Summary of BNI Podcast Episode 786: Cross Chapter Visitors at Visitor Days

Podcast Information:

• Title: BNI & The Power of One
• Host: Tim Roberts
• Episode: 786: Cross Chapter Visitors at Visitor Days
• Release Date: February 10, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into the dynamics of cross-chapter visitors during BNI visitor days, offering strategies and insights to maximize the effectiveness of these networking events.

Introduction

In Episode 786 of BNI & The Power of One, host Tim Roberts addresses a pertinent question submitted by a director-level member regarding the practice of inviting cross-chapter visitors to visitor days. This discussion is particularly relevant for chapters looking to enhance their success and referral rates by optimizing their visitor day strategies.

The Issue of Cross-Chapter Visitors

The core question revolves around whether chapters should invite members from other BNI chapters (cross-chapter members) to their visitor days. Tim Roberts begins by outlining his initial opposition to this practice, highlighting several concerns that may impact both the visitor's experience and the chapter's objectives.

Reasons Against Allowing Cross-Chapter Members at Visitor Days

1. Perception of Pre-established Relationships

At [00:45], Tim explains that inviting cross-chapter members can give potential visitors the impression that these individuals already have solidified relationships within the chapter. He states:

"If the seat is open, it may appear to the visitor that this cross chapter member is already connected because they are likely chummy with members and feel the relationships already solidified discouraging them from joining." [00:45]

This perception can deter visitors from considering membership, as they might feel that new connections are less likely to form.

2. Time Consumption and Limited Benefits

Tim further argues that cross-chapter members primarily use visitor days for self-promotion, which diminishes the meeting's effectiveness. He notes:

"It only takes time away from the meeting and the only benefit is the self promotion of the cross chapter member and exposure for their business." [02:10]

This self-serving behavior reduces the time available for actual visitors to present their businesses and engage with current members meaningfully.

3. Signaling the Existence of Other Chapters

Another significant concern is that allowing cross-chapter visitors inadvertently promotes the existence of neighboring chapters. Tim articulates:

"It also spreads the message that there are other chapters close by that the visitor should visit before applying." [03:20]

This can confuse visitors about where to commit, potentially weakening the commitment to the hosting chapter.

Potential Benefits of Cross-Chapter Visiting

While Tim acknowledges that there are some potential advantages to cross-chapter visits, such as learning best practices or making new connections, he emphasizes that these benefits are often limited. He remarks:

"There is potential value in visiting other chapters... However, even those connections are limited because you cannot join that chapter." [05:00]

The restriction of not being able to join another chapter limits the practical benefits of such visits.

Managing Cross-Chapter Visitors

1. Restricting Cross-Chapter Attendance During Visitor Days

Tim advises that cross-chapter visits should be rare and discouraged during designated visitor days. He emphasizes:

"You should absolutely not have members from another chapter visiting your chapter during a visitor day." [07:30]

This stance is grounded in preventing the negative consequences discussed earlier, such as lowered visitor conversion rates and confusion about chapter affiliations.

2. Proactive Measures to Prevent Cross-Chapter Attendance

To mitigate the presence of cross-chapter members, Tim suggests chapters should:

• Monitor Registration Lists: Keep a close eye on who is registering for visitor days to identify potential cross-chapter attendees.

• Communicate Clearly: Reach out to cross-chapter members ahead of time, expressing appreciation for their interest but requesting they attend another time:

  "We really appreciate your interest in visiting our chapter. You're free to come some other week, but we'd ask that you do not come this week." [12:15]

3. Handling Unapologetic Cross-Chapter Members

In instances where cross-chapter members attend despite requests, Tim advises:

• Limit Their Participation: Encourage them to focus solely on introducing their own business without promoting their home chapter.

• Reinforce Chapter Boundaries: Remind them not to reference their membership in other chapters to maintain the integrity of the visitor day:

  "Don't even mention you're a member of another chapter. Stand up, introduce yourself in your business. Do not say anything else besides that." [14:50]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tim Roberts concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of maintaining the sanctity of visitor days to foster genuine connections and maximize visitor conversions. He underscores that while cross-chapter members can offer value in specific roles, their presence during visitor days intended for potential new members is generally counterproductive.

He wraps up with a proactive outlook towards the upcoming spring season, recognizing it as a prime opportunity for chapter growth and effective visitor day strategies:

"Spring is your biggest growth opportunity of the year for your chapter. It's the time for member extravaganza... it's ripe to happen." [20:00]

Tim encourages members to apply the discussed strategies to enhance their visitor days and invites further engagement through feedback and questions on the show's website.

Key Takeaways:

• Limit Cross-Chapter Visitors: To ensure visitor days are effective, chapters should minimize the presence of cross-chapter members.
• Protect Visitor Experience: Prevent potential visitors from feeling discouraged by perceived pre-existing relationships within the chapter.
• Enhance Conversion Rates: Focus on creating an environment that maximizes the likelihood of visitors joining the chapter.
• Strategic Timing: Utilize peak seasons like spring for well-planned and focused visitor days without cross-chapter distractions.

By adhering to these guidelines, BNI chapters can optimize their visitor day outcomes, fostering a more inviting and productive networking environment.