Darren Jamieson recently delivered a powerful talk at BNI about how members can maximize their success within the organization by aiming for “green” status in the traffic light system. With humor, anecdotes, and actionable advice, Darren highlighted the importance of giving, logging, and fostering reciprocal relationships to achieve greater business success. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Darren’s message, which includes key insights on how green BNI members can thrive and help others do the same.

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The Importance of Reciprocity

Darren kicked off with a relatable analogy about one-sided relationships. “Have you ever had those friendship relationships that are not quite equal? You’re always the one buying the drinks, moving the sofa, or doing the washing up, but it’s never reciprocated?” he asked. This imbalance, he explained, can lead to feelings of being undervalued or taken advantage of. Similarly, in BNI, relationships can sometimes become one-sided, where some members give more than they receive.

To address this, Darren encouraged members to evaluate their contributions and ensure they’re fostering balanced, mutually beneficial relationships. “Why would you help somebody that doesn’t help you?” he asked. “Eventually, you’re going to stop.”

Understanding the BNI Traffic Light System

BNI chapters use a traffic light system to track member activity and engagement:

  • Green: Highly engaged members who actively contribute
  • Amber and Red: Members with moderate to low engagement
  • Gray: Members with minimal activity

Darren revealed that the Chester chapter boasts an impressive 10 members in the green, the highest in the region. However, being in the green isn’t just about training or doing one-to-ones. “You need to pass referrals, invite guests, and give testimonials,” he said. “You’re not going to get into the green without consistent action.”

Key Insight: Green Means Giving

A common misconception Darren debunked is that being in the green means you’re receiving the most business. In reality, green members are the ones giving the most. “It’s about creating value for others,” he emphasized.

Darren shared a striking example: “Gail, a long-standing green member and former chapter president, gives so much to other members. But if she’s always giving and not receiving, how long can we expect her to stay?” This highlights the importance of recognizing and reciprocating the efforts of green members.

Introducing Green Club

To reward and support green members, BNI introduced Green Club. “Green Club is a super chapter where all the big referral givers from across the region meet once a month,” Darren explained. This exclusive gathering provides green members with unparalleled opportunities to network, exchange referrals, and grow their businesses.

Darren shared a success story from Green Club’s inaugural meeting. “Gail received a referral that turned into continuous business worth £6,000. I received a referral worth just under £600. That’s business we wouldn’t have had if we hadn’t attended,” he said.

How to Qualify for Green Club

To join Green Club, members must achieve green status by earning at least 70 points on the traffic lights. Darren outlined the key actions required:

  • Log Your Training: Listening to podcasts or attending workshops can earn points. “You can even listen while going for a walk or driving,” he suggested
  • Complete One-to-Ones: Building deeper connections with other members is crucial
  • Give Testimonials: Darren stressed the simplicity of this step: “If you’ve given a referral that turned into business, acknowledge it with a testimonial. It’s worth five points and takes just minutes”
  • Pass Referrals and Log Them: Actively pass referrals and ensure they’re logged to earn credit
  • Encourage Thank Yous: If your referrals result in business, follow up to ensure the recipient logs the thank-you, as this contributes to your score
  • Invite Guests: Introducing new members to the chapter not only helps grow the network but also earns valuable points

The Cost of Inaction

Darren highlighted the consequences of not participating. He shared a sobering example of a chapter with no green members. “Not a lot of business gets passed, not a lot of guests get invited, and not a lot of training gets done,” he said. “Those members aren’t earning much.”

A Call to Action

Darren’s message culminated in a direct challenge to members: “Who wants to get more business from BNI?” The answer was clear: those who take consistent action and log their contributions.

He urged members to act quickly, particularly with the next Green Club meeting approaching. “If you haven’t logged your training, one-to-ones, referrals, or testimonials, do it now,” he advised. “Don’t miss out on the chance to join the room where it happens.”

Conclusion

Darren’s talk was a compelling reminder that BNI’s success hinges on active participation and reciprocity. By aiming for green status, members not only contribute to the chapter’s overall success but also position themselves to receive greater rewards.

The Green Club offers a unique opportunity to connect with top performers and unlock new business opportunities. As Darren put it, “Log your stuff, give yourself a great big log, and join us at Green Club. That’s where you want to be.”

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