Quote:
Originally Posted by lany
Chris - can you please expand a little more on the BNI club? I've looked into it, but was turned off because of what seemed to be mandatory attendance and lots of formality. (I'm not lazy, I just have two little ones so my sick days are a little higher than they are for others) Also, it seems like referrals were a little forced but that could just be my perception. How long have you been a member? What are the pros/cons you see so far? Thanks!
|
BNI is a unique type of club, and I'd venuture to say each chapter probably has it's own personality or flavor, although they all follow the same structure and process. Members from other chapters who have visited us always comment on how friendly and fun our group is. So, I might have it a bit lucky, but I think any chapter can be useful (and one can always start a new chapeter!).
I also see it as sowing seeds, and if one if planning on joining it, or using it, then one should plan on two years minimum. I think it is not at all unusual to get no paying referrals for a year. So, it's sowing seeds for later harverst.
The good thing about it is that it is specifically oriented toward getting referrals. Chambers of Commerce are not really oriented to that, and although they offer social/networking opportunities, you have to figure out how to make that work. Our local Chamber's networking/social events are very social and very clique-y and hard to break into, IMO. Not being a local boy in a small city of 11,000 people puts me on the outside; everybody else knows each other too well and seem to inadvertently shut others out.
I'd been invited to BNI as a visitor by a couple of fellow chamber of commerce members who talked with me about it and convinced me to attend a visitor day. Between me not being a local boy, and thus not knowing people, and taekwondo being a non-mainstream activity (versus hockey or gymnastics or dance), I realized it could be a great way to, first, get known, and known as a normal guy, not some karate-dude, and second, to get out the message that taekwondo training is a viable alternative for people of all ages.
I'm just nearing the end of my first year, and still have not gotten one paying referral, which isn't all that unusual. However, rather than bail, I see the first year as sowing seeds and the future as the harvest. It occurred to me just a bit ago that I needed to get some of my "salespeople" (members) involved at any cost to break down some barriers, to understand the value, and then get help spreading word about that. So, I threw out the offer for free training for the first two or three people who would start and commit to a year. I really think that will pay off in work of mouth return.
I also just recently realized that everyone needed some understanding, so I've invited all members (40+ people) to at least come observe a class, and preferably take part in one, so they see what it is about and can talk to others intelligently and with some experience.
Well, that's more than you wanted or needed, perhaps. IMO, it definitely is a tool you can use. Lots of tools can get the job done, but in the overall scheme of things, I think if you commit to BNI and really try to use it well (rather than just try to do the minimum and expect referrals), it will work.