Submitted by BNI India
In India with most BNI chapters aiming to go platinum, and those that are already at platinum striving for titanium and even centennium, it is imperative to keep certain pointers in mind. Running large chapters requires large teams, delegation, maximum participation by core members and support of the newer members to sustain growth.
Here are 5 top tips to steer your chapter clear of obstacles and take steps towards stability and sustained growth.
- Follow the basics
No matter how large the chapter size, there is nothing more important than running your chapter with the BNI basics. Showing up early, staying late, participating in the meeting, taking roles, giving to your members and bringing quality visitors; all these basics ensure a consistent BNI experience continues to percolate to each new member who joins and who captivated by the format that make BNI so successful.
- Add new roles
Large chapters need more leadership team members to manage the running of the chapter. It may be a good idea to create new roles that fit your chapter needs. For example, some chapters have money spinner teams, which make sure that all members get support to generate more business through activities like joint calls to clients, chasing large ticket referrals and seeing them through conversion.
- Keep the culture intact
Your chapter is only as good as its most sub-optimum member. As a chapter member each person plays a key role in making sure that the members follow the culture of the chapter. Making sure appreciation is done in public and critical feedback is done in private helps keep the energy of the chapter at a good positive level. A positive culture makes it conducive to build better relationships between members, which will later fructify into business relationships and referrals being passed.
- Training, training, training
A chapter that attends trainings regularly is known to have lesser challenges in dealing with member issues. Regular trainings helps the leadership teams focus on moving the chapter to the next level rather than fire fighting basic issues. Trainings feed their minds with knowledge on how to leverage their membership to generate maximum business for themselves and their referral partners.
- Decorum
Maintaining the right professional decorum when meetings are run is quintessential to the growth of the chapter in order to attract the right kind of visitors. Exhibiting non-professional behavior through dressing or use of inappropriate humor or language during presentations can cost you dearly.
So, as you grow your chapters from 50 to 75 this season, make sure you do it the right way – by inducting the right kind of members into the chapter, by gently weaving the right culture among your teammates and by raising the bar at all times.
