BNI Glow Convention: Connections, Values, and a Moment with the Founder

1. An early start – and jet lag as a quiet companion

I wake up very early. The jet lag still lingers, but it gives me time to prepare in peace.

At 6:45 AM, I head to the Convention Center.

The BNI Glow Convention program begins at 7:00 AM – and from the very first minute, valuable conversations arise.

My partner Dr. Joachim Bender (SolyPlus GmbH) provides immediate feedback.

International networking works – and we continue to hope for a strong investor or partner from the cosmetics industry.

2. A quiet moment with great impact – meeting the Vietnamese woman

One conversation particularly sticks in my memory:

A young woman from Vietnam sits alone, her phone in hand –

but without English skills.

Without a functioning translation app.

Without connection to the other participants.

I help her set up the device so we can translate Vietnamese and German simultaneously.

During this, I learn:

She has 150,000 followers, is successful in the cosmetics industry – and yet feels lost because she doesn't understand anyone.

We connect over Facebook (WhatsApp is rarely used there).

She says:

“You made me happy. I felt alone before I met you.”

A sentence that lingers.

A moment that shows what true connection means.

3. International encounters – Medicine, Beauty & Business

The day continues with exciting contacts:

Hong Kong

An operator of a large medical and beauty center, very similar to SolyPlus.

The contact with Joachim Bender is established immediately – a strong match.

Asian business professor

At lunch, I meet a professor with extensive networking in pharmaceuticals and medical technology.

Again: immediate referral to Joachim.

In between, a personal compliment:

“He is handsome” – a moment that brings a smile to my face.

Polish BNI operator

In the afternoon, I meet a Polish regional director.

During an exercise, a humorous moment arises, and we start a conversation.

I show her our cosmetic products and wound dressings – potential contacts in Germany emerge immediately.

Taiwan

An entrepreneur from one of the largest honey production companies in Taiwan seeks contacts in northern Germany.

I connect him with Betty’s Bees – but regional restrictions prevent a business collaboration.

Still, a valuable, very friendly contact.

Another young Taiwanese, a representative of a traditional company, adds to this series of exciting encounters.

4. Spain – Technology Builds Bridges

Later in the afternoon, I meet the Spanish BNI colleagues.

Initially, the discussion is about internal topics – but then the opportunity arises to speak with the entire Spanish leadership, including Michael Mayer.

Since many barely speak English, I show them – just like the Vietnamese woman – the simultaneous translation feature.

German ↔ Spanish in real time.

The enthusiasm is great.

This moment stays.

I’m sure they will remember it.

In parallel, I already receive initial feedback from Germany about the recommendations I passed on.

5. The highlight of the day – a conversation with Dr. Ivan Meisner

In the evening comes the moment I have been working towards:

A photo and a personal conversation with Dr. Ivan Meisner (IVEN), the founder of BNI.

My nephew – responsible for BNI Schleswig-Holstein – is there with me.

While taking the photo, I ask Ivan if I can ask him a question.

He says: “Yes.”

I ask him about the possibility of a contact to Richard Branson.

He declines directly.

That’s absolutely fine.

But then something special happens:

He holds me back and says:

“Do you want to know why?”

He explains the VCP process to me:

• Visibility – “We don’t know each other, Ralph.”
• Credibility – “How could I trust you? I don’t know you yet.”

I ask him how I can gain the opportunity to build trust.

Later, in a conversation with Steffen (ED from Germany), a thought emerges:

The path could lead through Kevin Barber and the BNI Foundation.

I have been strongly committed to children's education in Germany –

Ivan doesn't know that.

Maybe that’s the bridge over which I can build visibility and trust.

6. Conclusion of the day

Day 4 was not a travel day, but a connection day.

International contacts, real encounters, cultural bridges, professional opportunities.

A day when language was no barrier –

because mutual willingness is stronger than any barrier.

And a day that ended with a rare moment:

A conversation with the founder of a global network – and a hint on how the path can continue.