Not giving the best signals!

26/5/11

I visited a chapter recently and became aware of a member not giving out the best of signals. Anyone can have an off moment but, as with all things, with repetition you notice things; that’s why marketing and branding works. And I guess you could say this was personal marketing and branding. Only of the negative kind!

The first thing I noticed was that the member spent a lot of time texting, not paying any attention to what was going on in the meeting. Then, when they did their 60 Seconds, they had one hand in a pocket and it sounded like they were ‘winging it’. No preparation. Most of the remainder of the meeting they just looked plain bored. Finally they had no contribution.

On the whole not a great advert for someone I would want to work with!

Now, I don’t know anything about the person concerned. They may have been feeling ill, have major problems at home or at work, or just crashed their car. Maybe they are just like the impression they gave me and everyone else in the room. I don’t know.

But, what I do know is this and it is really important. If you are going to maximise your referral potential, however you are feeling, you must take part fully in your BNI meetings. As, if even only a few people notice that you are not giving the best signals, it will affect your referral rate.

So, please always give your fellow chapter members the courtesy that they deserve and that they hopefully give you.

The result will be more referral opportunities.

I didn’t join BNI to help grow the chapter!

14/5/11

I heard of a member who left his chapter last week because he was asked to help the chapter in bringing visitors to the group. He said that he didn’t join BNI to help grow the chapter. I have to say that I wasn’t surprised to hear this, knowing the member concerned, but I did wonder how he ever became a member in the first place.

Question 7 on the BNI application form asks: ‘What is your ability to bring qualified referrals and/or visitors to the chapter?’ I would love to know what his answer was.

But what did surprise me was some of his other comments. One was that he only joined so that other members could give an easy referral! Can you believe that?

Another was that he didn’t get enough business. He actually received more referrals than any other member of the group and yet he wasn’t prepared to help grow the chapter so that he would get more. Truly unbelievable!

But, it was his last comment that really stunned me. In fact I really can’t believe he said it. And, if it should happen, I hope that whatever chapter committee it is acts as I’m sure you will think it should, as he finished by stating …

“I’ll think about re-joining when the chapter is bigger.”

I was speechless!

BNI: One Bite at a Time

9/5/11

I have been writing my blog now for over three years and a number of people have suggested that I should publish it as a book. The result is ‘BNI: One Bite at a Time!’

Dr. Ivan Misner has written the foreword and this is part of what he has to say: “David Wimblett has compiled this invaluable, easy-to-read handbook on how to approach BNI membership for truly powerful results.”

The book has also had testimonials from a number of BNI Directors:

“Congratulations on such an excellent blog! As you know I regularly make reference to the material contained on this site on the NZ blog and am constantly impressed by the fresh and practical nature of the material.” Graham Southwell - National Director BNI New Zealand.

“I frequently use David's blogs as Education slots because they are so practical, easy to deliver. This book will make a great resource for Education Coordinators and members alike.” Sid Grant, Executive Director BNI Scotland North.

“David is an experienced and successful BNI member and his book is full of real life practical examples of how to make BNI work for you.” Tim Cook - National Director BNI UK & Ireland.

"I often refer to articles from David's blog when I train members in Japan. Simply because it helps them be more productive as a BNI member." Asato Ohno – National Director BNI Japan.

I have included an index by subject so all blogs on a particular topic can be found easily: for example Visitors, Referrals, 60 Seconds, Substitutes, Credibility, etc.

Should you like a copy of my book it can be ordered via the link below at £10.00 + £1.50 post & packing (UK) or by email from david@7training.co.uk.

You can order you book here.

If you are outside the UK and would like to order a copy please send me an email and I will check out the postage cost for you.

Thank you - David