17/05/08
Some of our members see no value in wearing a badge: they think it's one of 'those' BNI rules. I know of at least one member who refuses to wear a badge, because he is above that kind of thing. He's his own man! Well, all I can say is that he, and those like him, are ...... well let's just say, they don't get 'it' at all!
So the question is, why do we wear a badge? Is it that BNI like their little rules? Their little symbols of corporate being? Is just to make us feel stupid? Well, the answer is no, no and no.
Now I expect that both Martin Lawson and Ivan Misner could write a book on the benefits of wearing a badge. However, I would just like you to think about these few things and then tell me you don't think our BNI badges are a good idea.
A major part of our weekly meetings is for the benefit of visitors and after that our new members; they have never seen BNI or us before. So what better way of making people feel at ease than a badge with your name clearly printed on it? And from your own point of view, isn't it easier if a new member has their name on a badge in case you can't remember it? From my own point of view, as a Regional Director I have to confess that sometimes I can't remember the name of every single member in all of my chapters, so it really helps me if a member wears their badge.
But if you want the most compelling reason of all as to why you should wear a badge - it's because if you don't, it will cost you money!
How? How could such a little thing cost you money?
Well, all the things above have have one thing in common. And, I have done it on many occasions myself and I know many other people that have also. I've walked into a room full of people, walked towards two people - both whom I knew - but I couldn't remember their names. One wasn't wearing a badge, the other was and I could see their name clearly. Which do I talk to? And, more importantly, which one gets to tell me about their business and what they are looking for? To grow a relationship with me?
I think we all know the answer! I may have been just the person the person not wearing the badge needed to speak to that day, but we will never know. Possible business gone. Just for the sake of a badge!
So, do you think that BNI want us to wear a badge just to be difficult or because it just might increase our business gained from BNI?
I'll leave you to decide!
4 comments:
Hi,
In NZ I tell my members that the people we are really wearing the badges for is the visitors. If a visitor is going to join - they need to feel welcome and they need to feel wanted. If at the time of their first visit the members are all wearing their name badges - this makes their visit far more enjoyable - and hopefully they are going to want to join. The other person who benefits of course is the BNI Director - as we all become quite good at stealing a sideways glance at someones name badge before unashamedly welcoming them as if we knew thier name all along :-)
Graham Southwell
BNI New Zealand
www.bniblog.co.nz
My first couple of visits I thought the badge rule was about the small round badges that some members wear.
As a professional name forgetter I find the badges useful.
..handy blog btw!
Hi
Wearing the badge with a name and job description is great because it is easy to see...( and is the "correct" thing in BNI terms. Wearing a business card as the badge is completely unreadable at a glance and is often a complete waste of time.
Not wishing to wear a badge is a cultural thing I feel. Ex corporate BNI members who have always worn identification find it easier, but out and out entrepreneurs may find it harder to adapt!
Earlier Even I used to think that there is no value in wearing a badge. But now I feel that I was wrong and all credit goes to you. Thanks a lot.
corporate Name Badges
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