To The Next Level
Remember to Invite: Keep Your Message Clear and Active

During a BNI chapter meeting, the educational coordinator, Mary, made a convincing presentation about the importance of inviting new members so the chapter would grow. Paul, a new member, noticed that the wording she used actually weakened her message.

She closed her presentation with these thoughts:

• "Make sure you don't forget to invite visitors."
• "Don't forget the upcoming BNI extravaganza membership drive."
• "We can't fail if we keep inviting."
• "Make sure you don't miss the chance to qualify for the grand prize."

Paul recalled the communication skills program "Remember the Ice … and Other Paradigm Shifts" he recently came across. It taught him how to accomplish more goals by articulating his thoughts in a clear, precise manner.

Remembering the Beginnings of "Remembering the Ice"
Bob recalls, "Remember the Ice" is a simple concept that became clear to me one day (July 1991) while visiting a convenience store in Phoenix, AZ. Above the cash registers, the manager, Rick, had hung a couple of signs that read, "Don't Forget the Ice!"

Rick's intention was to encourage his patrons to buy more ice during the hot desert summer. One day I made a purchase and asked Rick how his ice sales were going. Less than desirable, he admitted.

"Rick, do you have a couple of pieces of paper and a magic marker?" I inquired. He gave me the items, and I quickly made two new signs for him. The new signs stated: "Remember the Ice!"

When I returned to the store a few weeks later, Rick told me sales were great.

I smiled and explained what I had done: "If I say, 'Don't think of the color blue,' what color will you think of?" Rick said, "Blue, of course."

I smiled and said, "Of course."

"Now if I say, 'Don't forget the ice!', what will you forget?"

"Hmmmm, the ice," he admitted.

Clear Up the Confusion
Looking back at Mary's words from earlier, here is the confusion they created:

"Make sure you don't forget to invite visitors."
Registers as:
"Make sure you forget to invite visitors."

"Don't forget the upcoming BNI extravaganza membership drive."
Registers as:
"Do forget the upcoming BNI extravaganza membership drive."

"We can't fail if we keep inviting."
Registers as:
"We can fail if we keep inviting."

"Make sure you don't miss the chance to qualify for the grand prize."
Registers as:
"Make sure you do miss the chance to qualify for the grand prize."

Look at the confusion that is created by using the words don't and can't. Why choose to weaken your message when it is just as easy, and so much more powerful, to make your point clearly?

"Remember the Ice" is a comprehensive program that teaches you about the power of word choice. It will help you pay attention to the words you use to articulate your message and to focus on eliminating one (k)not at a time.

When you eradicate these faulty words from your vocabulary—not, don't, can't, won't, wouldn't, couldn't, shouldn't—your message will be stronger, more precise, and help you attract more of what you want. Reframe your thoughts and retrain your brain to use empowering words, like can, do, will, and yes. The results will astound you.

Passive to Active
Back at the BNI meeting, Paul talked to Mary about rephrasing her statements to the members. He suggested the following strong reminders:

• Remember to invite visitors to every meeting. They are the lifeblood of the group.
• Remember the upcoming BNI membership drive extravaganza. You may qualify to win the grand prize trip for two to New Orleans.
• Stay focused on inviting guests every week and we will succeed.
• Sponsor a new member and make sure you qualify for the grand prize.

Now these once passive expressions have become imperative calls to action.

You, too, can learn to articulate a clearer message with your fellow members, prospective visitors, existing clients and co-workers—anyone who is important to the growth of your BNI chapter. It will help you develop your power teams and expand your sphere of influence.

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"Remember the Ice" is an essential tool for accomplishing more goals because it teaches you to articulate your thoughts and convey your message in a clear, precise manner. You will eliminate confusion and gain confidence in your message, and ultimately attract more of what you want.

Bob Nicoll has a passion for linguistics and empowering word choices. Since completing his Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 1972 and Masters in Counseling in 1974, he has focused his energies on studying the power of word choice: The Psychophysiology of Words.

He has been involved with BNI since 1989 when he was assisting Norm Dominguez as an Ambassador in the Phoenix, AZ market. He is now the Assistant Director of BNI Alaska and working with Executive Director Kelly Fisher in growing that region.

Bob is making a special offer to all BNI members. You can order your copy of "Remember the Ice … and Other Paradigm Shifts" and save $5.00 off the regular price of $50.00. The program consists of two 50-minute CDs, a 40-minute DVD and a 20-page workbook. You also receive a blue "Remember the Ice" wristband to wear as a reminder to focus on your word choice as you articulate your thoughts. (The program is priced at $49.00 and the wristband is $1.00)

In addition, Bob will be donating $5.00 of each purchase to the BNI-Misner Foundation.

You will be prompted to enter the two-word philosophy of BNI to identify yourself as a BNI member making you eligible for the discount. Thank you for your interest in "Remember the Ice … and Other Paradigm Shifts," and thank you for supporting the BNI-Misner Foundation.

Comments about Remember the Ice:

"Deliberate Diction: As my high school students would say, Bob Nicoll rocks. As a teacher of writing and communication, I think Bob's message regarding the importance of word choice resonates with clarity, purpose, and vision and shows how language can create positive energy in one's life."
~ Sharon Winzeler - Raleigh, NC ~

"His charisma and energy inspires people. Whether describing something he feels passionate about; speaking at a business function or talking about his weekend, he helps people take action and moves them towards accomplishing their goals. His ability to shift the energy of the room, to gently nudge people past the current paradigm they typically align with, is a passion, and a gift."
~ Megan Gruhl, Organic Writer ~