BNI A-Team, Bryanston, Gauteng, South Africa

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Stephen Desmet, Johann Schonken, Christel Jansen

When it comes to security, Adrian is anything but the typical security business owner.

With more than 26 years of experience, he has built ISC on a simple principle: every client matters, and every security solution deserves personal attention. From understanding his clients' needs to overseeing installations, Adrian remains hands-on and takes enormous pride in the quality of service he delivers.

His commitment to protecting homes and businesses is matched only by his commitment to solving problems and ensuring his clients have the right solution for their unique circumstances.

Outside of the security industry, Adrian is a proud Protea Fly Fisherman, bringing the same patience, focus and dedication to his sport as he does to his business.

Join us this week as we hear from Adrian and learn why, after more than two decades in the industry, his personal approach and passion for protecting people continue to set ISC apart.

Join us on Thursday at Forking Good, 6.45am https://bni.co.za/en-ZA/visitorregistration?chapterId=1018

What makes a networking chapter successful?

It's easy to assume from face value that successful chapters are built on referrals.

But in truth, referrals are the outcome.

What makes a chapter successful is when people genuinely know and understand each other.

Not just what someone does, but who they are, what sets them apart, who they work best with and what they stand for.

Because the best referrals don't come from just knowing an accountant, an insurance broker or a marketer.

They come from knowing which accountant, which insurance broker or which marketer to introduce and why.

Successful chapters are built on trust, understanding, collaboration and a genuine desire to see others succeed.

The referrals come later.

Perhaps that's why some people have an incredible experience with networking groups and others don't.

Relationships first. Business second.

Everything else tends to follow.

Interested to find out more - please join us at Forking Good on a Thursday morning @6.45 https://bni.co.za/en-ZA/visitorregistration?chapterId=1018

At Keeper, insurance is handled right. Built on decades of experience and backed by some of the most respected names in the South African insurance industry, Keeper combines expertise with something that often gets lost in today's world - personal service.

For Pieter van Zyl, clients are never just a policy number or a statistic.

With 26 years in the insurance industry, Pieter has helped hundreds of individuals, families and businesses protect themselves from the financial consequences of life's unexpected events. He believes in building lifelong relationships and acting as a trusted partner, making insurance simpler by navigating the complexities on behalf of his clients.

His approach is straightforward: no matter how large or small the requirement, every client deserves his undivided attention and genuine care.

Away from the world of insurance, Pieter has another passion – he's a devoted fan of the incomparable Shirley Bassey, proving that great taste extends beyond insurance!

Join us this Thursday at Forking Good, Bryanston and come and hear how Pieter and the team at Keeper are ensuring that their clients are always in good hands.

We look forward to welcoming you to meet Pieter and discover more about Keeper - Insurance Handled Right.

Click here to reserve your seat https://bni.co.za/en-ZA/visitorregistration?chapterId=1018

Today, our Chairman quietly demonstrated what teamwork looks like.

While one of our members delivered his 60 seconds, he stepped in and held the microphone for him.

It might seem like a small gesture, but it's often the little moments that reveal the culture of a chapter.

At BNI A-Team, we don't just support each other with referrals. We support each other with encouragement, collaboration and a genuine willingness to help whenever needed.

Because sometimes teamwork is as simple as holding the mic.

Many business owners know they need marketing.

What they often don't know is where to start, what really matters, or why their efforts aren't delivering the results they hoped for.

This week, we are looking forward to hearing from Gabby Cowling, founder of The Creative Distillery, a strategy-led brand and marketing agency that helps businesses move from confusion to clarity, and from activity to meaningful results.

Gabby is passionate about helping businesses uncover what makes them different, simplify their message, and build marketing that is driven by strategy rather than guesswork. Her approach combines strategic thinking with practical ex*****on, helping brands create clarity, consistency, and confidence in the market.

Whether you're a business owner looking to grow, a professional wanting to better communicate your value, or simply curious about what makes great brands stand out, this promises to be an insightful and engaging presentation.

Join us on Thursday and discover why the best marketing doesn't start with a logo, a website, or social media - it starts with clarity.
We meet at Forking Good, Bryanston at 6.45am and we would love to meet you - click here to book your seat https://bni.co.za/en-ZA/visitorregistration?chapterId=1018

One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is assuming people know how to refer them.

But knowing what you do and knowing how to refer you are two very different things.

Most people are not going to remember your full service offering, your process or your industry terminology. What they will remember is a problem, a frustration or a conversation they heard someone having.

Instead of telling people everything you do, help them recognise when someone needs you.

What should they listen out for?
What frustrations does your ideal client typically have?
What type of business or person are you best suited to help?

Referrals happen far more naturally when people understand the problem you solve, not just the title on your business card.

Perhaps that’s the challenge for all of us this week:
Are we actually equipping people to refer us well?

Give it some thought and join us at Forking Good on a Thursday morning at 6.45am we would love to see you https://bni.co.za/en-ZA/visitorregistration?chapterId=1018

In a world where consumers are overwhelmed with choice, packaging has become far more than simply protecting a product and it's often the very first impression of a brand. Debbie and the PackLab team help businesses create custom packaging that not only stands out on shelf, but helps brands feel more professional, memorable and market-ready.

With low minimum quantities, creative expertise, and a genuine passion for helping businesses grow, PackLab is making premium packaging more accessible to brands of all sizes.

“Your vision. Our packaging expertise.”

Beyond business, Debbie is also a serial entrepreneur, an amateur chef, and a lover of a good book, bringing creativity, curiosity and passion into everything she does.

If you’re a business owner looking to elevate your brand, improve your product presentation, or simply understand the power of packaging in today’s competitive market, this is a presentation you won’t want to miss.

Join us next week and come meet Debbie, hear her story, and discover how thoughtful packaging can help transform the way customers experience your brand.
We meet on Thursday @ Forking Good Bryanston at 6.45am - please click here if you would like join us - we look forward to meeting you and getting to know you and how we can help grow your business https://bni.co.za/en-ZA/visitorregistration?chapterId=1018
Debbie Little

From concept to creation - meet the woman behind the stitch work.

This week at BNI A Team, we’re excited to welcome our feature presenter, Marlene Chater from Stitchline Studio.

Marlene is far more than a sewing professional - she is a creator, problem solver, teacher, and passionate supporter of the sewing and manufacturing community. With years of hands-on experience, she brings ideas to life through custom textile products including sportswear, bags, branded items and more.

Through Stitchline Studio, Marlene combines quality craftsmanship, product development and branding expertise to help businesses create products that are both functional and beautifully made.

Many may also know Marlene from Singer Randburg, where her passion for teaching and helping others grow their skills has made her a trusted name in the industry.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into turning an idea into a professionally made product or if your business is looking for custom manufactured textile solutions - this is one presentation you won’t want to miss.

Join us this Thursday morning and come discover the creativity, expertise and energy Marlene brings to the table.
We meet at Forking Good Bryanston @ 6.45am and we look forward to meeting you - if you are interested in coming along please follow the link to book your spot https://bni.co.za/en-ZA/visitorregistration?chapterId=1018

This weekend, the BNI community comes together at Montecasino, Johannesburg for the 2026 South African Conference and the A Team is ready.

Two days of:
Powerful conversations
Fresh business insight
International speakers
Global BNI expertise and the kind of connection that reminds you why relationships still matter in business.

One of the most exciting parts of BNI is that growth doesn’t only happen inside your own chapter.
It happens when you engage with the wider network, learn from different industries, hear new perspectives, and connect with members from across the country and around the world.

Because when business owners share ideas, experiences, challenges and opportunities - everybody grows.

And knowing the A Team there will probably also be:
A few good coffees
A lot of laughter and most importantly a good few powerful referrals (and at least one slightly chaotic group photo!)

We’re looking forward to learning, connecting, representing our chapter proudly, and bringing fresh energy back home.

See you at Conference.
The A Team is coming in strong.