Dalene Allen
Executive Director, BNI Nova Scotia
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A master networker, I have developed countless contacts over more than 30 years of running my own very successful, referral-based business. I am passionate about connecting local business people and seeing the productive relationships that develop.
Over 30 years ago, I signed up as an independent sales rep with Mary Kay Cosmetics and proceeded to build a multi-million-dollar direct sales business. From the start, Mary Kay’s belief in the Golden Rule resonated with me. As both a woman and new entrepreneur, building my business gave me experience that could be gained in no other way and the company provided excellent training. Like any entrepreneur, I was always learning and growing as an individual and searching for ways to promote my business.
This career, through connections and sales, led me to find BNI. After attending my first couple of meetings, I was immediately impressed by how organized BNI was and that members were actually giving referrals. I was also delighted to learn about BNI’s core values, especially “Givers Gain”, which is much like the Golden Rule. As someone that has always loved connecting people, BNI was made for me. I learned so much from other members; presentation and speaking skills, business experience and advice, and a boost of self-confidence and self-esteem. It is a commitment of time and money but as with any investment, it takes time to grow your network - but BNI is truly the fastest and most effective way to build a huge network that works for all parties. You truly get to know people and when they know, like and trust you - referrals do happen. I’m living proof!
After first being a member, and now the Executive Director of BNI Nova Scotia, I believe BNI’s philosophy and core values align with my own. It is a great way to live your life and build a business. Each BNI chapter becomes a real community and builds lasting relationships. This network opens up a world to connect with other women entrepreneurs and I believe we are stronger together.
We all want to be connected to something bigger than ourselves. When we share our networks, we are doing service to our friends and business contacts.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
Being able to always see the possibility in every situation is a strength I am most proud of. We all need to develop a philosophy in life that serves us well. Mine is that everything will work out as long as I look for the silver lining. There is always a silver lining.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
My passion and mission is to work with businesses in Atlantic Canada to grow to the next level and make money. We need more people to come here and open businesses. It is vital to keep and invite young talent to come to Nova Scotia and make it home. We have so much to offer, but we need to support each other more.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
6 years ago, I woke up and knew I had to sell my business of 30 years as I was done. Now I wasn't done with life, but needed a new challenge. It is never too late to try something new. Dream bigger and aim higher. I am now on my next mission and so excited for this new adventure.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
Anything by Malcolm Gladwell, especially Outliers. Love Ted Talks as it is short and can listen anywhere and so many topics to get inspired by. You will not get rich listening to the top 40 songs.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
With the Coronavirus lockdown on, we are learning things we didn't even know we needed to know. We will come out of this with amazing new skills and greater resilience. I love to learn new things, and that is always my silver lining through this.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
My Mother who raised 9 children and managed to run a gift shop from our property. She raised her 7 daughters to be strong independent women who are all successful. She truly was Wonder Woman.
What would you have done differently?
For many years, my shyness of speaking to people I didn't know, I would have gotten over that a lot sooner. FEAR holds us back, the sooner you step through the fear - that's when life opens up.
What motivated you to make the choices you’ve made?
When tragedy struck our family and one of my sisters, because of an auto accident was disabled and needed 24 hour care. That was the worst and best day of my life. It changed how I looked at everything. I could not change my sister’s condition, but I could change how I dealt with my life. I am forever looking for the good and count my blessings daily. May tragedy never happen to you but it can be a huge blessing in disguise.
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Passionate Master Connector