Celebrating Your Support

Thank You from Rotary Means Business

Rotary Means Business extends its heartfelt gratitude for your support and dedication. It's your commitment that fuels our mission to connect professionals with purpose. We couldn't achieve our goals without you. This is our way of saying 'Thank You' for being a crucial part of our community. Together, we're making a positive impact in the business world. Your support is invaluable, and we appreciate it more than words can express.
Together, we are a force for good, thanks to your support, insights, and leadership. This is our heartfelt 'Thank You' for your exceptional contributions to our community. With you by our side, we continue to make a significant impact and create a brighter future.
from Mark Burchill

Trip down the memory lane

There may have been business networking groups connected to Rotary prior to the formation of the first Rotary Means Business group, but this history will focus on the groups that eventually led to the formation of the Rotary Means Business Fellowship.
In 2004, The Rotary Club of San Francisco #2 (California USA) launched a business networking initiative. The intention was to provide a platform for club members to network with each other, and support each other’s businesses. By 2005, both the southern suburbs (known locally as The Peninsula) and the northern suburbs (Marin County) of San Francisco each had their own RMB groups. Over the next few years, Rotarians in other areas of the USA heard about the concept, and independently founded their own RMB groups. Many of those groups, with no central organization to keep them connected, were short lived.
In 2008, Tony Benner, a Rotarian from Sydney, Australia, visited San Francisco and discovered RMB. He brought RMB to Sydney. As such, he founded the first international chapter of RMB.
In late 2009, the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa discovered RMB. After a few months, Mark Burchill was asked by the original leader to take the reins of the RMB group. By the next year, work began on a website. Shortly after www.RotaryMeansBusiness.org was launched in 2011, Rotarians from far and wide began connecting with RMB.
At that point, Mr. Burchill realized that the RMB concept had the potential to be much bigger than a collection of random networking groups, and that it might have the potential to qualify as a Rotary International Fellowship. So he convened a RMB Fellowship Steering Committee, which worked to fulfill all the requirements to become an official Rotary International Fellowship.
The application was submitted just prior to the 2013 Rotary International Convention in Lisbon. In November 2013, the Rotary International Board of Directors approved the application, and Rotary Means Business became the 52nd official Rotary International Fellowship. (As of this writing, there are more than 100 Rotary Fellowships.) In addition, recognizing that the name “Rotary Means Business” had already become a valuable brand, RI gave RMB the rarely awarded (at that time) permission to use the word “Rotary” in the Fellowship’s name.
Upon approval as an official Rotary International Fellowship, the known groups were invited to join the Fellowship as local chapters. By the end of 2014, the RMB Fellowship had 8 chapters.
From 2015 to the present, the RMB Fellowship has become truly international, adding local chapters on every continent except Antarctica. Some of the strongest growth is in India, South America, and the USA.
What about RMB ?

In Their Own Words

Member
Rtn.Rajamohan Dhandapani

Secretary, RMB Fellowship

I have been associated with RMB since 2015 ever since we heard about RMB through website of Rotary International. We chartered the first ever chapter of India called RMB Coimbatore. Life in Rotary changed suddenly for all our chapter members as Rotarians in our district started asking," are you sure you are talking about business in Rotary and we are here to do only service.". It wasn't easy going at all for most of us.

However, our core team was thoroughly convinced that RMB is here to stay and hence started working on a framework that will help our chapter to conduct fellowship meetings in a purposeful way and make it engaging for guests who turn up for our meetings. In due course, we saw good success in terms of closed business for most members.

Gradually, we realised the need to have chapters close to us geographically so that our members can network and associate with complimenting businesses and see growth in revenue. As new chapters came up, Rotarians started showing more interest in the fellowship in Tamil Nadu and then in other parts of India gained momentum as well.

Biggest challenge was to keep the enthusiasm alive and to keep the chapter membership growing at a steady pace. We brought in excellent speakers from our RI District to our meetings and this helped a lot in getting RMB its due recognition and of course the members got good business. Guests who attended our meeting always got more interested in the fellowship and joined soon.

To be more successful and sustainable, the thumb rule was to involve the Board of each Chapter in every policy decision and use the Board members to effectively handle the Chapter administration with well defined roles and responsibilities.

RMB is in its best shape on its 10th anniversary with great chapters coming up all around us. Some RMBs are very large chapters with 100+ members, some with all Rotaractors as its members, chapter with all women Rotarians as members, great business networking conclaves, regular cross chapter meetings, closed businesses reported in millions, fun filled social meetings are happening all the time and today RMB is truly a vibrant and magnificent Fellowship that Rotary Founders would be proud of.

For me it has been a very engaging journey and I consider it as a great privilege and joy having served the international Board of Fellowship of RMB for over 6 years now as Secretary. I will cherish the journey that has led us to this 10th anniversary. Greetings to each one of you on this great occasion.

Member
Arvind Batra

In a rapidly globalizing world, the need for effective networking and collaboration across borders has never been more crucial for businesses. Rotary International, a renowned global service organization, has emerged as a powerful platform that not only connects members within a country but also facilitates business growth worldwide.

Rotary Means Business (RMB) is an initiative launched by Rotary International to foster meaningful connections among its members, providing them with a unique opportunity to expand their professional networks and explore global business prospects. This groundbreaking program transcends geographical boundaries, enabling entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders to forge valuable partnerships on an international scale.

The core objective of Rotary Means Business is to leverage the vast Rotary network and its diverse membership base, which spans across 200 countries and territories. By harnessing this extensive reach, RMB empowers entrepreneurs to tap into new markets, exchange ideas, and collaborate with like-minded individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

One of the key strengths of Rotary Means Business lies in its ability to bring together professionals from various industries under one umbrella. Whether you are an established business owner or a budding entrepreneur, RMB provides a supportive environment where you can connect with experts from diverse sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and many more. Such cross-industry collaboration often leads to innovative ideas, strategic partnerships, and mutually beneficial ventures.

Rotary Means Business events take place at both local and international levels, offering members numerous opportunities to engage with fellow professionals. These gatherings range from informal networking sessions to structured conferences and seminars, all designed to facilitate meaningful interactions and knowledge sharing. Through these events, participants gain insights into global market trends, expand their business acumen, and establish lasting relationships that transcend borders.

Moreover, Rotary Means Business also actively promotes ethical business practices and social responsibility. Rotary's guiding principles of integrity, fairness, and service above self serve as the foundation for all business interactions within the RMB community. By adhering to these values, RMB members contribute to the sustainable growth of their businesses and foster positive change in their communities.

In conclusion, Rotary Means Business is not just a networking platform; it is a catalyst for global business growth. By connecting members across borders, RMB opens up a world of opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to expand their horizons. Together, we can build a stronger, more interconnected business community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and shared success.

Join Rotary Means Business today and unlock the potential of a truly global network!

Member
Troy Carrington

California, USA

The Rotary means business group was a success as it allowed us as business owners to get to know one another personally outside of the rotary chamber meetings and create business to support our Rotary habits. During that time, we suffered the depression of 2008. The RMB was a great way to market and created a great marketing group that supported one another. It also gave a purpose for other young professionals to have a reason to join Rotary and created retention in our chapter.

I am so glad to hear the success of this group and thank you for sharing.

Member
Dr. Kalpana Srilalitha

Fellowship Director, Asia.

Ever since I joined RMB in 2016, I shared sure shot business referrals of US$2.83 million till Sep. 2023. I have always shared in the order of RMBians followed by Rotarians. We Rotarians are a pretty decent sized tribe, aren’t we?

I look for experts from various fields who can take swift actions. By connecting with multiple RMB chapter members, I get to know who is suitable to work and also my reputation stays intact. In this 10th anniversary, I wish all the RMBians happy sharing.

Member
C Ravi Shankar

chief of Green Vision

Truly enjoying this journey from joining of RMBF. All of our RMBF's members are very friendly flexible and supportive in business & helpful to connect in business.

Be proud as RMBians.

Member
C Ravi Shankar

chief of Green Vision

Truly enjoying this journey from joining of RMBF. All of our RMBF's members are very friendly flexible and supportive in business & helpful to connect in business.

Be proud as RMBians.

Member
Rtn Rajesh Bahri

Rotary Club of Jalandhar Helping Hands , Chapter Trainer & Co-ordinator

I've been a Rotarian for 7 years. I joined RMB about 1.5 years ago when it started in Jalandhar. I've received good business (approximate 75 lakh INR) from RMBians and also referred business to them. (Approximate 80 lakh INR).

Thanks to Chairperson Rtn Dr. Dhanya Nair

In short, RMB is the best way to boost your business.

Member
Milind Pandit

Govt Certified Financial Risk Advisor, Ace Venture

My journey in the Life Insurance Industry, practically began in Jan 2020

With the support of my networking friends (including @ RMB, and Rotary), I have been privileged to qualify for this MDRT Membership for 3 years in a row, including: 2021 | 2022 | 2023. (approximately, only 1% of the Total Life Insurance Professionals world-wide, qualify to become a Member of this Prestigious MDRT Forum).

highlight was the collection of my Biggest Single Premium Cheque of ₹ 3.3 Crores from an NRI Client who invested in his Retirement Planning, wherein he would get annually ₹ 37 Lacs as Pension (Annuity) Life Long till he is alive, and his nominee will get the entire amount invested (₹ 3.3 Crores) upon his demise.

highlight was the collection of my Biggest Single Premium Cheque of ₹ 3.3 Crores from an NRI Client due to my fellow RMNBian, being the influencer in me getting this huge business this year, and I am extremely thankful to him and RMB for their support.

Member
Sudipta Kundu

Founder and CEO of BrandMan Consultancy

Physical Networking Boosts Digital Success

I am Sudipta Kundu, Founder and CEO of BrandMan Consultancy. We offer growth marketing and digital media production services. Our office is in Kolkata. I joined RMB Kolkata in the month of August 2023. Upon joining I was entrusted with the task of taking care of the social media and digital promotion of RMB Kolkata. Seeing my work some of my fellow RMB members entrusted me with the responsibility of brand designing and digital marketing for their organizations. I received a decent amount of business and some great feedback from my RMB member clients. My networking at RMB paid off quite well.

Member
Sunny Kollannur

Charter President, Rotary Club of Calcutta Magnum

I have joined Rotary Means Business (RMB) Kolkata in the year 2016. Rmb has helped me to get business of Rs 10lakhs yearly for the last three years consistently.

Would like each Rotary member to join RMB Kolkata to increase your existence business.
Regards

Member
ANAND

RMB PBC

In October 2020 one of painting received International award ,here my connect with Rotary Starts, as the competition was organised by Rotary Club of Katraj, Pune.

The motivation of award inspired me to continue creating paintings,. My wife Adv.Jayasri Kulkarni is a Rotarian since 2018 and RMB member since then, she use to promote my paintings during RMB PBC meetings, during Diwali celebration of RMB PBC in 2020 I dared to display my creations having a stall...the first sales happened since then every Diwali I have my stall.

In 2022 I appeared in 4 major physical exhibitions including one Solo exhibition, which was inaugurated by Shri Dilip Kumbhojkar, the president of RMB PBC of 2022-23 and a senior Rotarian.The exhibition venues at Jaipur , Ahmedabad, GOA & Pune ...everywhere I met RMB members...all recognise me as Anandkrafted. The business module of paintings sales, painting workshops & painting coaching is yielding me a brand name, image as well monetary gains...the business done out paintings vertical is roughly around 2 lacs and is growing...

The other success story' is that Anandkrafted is established as singer, musical event planner ,coordinator , again by RMB PBC...a different brand name again as "Anand Aurangabadkar", Recently organised, planned ,coordinated & performed Rotary District 3131 monsoon fellowship "Megh malhar" by creating a singers team from amongst RMB PBC members, the District rewarded with cash to each performer.

Member
Rtn AC PARAMASIVAM

Charated president Rmbf erode United

Being in RMBF I get numerous friends who was now as a backbone for my life , getting referral in business & helps to introduce / enroll non rotarians to Rotary.

Memories