Following up with New Members

From March 2017

The Theme for the 2017 International Networking Week, was FOLLOW UP!

This month our focus is on following up with new members to ensure their success.  Never assume a new member knows and understands the BNI processes, procedures, and expectations.

Here are the steps BNI recommends to ensure a new member's success along with a few ideas of my own.

- The day the new member is inducted - On the day the new member is inducted they should receive their new member packet which includes their Passport and their member folder already filled with their fellow chapter member's business cards.  After the meeting the President of the chapter should conduct a new member orientation with the new member which should include the attendance policy, sub program, chapter by-laws, and any other pertinent information the new member needs to know.

- The Mentor Coordinator follow up with the new member - The Mentor Cood should schedule a meeting ASAP with the new member to go over the Passport Program and fill in the names of the members that the new member should meet with as designated in the Passport.  The Mentor Coordinator should also ensure the new member gets registered and attends MSP within their first 60 days of membership. The 1st month, the Mentor Coordinator should check in with the new member every week to make sure they are scheduling their meetings designated in their Passport and offer pointers where needed.  The 2nd month - every other week.

- Three Month Follow Up Review by the Membership Committee - The Membership Committee should schedule a meeting with the new member 3 months after their induction to see if the member is having any issues, go over their personal PALMS report and Traffic Light reports to see where they may need additional help and/or training.  Based on that meeting, the MC should recommend steps that will help the new member make improvements where needed.

- Six Month Follow Up Review by the Membership Committee - Basically the same as the 3 month review. At this review, it would also be a good idea to have the Mentor Coordinator check in with the member to ensure they are still continuing their meetings to complete the Passport Program because they should be about 3/4 finished by now.

- Nine Month Follow Up Review by the Membership Committee -  It's time to review and talk about the member renewing their membership. If the steps above have been followed then the member should have completed the Passport Program by now and be a contributing member of their Chapter in all areas, i.e. giving referrals, receiving referrals, inviting visitors, TYFCB, CEUs, etc.  Renewing their membership for another year becomes a no brainier.