BNI & The Power of One: Episode BNI 837 - Business Matters 126 "It Has Been a Week"

Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Tim Roberts
Co-Host: Michael Martin

Introduction

In this episode of Business Matters, part of the BNI Power One series, host Tim Roberts engages in a candid conversation with co-host Michael Martin. The focus centers on the challenges and lessons learned from a particularly tumultuous week in Tim's business operations, highlighting themes of hiring, onboarding, and managing unexpected setbacks.

A Week of Unexpected Challenges

Tim begins by setting the stage for the week, sharing personal and professional hurdles that disrupted his planned activities.

• Personal Setback: Tim had to cancel a vacation due to a death in a friend's family. "[...] I'm supposed to be flying home from vacation right now that I didn't get to go on or didn't go on because of a death in my friend's family" (00:57).

• Professional Hurdles: Amidst these personal challenges, Tim faced significant issues in his business, including a sudden resignation of a newly hired employee within the first week. "We just made big investments, hired some full-time people... And then like the first call I have and we have a long conversation because I'm trying to figure out like what the hell" (00:39).

Hiring and Onboarding Challenges

The core of the discussion revolves around the complexities of the hiring process and the unpredictability of onboarding new team members.

• Initial Optimism: Tim and Michael discuss the excitement surrounding new hires and the optimism that accompanies bringing fresh talent into the business. Tim reflects on previous experiences where hires did not turn out as expected, emphasizing the inherent uncertainties in hiring. "I've always said, like, hiring is not 100%" (14:02).

• Onboarding Frustrations: Tim shares his dissatisfaction with the current onboarding process, describing it as "muggy" and ineffective in integrating new employees. "[...] we're training you mostly and giving you access to tools and kind of teaching all the back end stuff to BNI that people don't, don't have access to or know" (00:34).

Handling Sudden Resignations

A pivotal moment in the episode is Tim's recounting of a new hire resigning after just one week, raising questions about hiring practices and employee fit.

• The Resignation: Tim details the rapid resignation process, from the initial conversation where the employee expressed concerns to the final decision to leave. "They just kind of start being like, yep. Nope, I think we're good. We're out. Bye." (08:05).

• Emotional Impact: Both hosts delve into the emotional toll such sudden departures can take on a business owner, including feelings of frustration and disbelief. Tim admits, "I couldn't wrap my head around. I'm like, this is why you're resigning. I was like, are you serious?" (14:05).

Reflecting on Hiring Practices

The conversation shifts to introspection and the importance of refining hiring strategies to prevent similar issues in the future.

• Learning from Past Experiences: Michael shares insights from his own hiring experiences, emphasizing the need for thorough vetting and understanding candidates' motivations. "He was making a ton of notes. And ultimately he was able to process how everybody kind of functioned and their personalities" (11:10).

• Improving Interview Processes: Both hosts agree on the necessity of evolving their hiring practices, including asking better questions to gauge a candidate's fit and commitment. "What do we say? Like a couple months ago, we were talking about, you just gotta step back and breathe" (24:10).

Lessons Learned and Future Strategies

Tim and Michael discuss actionable strategies to bolster the hiring process and better manage unforeseen challenges.

• Adaptability: They highlight the importance of being adaptable and using setbacks as learning opportunities. Tim states, "The next person who we're going to hire is going to be even better. Like, they're going to be better situated. We're going to learn from it" (19:59).

• Self-Care and Emotional Management: Emphasizing the need for self-care, they discuss how taking a moment to breathe can lead to more rational decision-making. "Sometimes you got to do that. You gotta remember, like, self-care. I'm not saying you have to have a beer or whatever, but, like, just take a break, breathe" (18:35).

• Maintaining Professional Relationships: The importance of not burning bridges is stressed, as former employees may return in the future with renewed commitment. "You don't know what the future holds. But, you know, the conversation might be different" (22:44).

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Tim and Michael reiterate the universal nature of facing challenging weeks and the value of resilience and continuous improvement. They encourage listeners to share their own struggles and seek support within the BNI community.

• Final Takeaway: "We all have crazy weeks and crazy days... it just has been one of those" (23:34).

• Call to Action: Listeners are invited to contribute topics and questions via bnipowerof1.com to foster a more interactive and supportive community.

Key Takeaways

1. Unpredictability in Hiring: Even with thorough vetting, hiring can be unpredictable. It's crucial to have robust hiring and onboarding processes to minimize risks.

2. Emotional Resilience: Business owners must develop emotional resilience to handle unexpected setbacks without letting them impede progress.

3. Continuous Improvement: Use challenges as opportunities to refine and enhance business practices, particularly in hiring and team management.

4. Maintaining Professionalism: Upholding professional relationships ensures doors remain open for future opportunities and collaborations.

5. Community Support: Engaging with supportive communities like BNI can provide valuable insights and assistance during tough times.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Roberts: "I'm supposed to be flying home from vacation right now that I didn't get to go on or didn't go on because of a death in my friend's family" — 00:57

• Michael Martin: "He was making a ton of notes. And ultimately he was able to process how everybody kind of functioned and their personalities" — 11:10

• Tim Roberts: "The next person who we're going to hire is going to be even better. Like, they're going to be better situated. We're going to learn from it" — 19:59

• Michael Martin: "Sometimes you got to do that. You gotta remember, like, self-care... just take a break, breathe" — 18:35

• Tim Roberts: "We all have crazy weeks and crazy days... it just has been one of those" — 23:34

Timestamp Reference

For ease of reference, here are the key timestamps linked to the notable quotes:

• 00:57
• 11:10
• 14:02
• 18:35
• 19:59
• 23:34

This episode serves as a valuable resource for business owners navigating the complexities of team management and highlights the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and continuous improvement in fostering a resilient and thriving business environment.