BNI & The Power of One: Episode 763 Summary
Title: BNI 763: Motivating Different "Types" of Members
Host: Tim Roberts
Release Date: November 18, 2024
In Episode 763 of the BNI & The Power of One podcast, host Tim Roberts delves into the nuanced challenges and effective strategies for motivating various types of BNI members. Drawing from a question posed by Mikey of the BNI Business by the Bay Chapter in Ontario, Canada, Tim provides actionable insights aimed at chapter leadership teams striving to elevate their BNI experience through the Power of One model.
1. Introduction and Context
The episode opens with Mikey reaching out to Tim, seeking guidance on handling different member archetypes within BNI chapters. Mikey highlights the diversity among members classified as:
- A. Employees of Companies
- B. Solopreneurs
- C. Next-Level Entrepreneurs (those with large organizations, support staff, and structured operations)
Mikey observes that each group exhibits distinct perspectives on participation, energy, and overall involvement, posing unique challenges for chapter leadership in maintaining accountability and meeting BNI's standards.
2. Understanding Member Types and Their Challenges
A. Employees of Companies
Challenges:
- Motivation: Employees may join BNI chapters at the behest of their employers rather than personal initiative.
- Engagement Levels: Those not intrinsically motivated might struggle with active participation and leveraging BNI for referrals.
Tim’s Insights:
"You can’t motivate members. They have to have the motivation..." [Timestamp: 09:15]
Tim emphasizes the importance of discerning whether these members are genuinely invested or merely fulfilling an obligation. He suggests thorough vetting during the interview process to ensure alignment with chapter expectations.
B. Solopreneurs
Challenges:
- Time Constraints: Solopreneurs often juggle multiple roles, leading to potential excuses about being "too busy."
- Referral Management: Limited capacity can restrict their ability to pass effective referrals beyond their immediate network.
Tim’s Insights:
"If you’re too busy to do the activity, you’re here just hoping for results. It’s probably not going to work very well for you..." [Timestamp: 22:30]
Tim advises chapters to assess whether solopreneurs can sustain the required activity levels. He underscores the necessity of upfront conversations about time management and growth strategies to prevent future disengagement.
C. Next-Level Entrepreneurs
Challenges:
- Ego and Complacency: Established entrepreneurs might believe they don’t need to adhere to the same practices as smaller members.
- Resource Allocation: Despite having support staff, maintaining active participation can still be a challenge.
Tim’s Insights:
"Nobody’s above that, nobody’s below that. Nobody has a good excuse for it. You’re either on the boat or not." [Timestamp: 45:20]
Tim highlights that irrespective of business size or structure, all members must commit to the same standards of activity and accountability. He warns against allowing larger members to set different expectations, which can undermine the chapter’s culture.
3. Strategies for Effective Member Motivation and Retention
A. Enhanced Interview Processes
Tim stresses the critical role of the interview process in setting the tone for member engagement. By clearly communicating expectations and assessing motivation during interviews, chapters can better select members who are likely to contribute actively.
"It starts with what are we going to be internally. And that means is the expectation and what we are going to hold every member accountable to..." [Timestamp: 38:50]
B. Consistent Accountability Measures
Maintaining a culture of accountability ensures that all members, regardless of their background, uphold the chapter’s standards. Tim cites examples from successful chapters where high percentages of members consistently meet activity benchmarks.
"BNI Profit Builders, 100 plus members, 95.95% in the Green for an entire year..." [Timestamp: 15:00]
C. Proactive Member Reviews
Regular check-ins and performance reviews help identify members who may be struggling with engagement. Tim recommends addressing issues promptly to either support members in meeting expectations or gracefully transition them out of the chapter.
"If you just try to start it and say you haven't been doing this and we decided you should have been, it's too late..." [Timestamp: 33:40]
D. Leveraging Technology
Reflecting on the shift to virtual interactions post-COVID, Tim acknowledges the importance of platforms like Zoom in facilitating one-to-ones and maintaining connectivity among members.
"It was five years ago, but you know Zoom wasn't part of our vocabulary and doing one to ones with people in Canada and all over the world wouldn't have been a possibility." [Timestamp: 05:30]
4. Fostering a Unified Chapter Culture
Tim underscores that the strength of a BNI chapter lies in its ability to cultivate a unified culture where every member is equally accountable. Successful chapters demonstrate that maintaining high activity levels across diverse member types directly correlates with overall success and growth.
"If you have a great culture that is focused around the expectation of the Power of One model, which I would tell you based on results, is highly effective." [Timestamp: 25:10]
He cites real-world examples of chapters that have thrived by adhering to these principles, showcasing impressive retention rates and financial performance.
5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Tim concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of intentional membership selection and ongoing accountability. By understanding the unique motivations and challenges of different member types, chapter leadership can foster a more engaged and productive community. The key takeaway is that while chapters must accommodate diversity, maintaining consistent standards ensures long-term success.
"You’re on the boat or not. That’s how I would approach this." [Timestamp: 52:15]
Tim encourages chapter leaders to prioritize cultural integrity and proactive management to harness the full potential of their BNI membership through the Power of One.
Key Takeaways
- Selective Membership: Prioritize motivation and alignment with chapter expectations during the interview process.
- Consistent Accountability: Implement uniform standards for all members to maintain a cohesive chapter culture.
- Proactive Management: Regularly review member activity and address disengagement promptly to uphold chapter integrity.
- Embrace Technology: Utilize virtual tools to enhance connectivity and facilitate member interactions.
- Unified Culture: Foster an environment where every member feels equally responsible for contributing to the chapter’s success.
By implementing these strategies, BNI chapters can effectively motivate diverse member types, ensuring sustained growth and increased referral generation through the Power of One model.