Here are ten ways BNI members can boost their commitment level — and your results:
1. Attend your weekly BNI meeting, even when it’s not convenient. Paying for a membership to a health club and not using it is your business. Paying for a BNI membership and not attending meetings is each member’s business. We are in this together.
2. Do not give referrals to people with whom you are not in relationship. Never. Make it a point to only refer people whose reputation you would stand by if something went wrong.
3. Hold members accountable for violating your code of ethics. No matter how many referrals another member gives you, never sell out your values.
4. Attend training opportunities to improve your ability to do business by referral. Find reasons to go instead of making excuses not to. Referral marketing is an acquired skill.
5. Schedule 1-2-1 meetings. Meet with people you know, and people you don’t. As you make time to deepen your relationships, referrals will follow. Referral marketing is a pipeline business. Keep your pipeline full.
6. Quit spending time with negative people. You can’t do business well when your personal energy is drained. You will find a better version of yourself as you spend more time with positive, helpful people.
7. Hold yourself and your fellow members accountable to minimum monthly performance standards: 100% attendance, four 1-2-1s per month (minimum), three referrals (given), one visitor (minimum). Do this even when it is not easy, cheap, popular, or convenient. Reach out for support if necessary.
8. Learn something new each month. Delve into anything business related: sales, marketing, your industry, or someone else’s industry. Constantly upgrade your skill capacity to position yourself as a leader.
9. Attend networking events for the sole purpose of helping others. Don’t go to dump your pocketful of your personal business cards. Go to make connections for others. Remember: Givers Gain.
10. Meet with your contact sphere at least once a month. Think of it as a training session for your sales force, and prepare accordingly.
If you implement these 10 suggestions, you will strengthen your referral relationships and you’ll improve your business.
If you’d like to join South Bay BNI, join us at our weekly meetings: every Wednesday from 7-8:30 am at Lido Ristorante, 1550 Rosecrans Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA. For all the details. visit our Visitor Information page.