July 2007
Art of NetworkingMake the Most of Your BNI Membership
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Since being accepted to BNI, I have tried to learn as much as possible about networking and helping others succeed. As a result, I have received so many business referrals that I no longer have to worry about "down times." Here are some suggestions that will help you always have "up times."
Live BNI's philosophy—Givers Gain.
Don't just give it lip service. Help others as much and as often as you can, even when it's not convenient. You will not only become a better networker, you also make the world a better place.
Get involved.
Make a commitment to your chapter. Be part of the leadership team, be on the membership committee, or be a visitor host. If you can't hold any of those positions, be a greeter! You'll be the first person the visitor gets to know. If you don't feel you can do even this, show up early and set up, or stay later and clean up.
Attend as many BNI-sponsored classes as possible.
You may be thinking, I already went to an MSP. Why should I go again? If so, you may want to ask yourself how successful you truly want to be. BNI focuses on educating its members for continual success. It might mean you need to go to the advanced MSPs. You'll learn how to improve your "Sales Manager Minute," how to effectively do a one-to-one (dance card), and how to give an effective 10-minute presentation. If we're not successful in BNI, it's not from BNI's lack of help. Contact your area director or executive director for class times and locations.
Start practicing the things you've learned.
Be a good BNI member wherever you are. Bring your BNI card-holder with you to appointments. While you're working on an estimate for a client, hand them the card-holder and say, "In this book are many professionals that I would personally recommend. Would you go through it and see if there's a product or service you may need now or in the future?" Start looking for opportunities for your co-members. Don't sit back and wait for a good referral to fall in your lap. Strive to help at least one of your co-members each week.
Don't complain.
Who wants to give referrals to a complainer? Have you ever heard someone say, "The meeting is too early," "The food is too cold," or "I'm not getting any referrals"? If you've not heard these phrases, check to see if you're the one saying them. In order to get the most out of your BNI membership, be someone who is fun to refer. Also, when you receive a referral, make sure you thank the person who gave it to you. They worked hard to get it, so you should show your gratitude!
For other tips, don't forget to subscribe to SuccessNet Online, check out entrepeneur.com, and read some of the many great books on networking. (One of my personal favorites is Truth or Delusion? by Ivan Misner, Mike Macedonio & Mike Garrison.) Not only do I hope you succeed, I also hope you are compelled to help others succeed.
Christopher Signore has been a P&C Insurance Agent for 13 years and at the Rousseau Agency for 10. He also provides Life Settlements and is the Proprietor of New Creation Financial, LLC. He is an Ambassador for BNI and is currently a member of the BNI Network Professionals chapter of BNI which meets in South Portland, ME. Christopher has been in BNI about 4 years and has held positions each of those years. His favorites so far have been Chapter President and Educational Coordinator.
