In the fast-paced world of business, we often hear advice to “think big” and set audacious goals that promise transformative results. While ambition is a vital ingredient for success, there’s a quieter, more sustainable path that often goes overlooked: the power of marginal gains. This concept focuses on small, incremental improvements that, when compounded over time, lead to dramatic and lasting success. Gail Biddulph, a respected thought leader and speaker, brings this concept to life in her recent talk, emphasizing how business owners and BNI members can use marginal changes to achieve a remarkable 37.78% increase in results within a year.

This blog explores the transformative potential of marginal gains, offering actionable insights on how to implement this strategy in your business, BNI participation, and personal growth. By the end, you’ll see why small, consistent changes are the key to thriving not only today but well into the future.

Why Big Goals Often Fail

We’ve all been there—kicking off a new year with lofty ambitions and bold resolutions. We set goals so large they feel exciting and groundbreaking. Yet, as the months pass, reality creeps in. The day-to-day grind consumes our focus, and those big goals begin to feel more like burdens than aspirations. The problem lies not in ambition itself but in the scale and pressure we place on ourselves.

When you aim for massive, immediate change, the challenges of execution and sustainability can become overwhelming. The failure to meet these expectations often leads to frustration, burnout, and ultimately abandoning the goal altogether.

The key lesson? Big goals aren’t inherently bad, but without a strategy to break them into manageable steps, they’re unlikely to be achieved. Enter the concept of marginal gains.

What Are Marginal Gains?

Marginal gains are all about focusing on small, incremental improvements in various areas. Instead of attempting monumental change in one fell swoop, this strategy involves improving by just 1% every day. While 1% may seem insignificant, its cumulative effect over time is extraordinary.

Gail Biddulph explains this beautifully: if you improve by 1% each day for an entire year, you’ll achieve a 37.78% increase in results. This approach is not only more attainable but also far less intimidating than trying to leap from where you are to where you want to be in one giant step. It’s a strategy rooted in consistency, patience, and sustainability.

The Math Behind the Magic

You might wonder how such a small daily change can lead to such a significant outcome. Here’s the math: if you improve by 1% each day, you’re multiplying your efforts incrementally. By the end of the year, those small improvements compound, creating exponential growth.

This is the power of compounding—a concept often associated with finance but just as impactful in personal and professional development. Whether it’s learning a new skill, improving your marketing efforts, or enhancing your BNI participation, small daily changes lead to exponential benefits.

Applying Marginal Gains in Your BNI Journey

For BNI members, the marginal gains approach is a perfect fit. BNI is built on systems and practices designed to foster networking, collaboration, and growth. By improving each aspect of your BNI participation by 1% daily, you can significantly enhance your return on investment (ROI) and overall results.

Here’s how to get started:

1. One-to-Ones
One-to-one meetings are a cornerstone of building meaningful relationships within BNI. To improve, focus on small adjustments:

• Prepare 1% better by researching your partner’s business.
• Ask one more meaningful question than you did last time.
• Follow up 1% faster or more thoughtfully.

Over time, these small tweaks will deepen your connections and create stronger referral opportunities.

2. Education Retention
BNI offers valuable educational resources to help members grow. Yet, many of us struggle to retain and apply what we learn. To improve:

• Take 1% more detailed notes during education sessions.
• Spend an extra 1% of your time each week reviewing past lessons.
• Share one insight with your group to reinforce your understanding.

These small actions will ensure you extract maximum value from BNI’s educational offerings.

3. Referrals and Testimonials
Improving your ability to give and receive referrals is a key driver of success in BNI. Start small:

• Make one more referral each month.
• Add 1% more detail when describing your ideal referral.
• Write testimonials that are 1% more thoughtful and specific.

Over time, these changes will lead to a significant increase in the quality and quantity of referrals you both give and receive.

4. Networking Confidence
For many, networking can feel intimidating. By focusing on marginal gains, you can build confidence incrementally:

• Practice your 60-second pitch 1% more effectively each week.
• Challenge yourself to meet one new person at each event.
• Follow up with 1% more consistency.

These small steps will gradually transform your networking skills and confidence.

Why Marginal Gains Work

The magic of marginal gains lies in their simplicity and sustainability. When goals are broken down into tiny, manageable steps, they feel achievable rather than overwhelming. This approach aligns with how our brains are wired to form habits. By focusing on one small improvement at a time, you’re creating a snowball effect that builds momentum over time.

Additionally, marginal gains help you avoid the all-or-nothing mindset. Instead of feeling defeated if you miss a big milestone, you’re encouraged to focus on small wins. This positive reinforcement keeps you motivated and on track.

Thriving in 2025 and Beyond

Gail Biddulph’s advice is clear: if you commit to improving by 1% every day, you’ll set yourself up not just for immediate results but for long-term success. This mindset isn’t just about thriving in 2025—it’s a lifelong strategy for continuous growth and improvement.

Imagine the impact of consistently applying marginal gains to every aspect of your life and business:

• A business that grows steadily and sustainably.
• Stronger relationships with colleagues, clients, and BNI members.
• Personal development that compounds into greater confidence and competence.

This isn’t just theory—it’s a proven formula for success. Leaders, athletes, and high achievers across industries have used marginal gains to achieve extraordinary results. Now it’s your turn.

Practical Tips for Getting Started

Ready to embrace the power of marginal gains? Here are some simple steps to begin:

1. Identify Key Areas
   Pinpoint the areas where small improvements will make the biggest impact. For BNI members, this might include networking, referrals, and education retention.
2. Set Daily Micro-Goals
   Rather than aiming for sweeping changes, set small, achievable daily goals. For example, commit to giving one more referral this week or refining your pitch by 1%.
3. Track Your Progress
   Use a journal, app, or spreadsheet to monitor your progress. Seeing your improvements accumulate over time will keep you motivated.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
   Every small victory matters. Take time to acknowledge your progress and reward yourself for staying consistent.
5. Share Your Journey
   Discuss your marginal gains approach with your BNI group. Sharing your insights and results can inspire others to embrace this powerful strategy.

Summary
The power of marginal gains lies in its simplicity and exponential impact. By focusing on small, consistent improvements—just 1% every day—you can achieve extraordinary results over time. Gail Biddulph’s insights provide a roadmap for leveraging this strategy in your business, BNI participation, and personal growth.

Whether you’re looking to improve your networking skills, enhance your referrals, or grow your business, the marginal gains mindset is the key to sustainable success. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your efforts compound into remarkable achievements.

Are you ready to transform your approach and thrive in 2025? Begin your journey today with the power of marginal gains.