29/9/09
In fact I’m not buying from Tesco, Shell, Virgin, Interflora, Sony, Rymans, P&O, Dell, Cadbury’s, Disney, Ford, Barclays, my local newsagent, and certainly not Imperial Printers.
Why not? Because by doing so I will be helping these companies stay in business and, what’s more, make a profit.
Have I gone mad? No, I don’t think so, but I’m pretty sure some BNI members have!
Visitor Days are a great way of growing a BNI chapter and if run correctly can easily add anywhere between five and fifteen, or more, members to a group. These extra members make finding referrals far easier, but this is nothing compared to the extra business that is passed within the group. Every member will benefit from the extra referrals given, some of which will be worth thousands of pounds.
So, why do I think some members are mad?
Well, it’s very simple. These members see nothing wrong in buying from Amazon and the rest, they gladly part with their cash, sometimes for little in return, all the time adding to these companies' profits.
But, recently when it was suggested that a chapter might have a Visitor Day, one of the objections against running the day was that some members did not want to grow their chapter just so that BNI made money.
I have to say that words fail me!
Okay, so that’s not strictly true – I’ve written a fair few. But that thinking is just so negative and short sighted that I find it beyond belief.
I just can’t believe that any member would not want more referrals, more business, maybe thousands of pounds worth of extra business, if not for them but their fellow members, just because BNI will make a few hundred pounds.
I might go as far as suggesting that these members are not really best suited to BNI and the philosophy of Givers Gain.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Saturday, 26 September 2009
What a pit lane!
26/9/09
Thursday morning dawned bright and sunny over the Daytona Kart track at Sandown Park, Surrey. As the clock ticked past 9.00am the sound of the twin engines of the Pro-Karts could be heard firing up, ready for the Business Class Grand Prix.
Twenty-one drivers were going to compete over the 900 metre track for the honour of fastest chapter member. John James, last seen at Dancing Queen in Richmond, arranged the forty minute competition as a great team-building exercise for the chapter, but also as an opportunity to show that he could transfer his opportunist road driving skills to the race track.
The pre-race breakfast of bacon butties was supplied by chapter member Sarah Burley (Hampton Hampers), as was the mouth watering lunch time spread and a photographic record of the event was captured by fellow chapter member Daniela Justus (Babitonga Photography).
Qualifying soon sorted out the men from the boys - well the fast from the not so fast - and the grid was set for the race. When the flag dropped to start the race Mr. John James was left on the line. He says his kart wouldn’t go. Personally, I think his eyes were firmly fixed on the pit lane. But more of that later!
The event was split into two twenty minute races, with the results being combined to find the finishing positions. After a change of kart our soon to be Chapter Director, one John James, managed to secure second place in the first race, with the fastest chapter lady being Katy Letman.
It was the second twenty minute race that was more interesting. This was due to the starting grid better reflecting the true speeds and abilities of the drivers, and also because the confidence of the drivers and their circuit knowledge was better. However, over confidence was taking hold, as were tired bodies!
One notably confident driver was Lee Morris, who not only had a number of ‘incidents’ and spins, but also posted the fastest lap of the day.
The final result? In first place overall was Colin Kent (staff member at XGeneration), in second place John James (he proved his point!), with Lee Morris taking third. Our fastest lady was Katy Letman.
It was a brilliant day, great for the chapter, with networking continuing long after the chequered flag had dropped over lunch in the sunshine.
Oh. That Pit Lane. Unluckiest member of the day, me, I couldn’t drive due to a recent operation, but it had its compensations!
Thursday morning dawned bright and sunny over the Daytona Kart track at Sandown Park, Surrey. As the clock ticked past 9.00am the sound of the twin engines of the Pro-Karts could be heard firing up, ready for the Business Class Grand Prix.
Twenty-one drivers were going to compete over the 900 metre track for the honour of fastest chapter member. John James, last seen at Dancing Queen in Richmond, arranged the forty minute competition as a great team-building exercise for the chapter, but also as an opportunity to show that he could transfer his opportunist road driving skills to the race track.
The pre-race breakfast of bacon butties was supplied by chapter member Sarah Burley (Hampton Hampers), as was the mouth watering lunch time spread and a photographic record of the event was captured by fellow chapter member Daniela Justus (Babitonga Photography).
Qualifying soon sorted out the men from the boys - well the fast from the not so fast - and the grid was set for the race. When the flag dropped to start the race Mr. John James was left on the line. He says his kart wouldn’t go. Personally, I think his eyes were firmly fixed on the pit lane. But more of that later!
The event was split into two twenty minute races, with the results being combined to find the finishing positions. After a change of kart our soon to be Chapter Director, one John James, managed to secure second place in the first race, with the fastest chapter lady being Katy Letman.
It was the second twenty minute race that was more interesting. This was due to the starting grid better reflecting the true speeds and abilities of the drivers, and also because the confidence of the drivers and their circuit knowledge was better. However, over confidence was taking hold, as were tired bodies!One notably confident driver was Lee Morris, who not only had a number of ‘incidents’ and spins, but also posted the fastest lap of the day.
The final result? In first place overall was Colin Kent (staff member at XGeneration), in second place John James (he proved his point!), with Lee Morris taking third. Our fastest lady was Katy Letman.
It was a brilliant day, great for the chapter, with networking continuing long after the chequered flag had dropped over lunch in the sunshine.
Oh. That Pit Lane. Unluckiest member of the day, me, I couldn’t drive due to a recent operation, but it had its compensations!
Monday, 21 September 2009
Who shall I introduce the visitor to?
21/9/09
On the 1st of October all our Leadership Teams will change and over the past couple of weeks all the members taking new roles within our chapters have been trained.
One of these groups being trained have been the Visitor Hosts and they now all know what an important part they play in showing their chapter at its best.
Part of this training is to whom they should introduce a visitor; first call the Chapter Director, but if they are busy then another of the Leadership Team. It is then left to that person to introduce the visitor to another member. Possibly another member of the Leadership Team or may be a member of the visitor's Power Circle. Introducing a visitor to someone in their Power Circle - a related business - will not only help them to relax, as they will have things in common to talk about, but will also enable them to find out that BNI works for people in their own industry.
However, the most important people to introduce a visitor to are the members of the Membership Committee.
Why?
Well, if the visitor has liked what they have seen, hopefully they will put in an application to join the chapter. The committee will then meet to consider the application and references will be taken up. And, pretty much that will be that.
But, what about if, say half of the committee, have met the visitor and had a conversation with them. Discovered small things about them; what they like about their job, the sort of people they know, what their hobbies are, and maybe have an idea of what sort of person they are: their attitude, whether they mix well, are outgoing. Wouldn’t that make deciding if they would make a good member of the group far easier?
So, if you are a Visitor Host and stuck for someone to introduce a visitor to, seek out a committee member and you will be helping your chapter to accept better new members.
On the 1st of October all our Leadership Teams will change and over the past couple of weeks all the members taking new roles within our chapters have been trained.
One of these groups being trained have been the Visitor Hosts and they now all know what an important part they play in showing their chapter at its best.
Part of this training is to whom they should introduce a visitor; first call the Chapter Director, but if they are busy then another of the Leadership Team. It is then left to that person to introduce the visitor to another member. Possibly another member of the Leadership Team or may be a member of the visitor's Power Circle. Introducing a visitor to someone in their Power Circle - a related business - will not only help them to relax, as they will have things in common to talk about, but will also enable them to find out that BNI works for people in their own industry.
However, the most important people to introduce a visitor to are the members of the Membership Committee.
Why?
Well, if the visitor has liked what they have seen, hopefully they will put in an application to join the chapter. The committee will then meet to consider the application and references will be taken up. And, pretty much that will be that.
But, what about if, say half of the committee, have met the visitor and had a conversation with them. Discovered small things about them; what they like about their job, the sort of people they know, what their hobbies are, and maybe have an idea of what sort of person they are: their attitude, whether they mix well, are outgoing. Wouldn’t that make deciding if they would make a good member of the group far easier?
So, if you are a Visitor Host and stuck for someone to introduce a visitor to, seek out a committee member and you will be helping your chapter to accept better new members.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Write your own ten questions!
15/9/09
Have you ever had a 1-2-1 with a fellow member and afterwards wished that they had asked you different questions and that you had be able to tell them things about you and your business but the opportunity to do so just never came up?
Well, how about writing your own Top Ten questions that you would like to be asked?
Only you know the most important things about your business; best clients, best way to introduce you, what makes you special, the great story that illustrates just how good you are, the type of business you are looking for.
So, why not make it easy for your fellow member and give them a head start? By providing ten questions to get your meeting off on the right foot you have far more chance of both parties getting the very most from your 1-2-1.
Not only will coming up with ten questions benefit your 1-2-1s, but by doing so it will also help you to think in more detail about your business and maybe help you focus on something that you had not thought about before.
I would suggest contacting the member concerned before your meeting to propose the idea, giving them the opportunity to come up with ten questions that they would like to be asked.
Don’t forget, 1-2-1s are far more than a social, or even a great chance to get to know someone better, they are the best way of allowing a member to find you the perfect referral.
Please let me know how you get on.
Have you ever had a 1-2-1 with a fellow member and afterwards wished that they had asked you different questions and that you had be able to tell them things about you and your business but the opportunity to do so just never came up?
Well, how about writing your own Top Ten questions that you would like to be asked?
Only you know the most important things about your business; best clients, best way to introduce you, what makes you special, the great story that illustrates just how good you are, the type of business you are looking for.
So, why not make it easy for your fellow member and give them a head start? By providing ten questions to get your meeting off on the right foot you have far more chance of both parties getting the very most from your 1-2-1.
Not only will coming up with ten questions benefit your 1-2-1s, but by doing so it will also help you to think in more detail about your business and maybe help you focus on something that you had not thought about before.
I would suggest contacting the member concerned before your meeting to propose the idea, giving them the opportunity to come up with ten questions that they would like to be asked.
Don’t forget, 1-2-1s are far more than a social, or even a great chance to get to know someone better, they are the best way of allowing a member to find you the perfect referral.
Please let me know how you get on.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
It’s all in the detail!
9/9/09
Some while ago I listened to a very clear and concise 10 Minute presentation. The member concerned broke their presentation down into easy to understand sections: a little bit of history, what made them special, the three main areas of business that they provided, what kind of business they were looking for and how they could be introduced. The fact that made them different was their attention to detail, real attention to detail, they did things that other people didn’t even think about, some things that you might not even notice. But afterwards, somehow, something, made you think that it was special. It’s just that you couldn’t put your finger on what it was.
It was a great 10 Minutes and certainly had me believing in the company and their products.
As normal toward the end of the meeting, the Door Prize was awarded and this is where the credibility of the 10 Minute Speaker, in my mind anyway, took a body-blow.
The Door Prize was wrapped up in an old plastic bag! All that special attention to detail that had been talked about just evaporated and it was replaced by a doubt in my mind. Did they really pay that extra special attention to detail?
So, to ensure the best possible referral opportunities, make sure that whatever you say you do and that whatever you say you can do is backed up in everything you do. Don’t let just one preventable lack of detail ruin your brand and everything it stands for.
Some while ago I listened to a very clear and concise 10 Minute presentation. The member concerned broke their presentation down into easy to understand sections: a little bit of history, what made them special, the three main areas of business that they provided, what kind of business they were looking for and how they could be introduced. The fact that made them different was their attention to detail, real attention to detail, they did things that other people didn’t even think about, some things that you might not even notice. But afterwards, somehow, something, made you think that it was special. It’s just that you couldn’t put your finger on what it was.
It was a great 10 Minutes and certainly had me believing in the company and their products.
As normal toward the end of the meeting, the Door Prize was awarded and this is where the credibility of the 10 Minute Speaker, in my mind anyway, took a body-blow.
The Door Prize was wrapped up in an old plastic bag! All that special attention to detail that had been talked about just evaporated and it was replaced by a doubt in my mind. Did they really pay that extra special attention to detail?
So, to ensure the best possible referral opportunities, make sure that whatever you say you do and that whatever you say you can do is backed up in everything you do. Don’t let just one preventable lack of detail ruin your brand and everything it stands for.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Even Tiger Woods Has A Coach!
3/9/09
Imagine what it must be like to be the best in the world and yet be honest enough to admit that you can still get better...that you don’t know it all...to understand that often we can’t see our own mistakes, and if we are not getting better at something, we are in fact getting worse...that we have to get better, at what we do, just to stand still.
Tiger Woods, has a near perfect golf swing, and yet he still has a coach to help him improve it.
So, as a BNI member how can we improve our performance as a member, and the amount of business we receive from our chapter?
Well, like Tiger Woods we can be coached. And, rather than spend thousands of dollars as Tiger does, we can attend the BNI workshops for free (well okay, we have to pay for a coffee and a sandwich). There is a BNI workshop covering every part of what it takes to become a winning member and, what’s more, a success outside of BNI.
And, it’s the benefits that these workshops provide outside of BNI which I believe is their real value. Doing everything better in your relationships with your fellow BNI members is one thing, but the way that you handle yourself with business contacts, and even personal relations, can be something far more valuable.
Just think about two of the BNI workshops: Networking Skills and Presentation Skills. How much more successful do you think your business would be, if you were more confident when speaking to your clients, suppliers, your bank manager (when asking for a loan), or possible new contacts?
So, if you would like to give the very best you can, and gain the best from your fellow members in return, why not sign up for a workshop today and gain from coaching just like Tiger Woods does.
Imagine what it must be like to be the best in the world and yet be honest enough to admit that you can still get better...that you don’t know it all...to understand that often we can’t see our own mistakes, and if we are not getting better at something, we are in fact getting worse...that we have to get better, at what we do, just to stand still.
Tiger Woods, has a near perfect golf swing, and yet he still has a coach to help him improve it.
So, as a BNI member how can we improve our performance as a member, and the amount of business we receive from our chapter?
Well, like Tiger Woods we can be coached. And, rather than spend thousands of dollars as Tiger does, we can attend the BNI workshops for free (well okay, we have to pay for a coffee and a sandwich). There is a BNI workshop covering every part of what it takes to become a winning member and, what’s more, a success outside of BNI.
And, it’s the benefits that these workshops provide outside of BNI which I believe is their real value. Doing everything better in your relationships with your fellow BNI members is one thing, but the way that you handle yourself with business contacts, and even personal relations, can be something far more valuable.
Just think about two of the BNI workshops: Networking Skills and Presentation Skills. How much more successful do you think your business would be, if you were more confident when speaking to your clients, suppliers, your bank manager (when asking for a loan), or possible new contacts?
So, if you would like to give the very best you can, and gain the best from your fellow members in return, why not sign up for a workshop today and gain from coaching just like Tiger Woods does.
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