10 Ways to Make BNI Work For You
Everyone who joins BNI develops their own methods for making the most of the opportunities it offers, but successful membership is an acquired skill. David Salmon of Pink Fish Painting shares his personal guide to success in BNI through this well constructed networking education piece. Dave reminds us that commitment is vital when it comes to business networking, and that ‘givers’ really do gain…
1. Attend your weekly BNI meeting, even when it isn’t convenient. Commitment to attendance is a catalyst to building strong relationships within the group. Members with strong relationships are more likely to generate business for each other.
2. Do not give referrals to people with whom you are not in a relationship. Your reputation is based upon your recommendations. The key is to build relationships and trust.
3. Hold others acountable for violating your code of ethics. Never sell out your core values, no matter how much work is passed to you. We are a team, and must uphold a high standard of service throughout the group.
4. Attend training opportunities to improve your ability to do business by referral. Referral marketing is an acquired skill which can be constantly developed with training and fresh thinking.
5. Schedule 1-2-1 meetings. Meet with people you know and people you don’t. If you make time to develop your relationships referrals will follow. Businesses change, both theirs and yours, aim to keep as up to date as possible.
6. Don’t spend time with negative people. You will find a better, more productive version of yourself if you surround yourself with positive, helpful people.
7. Learn something new every month. Delve into anything business related – your own area and others: sales, marketing, or promotions for example. Constantly upgrade your skills to position yourself as a meaningful contributor to your BNI group.
8. Hold yourself and others accountable to minimum monthly performance standards. 100% attendance, four 1-2-1 meetings, three referrals given, one visitor invited. Do this and more, even when it isn’t easy, popular, cheap, or convenient. The group will grow and so will you.
9. Meet with your contacts at least once a month. Think of it as a training session for your sales force and prepare acordingly.
And most important of all:
10. Attend BNI meetings for the sole purpose of helping others. Don’t go along for breakfast, for a chat, to dump company literature, or to hand out as many business cards as possible. Go to make positive connections with others. Remember – GIVERS GAIN.
Tags: BNI Drake, business networking, pink fish Posted in
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