Why be green?

9/9/12

A member asked me recently why they should want to be a green member and, I guess because the answer seems pretty obvious to me, it took me a few seconds to answer. Having replied to the question, what I realised was that the answer I gave barely touched the surface of why all of us should want to be a green member. So I thought I would have another go at answering the question here.

I guess first of all, why wouldn’t you want to be? But, I guess that is too simple.

Because I suppose we don’t all want to be the best at everything we do. Average for many people is okay. Even below average is okay for some.

But is it that really? Would you recommend an average business (business person) to your best friend? Let alone a business below average. Somehow I don’t think so.

It’s also about credibility. How credible can a grey member be?

And there is something that you might not know about members in the grey; pretty much all of them leave BNI. Why? Lack of business. But, if you think about it, why would a member in the grey be given loads of business? They are below average as a member and give very little. The answer really is pretty clear for all to see.

Then of course there is pride in what you do. That’s not the same as being the best, as you can be proud of what you do without being the best.

Of course there is ‘Givers Gain’ : our BNI philosophy. It’s what we all believe in and, in general, green members give the most to their fellow members.

Then of course there is the money; green members and green chapters tend to pass more business.

The trouble is, and I can hear you saying it, it’s not always that way. And, of course, you are correct. There are always exceptions to the rule. That’s what makes life interesting. But, if you want the best chance of getting the best from BNI you will be a green member in a green chapter.

And how about this for a thought?

In English football we have the Premier League and the FA Cup. In the FA Cup any team can have a good day and beat a team far better than themselves; the FA Cup can even be won by a team way down in the leagues (I’m an Arsenal fan I know!). But, the Premier League is always won by the best team over the course of the season.

Yes, a grey member can have a ‘good day’, but over time a green member will always do better.

So, if you really want to get the best from your chapter then green is what you need to be. And the best part? Every single one of us can be a green member – it just takes a little effort.