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STEP #2: Build It Like A Business - (of my 11 Steps To Growing Your BNI Chapter Larger Than 40, 50, 60, 70 and Beyond)
For those of you that know me, you'll remember that years ago I served as Chapter Growth & Retention Coordinator and helped grow my BNI Chapter from 40 members to 73 members. AND...we stayed above 70 members for my entire 1 year term.
At the time, I was asked to visit other local BNI Chapters and help educate them as to "HOW WE DID IT?". Here's STEP #2:
**BUILD IT LIKE A BUSINESS**
Have you ever heard the phrase "You can't choose your FAMILY, but you can choose your FRIENDS"?
I ask you kindly to ponder this phrase and consider the SIMILARITIES and DIFFERENCES this philosophy may have with BNI.
(tick tock, tick tock, tick tock)
Okay, please allow me to write down a SIMILARITIES:
1 - Your FAMILY and your BNI Chapter may both include people that you may (or may not) like to hang out with.
Now, please allow me to write down a DIFFERENCE:
1 - You cannot 'kick anyone out' of your FAMILY. However, in BNI and just like the TV Show "Survivor" here in the U.S., you can VOTE THEM OFF THE ISLAND. For example, if they don't hold the standards and ethics you set for your chapter...you have every right to let them go (and typically as soon as possible).
I guess what I'm suggesting by making these comparisons is that each and every BNI Membership Committee should be UNBIASED. If your 'build your chapter like a business', then there will be no special attention given to ANYONE.
Your Membership Committee (in my opinion) should be asking the question,"Would I hire this person for work for MY company?". If the answer is NO, then please be an adult about the situation and ask the member to move on.
From my perspective, many BNI Members believe that since they were ACCEPTED once (when they joined the chapter...they are ALWAYS going to be renewed. I recommend if you build your chapter like a business - this is not always the case.
Be honest. Can you attract someone better that will add MORE than the current person is adding? Then, reconsider renewing.
Please let me know what you think about this post and perspective.
And...can YOU add any more SIMILARITIES and/or DIFFERENCES?
Be more than ordinary...
TR Garland
#1 Best-Selling Author of "Building The Ultimate Network"
Internationally-Recognized Business Networking Expert & Strategic Partnership Expert
Referral Institute - Regional Manager
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