8/3/09
And, no I don’t mean with lots of champagne, loud music and dancing!
I’m sure that like me, sometime in your life, you have been invited to a party that, to be honest, wasn’t that great. For some reason the party just didn’t get going; there was music, more than enough to drink, and friends in the room. But there was no spark, no feeling of fun, so you had a drink, grabbed a plate full of food, smiled at a few people and tried to have a good time. All the time wondering how soon it would be polite to make your excuses and leave.
On the other hand (I hope) we have all been to really fantastic parties, where as soon as you walk in the room you just know that you are going to have a good time. Funny thing is that if you think about it there is nothing different about the structure of the party: music, drink, food and people. And yet it’s totally different and the thought of leaving doesn’t even cross your mind. You love the music, dance the night away, laugh, and just can’t stop talking. Until in the end your host has to push you out of their door and promises to have another party soon.
Well, that is what our chapter meetings need to feel like. When visitors, and members, come to our meetings do they wish they hadn’t come or do they feel as if the meeting is over almost as soon as they are welcomed into the room?
Every BNI meeting has the same structure - our twenty point agenda - so it is up to us to make our meetings feel like that great party.
Make sure that you are part of the energy in the room by getting to your meetings early and acting like the perfect host. I think you will be surprised at the difference that it will make to your chapter.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
A ‘Giving’ 10 Minutes
25/2/09
At a recent chapter visit I was lucky enough to experience one of the best 10 Minute presentations I have ever seen. It wasn’t great because of the props used - there weren’t any - nor because the member was an amazing performer, nor because of an eye-catching PowerPoint slide show, and not even because the content was stunning, but because of its simplicity and what was given.
The presentation was delivered in three sections and it was the middle part that really got my attention. The member talked about his customers and what type of business sector they were in. He then told us that he had been through his current client base and had 305 active accounts. At this point he turned over to a new flip chart sheet and on it was a list of his customers by sector. He then asked everyone to study the names and if they wanted introductions into any of them he would do his best for them.
What an offer!
I have to say that I was more than a little impressed. At a time when he could have been doing his utmost to educate the chapter on how to find him referrals he was using his time to help his fellow members.
A real ten out of ten 10 Minutes!
At a recent chapter visit I was lucky enough to experience one of the best 10 Minute presentations I have ever seen. It wasn’t great because of the props used - there weren’t any - nor because the member was an amazing performer, nor because of an eye-catching PowerPoint slide show, and not even because the content was stunning, but because of its simplicity and what was given.
The presentation was delivered in three sections and it was the middle part that really got my attention. The member talked about his customers and what type of business sector they were in. He then told us that he had been through his current client base and had 305 active accounts. At this point he turned over to a new flip chart sheet and on it was a list of his customers by sector. He then asked everyone to study the names and if they wanted introductions into any of them he would do his best for them.
What an offer!
I have to say that I was more than a little impressed. At a time when he could have been doing his utmost to educate the chapter on how to find him referrals he was using his time to help his fellow members.
A real ten out of ten 10 Minutes!
Monday, 23 February 2009
Brilliant BNI Song!
23/2/09
I’ve just been told about a BNI Song on YouTube by Richard Swan – and just watched it. It’s a must see, just click below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPZetC8jPhY
I’ve just been told about a BNI Song on YouTube by Richard Swan – and just watched it. It’s a must see, just click below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPZetC8jPhY
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Can another BNI member ever be a good substitute?
19/2/09
A survey was done some time ago where members were asked “If a member of your chapter could not attend a meeting, who would you like to see in their chair as a sub?”
I’m not going to run through the Top 10 now, but at number seven, was “Anyone … with a heartbeat”. And, at number eight, was another BNI member.
So, I guess you could say that the answer to my question was – No!
However, we had a BNI member from another chapter sub at our chapter last week. Sadly nothing unusual in that, apart from the fact that she didn’t present her business, as she clashed with one of our members – so, she didn’t do a 60 Seconds. In fact she didn’t really talk about her business much at all and she didn't even pass around her business cards. She was subbing for the right reason – giving to a friend.
And, it reminded me of an email that I had received some time last year. In short, the email said that a member of a chapter was looking for a sub for a very good friend of theirs, only that they themselves could not sub for the friend, because they clashed with someone in the chapter.
Now my question is, what sort of friend were they? And, I would have to say - Not a friend at all.
So, if you are asked to sub in the future, make sure that you are not just the ‘soft’ option and then ask yourself before saying yes, “Would I still say yes if I couldn’t present my business?”
The really great thing about the BNI member that subbed at our meeting last week, was that when I left she was having a One2One with the person she clashed with.
Two members that both understand what BNI is all about.
A survey was done some time ago where members were asked “If a member of your chapter could not attend a meeting, who would you like to see in their chair as a sub?”
I’m not going to run through the Top 10 now, but at number seven, was “Anyone … with a heartbeat”. And, at number eight, was another BNI member.
So, I guess you could say that the answer to my question was – No!
However, we had a BNI member from another chapter sub at our chapter last week. Sadly nothing unusual in that, apart from the fact that she didn’t present her business, as she clashed with one of our members – so, she didn’t do a 60 Seconds. In fact she didn’t really talk about her business much at all and she didn't even pass around her business cards. She was subbing for the right reason – giving to a friend.
And, it reminded me of an email that I had received some time last year. In short, the email said that a member of a chapter was looking for a sub for a very good friend of theirs, only that they themselves could not sub for the friend, because they clashed with someone in the chapter.
Now my question is, what sort of friend were they? And, I would have to say - Not a friend at all.
So, if you are asked to sub in the future, make sure that you are not just the ‘soft’ option and then ask yourself before saying yes, “Would I still say yes if I couldn’t present my business?”
The really great thing about the BNI member that subbed at our meeting last week, was that when I left she was having a One2One with the person she clashed with.
Two members that both understand what BNI is all about.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Ten Business Cards
16/2/09
I was helping my Area Director present the 1-1 Relationship Skills Workshop this week. In one of the open discussion parts of the workshop ideas were being exchanged on how to best maximise the opportunities for the other person.
Something my Area Director suggested, as it is what she does, is ask the member she is having the 1-1 with for ten business cards. Once back in her office, she attaches each card around her computer screen with some Bluetack. In this way, when emailing and on the telephone, she has a ready reminder of the person that she is looking to help.
Then, when an opening arises to recommend the member, she has all their necessary information to hand. And the best part? Until she has been able to give out all ten cards she does not have another 1-1. She is completely focused on that one member.
What a great idea!
I was helping my Area Director present the 1-1 Relationship Skills Workshop this week. In one of the open discussion parts of the workshop ideas were being exchanged on how to best maximise the opportunities for the other person.
Something my Area Director suggested, as it is what she does, is ask the member she is having the 1-1 with for ten business cards. Once back in her office, she attaches each card around her computer screen with some Bluetack. In this way, when emailing and on the telephone, she has a ready reminder of the person that she is looking to help.
Then, when an opening arises to recommend the member, she has all their necessary information to hand. And the best part? Until she has been able to give out all ten cards she does not have another 1-1. She is completely focused on that one member.
What a great idea!
Sunday, 8 February 2009
BNI New Zealand
8/2/09
One of the things that has surprised me about my blog is the type of person who reads it. Or rather, those that think my blog is of value. Let’s face it anyone could read it!
And, I have to say that it is pretty good when someone leaves a comment saying that it’s a worthwhile read, especially when it is someone like Graham Southwell, the National Director, of New Zealand .
Having been spotted by Graham I decided to subscribe to the Official Blog of BNI New Zealand and now I receive an alert every time something new is posted.
Their post on how to better convert visitors to members caught my eye so I thought that I would share it;
http://bniblog.co.nz/bni/bni-workshops/how-to-convert-visitors-into-members/
Hope the post gives you some ideas for your own chapter.
See what Graham Southwell said:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3403756724341668639&postID=4825241438186385778
One of the things that has surprised me about my blog is the type of person who reads it. Or rather, those that think my blog is of value. Let’s face it anyone could read it!
And, I have to say that it is pretty good when someone leaves a comment saying that it’s a worthwhile read, especially when it is someone like Graham Southwell, the National Director, of New Zealand .
Having been spotted by Graham I decided to subscribe to the Official Blog of BNI New Zealand and now I receive an alert every time something new is posted.
Their post on how to better convert visitors to members caught my eye so I thought that I would share it;
http://bniblog.co.nz/bni/bni-workshops/how-to-convert-visitors-into-members/
Hope the post gives you some ideas for your own chapter.
See what Graham Southwell said:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3403756724341668639&postID=4825241438186385778
Monday, 2 February 2009
Beat that!
2/2/09
Platinum Chapter member Barry Sutton took off his gloves today and laid down a challenge to his fellow members.
Most of the country may have been covered in snow but that wasn’t going to stop Barry having a bit of fun and gaining an advantage where he could!
Late in the afternoon he sent an email to his Chapter which said:
‘Ok Guys. Every ten years or so we get some snowfall and it's customary to have a snowman competition.
Here is my entry. Beat that!’
Platinum Chapter member Barry Sutton took off his gloves today and laid down a challenge to his fellow members.
Most of the country may have been covered in snow but that wasn’t going to stop Barry having a bit of fun and gaining an advantage where he could!
Late in the afternoon he sent an email to his Chapter which said:
‘Ok Guys. Every ten years or so we get some snowfall and it's customary to have a snowman competition.
Here is my entry. Beat that!’
So, did any other Chapters have a snowman competition or maybe even a snowball fight?
It’s these kinds of things that help you get to know each other and what I’ve learnt today is that, if I want to beat Barry, next time it snows I’m going to have to get up early!
Hope you weren’t unlucky enough to be stuck in it somewhere but had some fun in the snow.
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