In podcast #529 ‘Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast,’ Dr. Misner goes into the details of what that means. In this article, I’m going to touch on some of those details.
One of the single greatest benefits of being a BNI member is being part of a group. Not only is it a great source of business and potential revenue, but also a support network full of high-caliber business professionals that you can trust. Sure, all BNI members are looking to grow their individual businesses and ultimately make more money, but the fact remains that being part of a group significantly increases your chances of making the right kind of contacts and pushing your business to the next level.
Consider this one simple sentiment:
The better the group does, the better you do as individuals. Would you agree?
Like any business, we rely on the
contributions of our team, which in this case is the other members. With
everyone pulling in the same direction, you are far more likely to achieve your
group goals, and benefit individually as a result.
Working Together
Would you agree that you want to be part of a
winning team? A high-performance
team? A winning team consists of
individuals doing their part.
Let’s go over a few things to ensure that
your chapter is promoting a culture of shared success.
Grow Business
Do you want to grow your business?
Then each and every member needs to contribute for the chapter to be
successful as a whole.
Structure
BNI is a system.
It’s actually a marketing system that teaches its members how to market
their business and grow their business.
BNI works if members work the system instead of just
going to a BNI meeting and expecting referrals to fall out of sky.
Everything that BNI asks members to do is 37 years of
trial and error to perfect the system.
Many have tried to mimic BNI by taking out key
components, like accountability, but no other group has been successful. BNI is the oldest and largest networking
organization in the world. It works, if
the members work and follow the system.
Organization chart
Part of that Structure is the Leadership of a
Chapter. Members taking on a part of
running a Chapter.
Each one of you is a business owner or part of a
business. Your livelihood depends on how
successful that business is..right? Do
you leave it to someone else to do your job and sit back and reap the
results? I don’t think so. Each one of you are strong leaders. That’s why you are entrepreneurs and I
believe that’s why you became part of BNI.
Successful BNI Chapters are run like a business and
every member does their part to help their chapter be successful
GOALS
So if it’s your goal to be successful in BNI, then
you need to do your part. If everyone
does their part, then the group as a whole, benefits and is successful.
Commitment
For a BNI chapter to be successful, All members have
to be motivated and committed.
Morale
is very important in any group. People feel better about being part of a group that is full of committed people. Good practice rubs off on everyone and it’s
motivational to see a packed room each week. And when you’re in the room, make
sure you’re really in the room, listening, engaging, and creating a great
atmosphere for your fellow members as well as visitors.
Time to Take Action
It’s time for all members to step up. To be onboard, motivated, committed, and
taking responsibility for their chapter’s success which will lead to their own
success.
Ninety Minute Member
BNI works if you work the system. It works even better if you learn how to do
the key performance indicators more effectively and efficiently. And when you do, and you get all your members
rowing in the same direction. It’s a
beautiful thing.
So what am I asking from each of you?
Be a Champion of your Chapter
Get
behind your Chapter and promote it wherever possible. Share the success stories
on social media, talk about the group in other circles and support your
fellow members if they are sharing exciting news. If there are positive stories
coming out of the group, then let the world know about it.
Be positive
Momentum breeds progress. Every group needs energy and positivity to fuel its
growth. So, make sure you approach your BNI membership with a proactive and
positive outlook. This rubs off on other members and creates a great atmosphere
for visitors.
Take responsibility
- It is no one person’s responsibility to get new members,
-
It is no one person’s responsibility to give
referrals,
-
It is no one person’s responsibility to organize
121s etc.
It is
the responsibility of ALL members. Don’t give in to a diffusion of
responsibility and just assume that others will do it for you. Be
proactive, not reactive, and definitely not inactive.
Leadership
And
it’s time for each of you to take on the responsibility of the leadership of the
chapter. One person can’t do it
all. If everyone does their part then
it’s not a burden on one person. It’s a
Team effort.
So, the
time for Leadership Transition is now.
Each one of you who is taking on a Leadership position needs to assume
it now. Commit to doing your fair share.
Invest in it
Make BNI part of your routine. After all, you only get out what
you put in. You’ve invested in it financially.
Invest your time and make the very best of your membership. A few
minutes each day devoting time to leading your chapter to success, could really
pay off for you and your business
BNI is all about shared success. The effort
and contribution you make as individuals directly correlates with the
prosperity of the group. So, if you want more business, be a team player, be
proud of your group and promote and be a part of a culture of shared success.
Celebrate your Success
Then you all can celebrate in your chapter’s
success as well as your own.
In appreciation,
Annette
Area Director
