J25 BNI Derby Business Networking

Communication devices are convenient to individuals but distractive and disruptive for groups and meetings. MUTE or TURN OFF all electronics to protect the integrity of your meeting.

7. Keep your business cards to yourself.

This is your cheapest form of print advertisement. Encourage chapter members to carry at least 4-5 of your cards at all times. If you find that your cards do not need to be replaced in the busines box, ask why people are not taking them.

6. Refuse leadership roles in your chapter.

Accepting leadership positions with the chapter is an opportunity to exhibit professionalism and dependability to chapter members. Members who receive the most busniess are those who are best known, best liked, and most seen. By taking care of chapter business, you will be taking care of your own business.

5. Use referral time to say “thank you” for referrals received.

This is the “I HAVE” portion of the meeting. Giving a testimonial means talking about another member in such a positive way that you actually help them gain credibility in the eyes of other members. “Thank you” is a good idea…but a testimonial that really shines the spotlight on another member is ideal.

4. Give “off-the-cuff” 60-second presentations weekly.

Treat BNI air time just as if it were television air time. You have purchased 50 one-minute presentations and 3-7 10-minute presentations with your annual membership. Plan your time, and give us a targeted piece of the puzzle each week.

3. Don’t follow up with a referral during the week it was given.

Each referral you give is an opportunity to increase your credibility and reputation with the BNI member who referred you. Treat their referral as you would your best customer. Realize that a fellow member put his reputation on the line on the line to give you a referral.

2. Avoid doing 1-2-1’s.

1-2-1’s are the best tool for buillding relationships. They are reserved time when you and another member diligently search for what you have in common: people, places, experiences, preferences, and activities. You mutually share your networks to help each other build more business.

1. Don’t waste time talking with visitors before or after the meeting.

Looking for new customers? Would you like to meet 4-5 prospective new customers each week…at your BNI meeting? If every member brings only one visitor each month, that will happen. Visitors are potential customers. Effective visitor follow-up = more money + more chapter members.

Thanks to the Missouri~Southern Illinois BNI for this ed slot.
 http://bnisuarez.blogspot.com/2007/04/top-10-things-bni-members-do-that-make.html