Do I have to have a Sub?

Over the years this comment has often been made to me, as well as many more, not so good, variations.

In truth, I guess the answer is ‘No’, but of course it would affect your membership.

But what’s truly important is why does BNI want you to have a great Sub?

Well, the answer is simple. And, what’s more, it’s to help your business succeed.

Now imagine this. You have booked and paid for a weekly advert in a local magazine. Why? So, that you can grow your business and get more new customers.

If one week the magazine ran a blank advert for you, what would you think? They must be mad. You are losing possible business. You want your money back. Plus, I expect, a fair bit more.

Now imagine if no one is at your meeting for you. No Substitute.

If you think, but that’s not the same, you are dead right. But I doubt that you are thinking it is far, far worse.

Of course people will miss your advert (60 Seconds), visitors will totally miss you, and of course, you will miss your fellow members' adverts, plus more.

But, the real damage is that you will be losing future business (referrals), because people will wonder if you are reliable. If they recommend you to a good contact, can they guarantee that you will turn up? And the answer is no.

Now, before you jump up and down and say that’s not true - people know me. I’m not talking about the people that know you well; I’m talking about new contacts and new business.

So, if your main reason for being a BNI member is more business, then brilliant Subs will help you very much indeed.