn't quite the same as simply turning it off and on—it helps refresh system processes and can clear up pesky issues.

Much like Google's founders eventually upgraded from the name Back Rub, Craig helps make sure our systems stay modern and efficient. With billions of emails flying around the globe, he's busy helping protect us from spam, phishing attempts, and cyber threats. And when your computer starts acting up, Craig is often the first one to suggest a reboot—because sometimes the oldest IT trick is still one of the best.

Whether he's solving technical mysteries, answering trivia questions, or keeping our digital world secure, Craig is always ready to help. Thanks for keeping us connected, protected, and running smoothly, Craig!