18/05/2026
Someone at the BNI Indian National Conference event noticed one of my pins, smiled, and asked me a question that made me stop and think.
"7 years in BNI? Don't you think you’ve seen it all by now? What’s left to do?"
I smiled, but it really got me thinking about what a 7-year journey actually means.
Most people look at 7 years in a networking organization and see a routine.
They mistake longevity for comfort. Maybe even complacency.
But for me, this isn't about running on autopilot. It’s about the deep-rooted community I have built together.
In 7 years, I haven't just sat in a seat.
I’ve gone beyond my own chapter to serve as a Director Consultant for 5 chapters and Director Support for 3 chapters.
I’ve had the immense privilege of launching 2 brand-new chapters from scratch, watching new business ecosystems come to life.
I’ve stepped up as President 3 times and VP 2 times.
I’ve served in almost every coordinator role there is.
Year 1: You're planting seeds. Every 1-to-1 is about building relationships and gaining trust.
Year 2: Your roots get deeper. You become a mentor for new members and a credible pillar for the older ones.
Year 3: You weather the storms. You learn the nuances of the system, stay consistent, and keep showing up.
Year 5: You branch out. Your influence extends beyond your chapter to impact the larger region.
Year 6: Your tree has grown so large that it becomes a landmark. Others see you as a strong, experienced, and authoritative leader.
But Year 7? Year 7 is when the network starts working for you, and your social capital begins to multiply on its own.
The depth of relationships I have today, the doors that open with a single phone call, and the regional influence built across multiple chapters—none of that happens if you treat networking like a transactional pit stop.
You don’t build a legacy by dipping your toes in. You build it by diving deep.
If you leave when it "feels like enough," you miss the magic of what happens next.
I’m not done. I’m just getting started!
Giv
