BNI Minnesota & N. Wisconsin Blog

by Linda Aasen

There are several things that often happen in BNI meetings that absolutely make me crazy. I’m sure that the members who do these things are unaware that they are doing something wrong and, I’m even more sure, that they don’t know that they are driving me crazy.

The first situation is a visitor who is standing alone. No members are talking to them. No members are asking about their business. No members are asking what a good referral is for them. No members exhibiting behavior that will convince the visitor that the people in this chapter care about them and would like them to join their chapter. Never, ever leave a visitor alone.

The second behavior exhibited by members is disregarding the 60 second time limit for their

60 Second Commercial. Other members, not just me, get irritated by members who think that what they have to say is more important that everyone else and they can take more than their 60 seconds. I find that members who take extra time are adding extra “stuff” which detracts from the message that they are trying to convey to their sales force. Every members’ commercial is important. No members should take more than their allotted time!

The third thing which drives me crazy is during the “I Have” portion of the meeting. Some members will stand and say, “Good presentation speaker”. Many times it was a good, or even great, presentation. That is why we applauded when the speaker was finished. I have big news for members who say this routinely…we know you do not have a referral! We know you are copping out by saying, “Good job speaker”! If you do not have a referral, give a testimonial. If you do not have a referral, make sure you have a One-to-One, so you can tell us something you learned during your mini-meeting. If you do not have a referral, work hard to find one for your members! Do not say, “Good presentation speaker”!!!

So, if you exhibit any of these behaviors, be on notice your members are of your behavior.

Remember that everything you say and do or not say or not do can move you up or down the Referral Curve. If you are making me crazy and you may be doing the same for the other members of your chapter.

by Beth Anderson

We all know that the more we do something the more comfortable it becomes to do. Remember learning to ride a bike? Drive a car? Sing in public? Whatever it is, over time it becomes easier.

The same is true of your 60 second commercial. Buddy up with someone in your chapter and take 20 minutes to talk on the phone and practice this week’s commercial; 10 minutes for each of you. Be open to any and all advice on making it better.

When we only practice with ourselves we don’t always hear what others hear. Try it and come back here and let us know how it goes.