No need to bring a Door prize!

I heard recently that a Chapter Director had told their chapter that there was no need to bring a Door Prize in future. Well firstly there is no option on bringing a Door Prize; it’s something that as the 10 Minute Speaker you have to do.  See BNI Policy No. 8.  But, that’s not the point!

The members, and certainly this Chapter Director, are missing the point of the Door Prize.

At the very minimum the Door Prize is a Thank You from the 10 Minute Speaker to the chapter. But it goes much further than that.  The Door Prize is proof.  Proof that the member can plan, is organised, and does what they say they do.  And, if nothing else, cares about their fellow members.

But, let’s look at this a little closer.  What do I mean by 'it means the member can plan and is organised'?  And why does that matter.  Well, as a 10 Minute Speaker you get six weeks’ notice of your slot.  That’s six weeks to plan and organise what you are going to bring.  Why does this matter?  Well, if I’m going to give you a nice referral from one of my best contacts I want to know that you can plan and that you can organise.  I also want to know that you care.

But, how about the Door Prize itself, and the way it is wrapped?

Again, it proves a great deal.  In a 10 Minutes just about anything can be said; after all words are cheap.  The only time there is any real proof that you can deliver what you are talking about is the Door Prize.  How much time did you take sourcing it?  How well is it wrapped?  No time, and badly!  What does that say about you, your business, and the product/service you provide?  To be honest, not a great deal.

Whereas a beautiful Door Prize which was wrapped with care?  I think you get the picture!

So, please never be tempted to forget your Door Prize as it will affect your referral rate.