Oh, hello. Would you like to hear a story? This is the tale of Ben and Beth join BNI. Are you sitting comfortably?
Ben and Beth are both VERY busy business people. They heard BNI was a brilliant way of getting even more business, so they joined their local BNI chapter.
They met lots of other business people, who all wanted to learn more about them, and their businesses. They both felt very welcome.
Ben and Beth went on free training, to help make their businesses better. They had 121 meetings with the other members, to learn more about each other. They even brought a visitor each to a meeting, which made them both feel great.
Ben and Beth were very excited to be a part of BNI.
After a few months, Ben and Beth had both received some business referrals from BNI, but they hadn’t received that many. Ben and Beth were a little disappointed.
They spoke with their mentors, who suggested some training sessions to help with getting more referrals.
Beth booked on more training, and learned how to train her fellow members on what to look out for so they could spot new opportunities for her.
Beth also learned about the law of reciprocity. That is a big word, thought Beth. It helped her forge new referral partnerships with other members.
Ben, however, didn’t book on more training, as Ben was FAR TOO BUSY.
Their mentors also suggested they had more 121s with other members, even members with whom they had already had a 121.
Beth thought this was a brilliant idea, and booked regular 121s with other members. Speaking with members on a regular basis helped Beth forge even stronger referral partnerships.
Ben didn’t book any extra 121s, as Ben was FAR TOO BUSY.
Their mentors also suggested they get to BNI early, to spend more time networking and talking with visitors.
Beth loved this idea! She arrived at BNI by 6:15am for every meeting, and was always there to greet members and visitors as they arrived.
Ben didn’t get to BNI a minute before 6:45am, as Ben was FAR TOO BUSY.
Beth took the advice from her mentor and is now passing more business to other people, helping them and increasing her profile. She regularly invites visitors, and has even introduced a new member.
Ben didn’t follow the advice from his mentor, as Ben was FAR TOO BUSY.
When it came to renew their membership, Beth didn’t need to think twice. She had made lots of business contacts, grown her business and made some great new friends. Beth applied to renew, and was quickly accepted by her BNI Chapter.
Ben wasn’t so sure about BNI. But Ben decided he would renew for another 12 months, hoping BNI would magically start working for him the way it had done for Beth.
But Ben was not an engaged member. He had hardly done any training, or 121s, he hadn’t brought any visitors, he’d given no testimonials and he’d only passed a few internal referrals.
Ben’s BNI Chapter did not want to renew Ben. Ben left BNI, and was never seen again.
So where are they now?
Beth has been in BNI for many years. She has accepted roles on the leadership team, has built up solid referral partnerships and she has made BNI an important part of her business.
Ben, however, is no longer in BNI. Which is a real shame, for Ben, as Ben is also no longer… FAR TOO BUSY.
The End
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4 Responses
its True BNI wont give referrals magically we must follow BNI policies and enguage ourselfs,most magic moments happen when you do 121’s and take leadership roles will give you more visibility which leads accountability and Profitability.
Absolutely Sajid!
But it’s Very difficult to find Ben and Beth in our region.
Ha! They may have slightly different names Deep! But they are there.