BNI & The Power of One: BNI 843 - Business Matters 128 - Just Be Consistent

Host: Tim Roberts
Guest: Michael Martin
Release Date: July 30, 2025

Introduction

In episode 843 of the BNI podcast series titled "Business Matters 128 - Just Be Consistent," host Tim Roberts sits down with Michael Martin to delve into the paramount importance of consistency in achieving success across various facets of life and business. Recorded aboard a cruise ship, the conversation blends personal anecdotes with actionable strategies, emphasizing how steadfastness can lead to remarkable outcomes.

The Significance of Consistency in Achieving Goals

Tim Roberts opens the discussion by reflecting on his personal goal to reach 1,000 podcast episodes—a seemingly trivial milestone but one that has fueled his dedication. He shares:

“I set that like a silly goal, if you will, to get the most episodes out of BNI podcasts and be the first one to hit a thousand episodes... it's just the goal that has kept me consistent in doing these.”
[03:10]

Tim highlights that while the goal itself might appear meaningless in the grand scheme, it serves as a crucial motivator that ensures continuous effort and persistence.

Michael Martin echoes this sentiment, adding that consistency forms the foundation of success in both personal endeavors and business ventures:

“You have to be consistent. And you know, it's always like the things that end up providing the best rewards are usually the hardest things you're gonna do.”
[04:23]

Personal Anecdotes: Podcasting and Fitness

Tim recounts his journey with the BNI podcast, explaining how setting a long-term goal of reaching 1,000 episodes required regular production, even during challenging times. This commitment allowed him to accumulate episodes steadily, putting him on track to surpass his target by the first quarter of 2026.

In a relatable turn, Michael Martin shares his own struggle with maintaining a fitness routine. Despite owning a state-of-the-art exercise bike, he confessed:

“I think it helps people listen. Be like, set a goal that's not like a... that seems meaningless or stupid maybe, right? Set a goal of, like, I'm just gonna... Instead of setting a goal of I need to lose 10 pounds, set a goal of, can you go to the gym five days a week for five straight weeks...”
[05:50]

Michael emphasizes the importance of setting achievable activity-based goals rather than outcome-based ones. By committing to consistent action—such as cycling for a set amount of time each day—he aims to build discipline and eventually achieve greater fitness milestones.

The Power of Compound Effort

A pivotal part of the discussion revolves around the concept of compound interest, not just in finance but in personal and professional growth. Tim poses a thought-provoking question:

“What is the 1%? What's the... If you do 1% a day, what's the actual return at the end of the year?”
[12:13]

Michael responds by illustrating how small, consistent improvements can lead to exponential growth over time:

“It's the power of compound interest. So interest in your time, it's not just about money. It's interest in your time and investment in what you're doing.”
[12:38]

This analogy underscores that incremental progress, when maintained consistently, can result in substantial advancements and success.

Implementing Consistency in Business Operations

Both hosts stress the necessity of integrating consistency into everyday business tasks. Tim shares his approach to bookkeeping:

“I do all the bookkeeping for our businesses. And because I do it every day, I never have an issue... But yeah, even that, just like simple little things.”
[13:03]

He contrasts this with the struggles of others who delay essential tasks like invoicing, leading to chaos during peak periods such as tax season. Michael adds:

“If you can get yourself into a routine, like write down a time schedule and then stick to it and be consistent with it, you'll find that all that stuff tends to get easier.”
[13:17]

The takeaway is clear: establishing and adhering to routines can streamline operations, reduce stress, and enhance overall business efficiency.

Cultivating a Consistent Mindset

Beyond physical actions, the conversation delves into the psychological benefits of consistency. Michael points out that regularity in activities not only builds habits but also strengthens mental discipline:

“What you've really done first is if you be consistent with it, you've trained your mind to act in a more disciplined manner.”
[10:46]

He further explains how maintaining a consistent approach can inspire and mentor team members, fostering a culture of dedication and perseverance within an organization.

Key Takeaways

1. Set Meaningful, Activity-Based Goals: Instead of vague or outcome-focused objectives, define specific actions that can be consistently pursued.

2. Embrace the Power of Small Steps: Recognize that minor, daily efforts can compound over time, leading to significant achievements.

3. Establish and Maintain Routines: Integrate consistency into daily tasks to enhance efficiency and reduce last-minute chaos.

4. Train Your Mind Through Regularity: Consistent actions build mental discipline, enabling sustained effort even when motivation wanes.

5. Inspire Through Example: Leaders who demonstrate consistency can effectively mentor and motivate their teams to adopt similar practices.

Conclusion

In "Just Be Consistent," Tim Roberts and Michael Martin eloquently illustrate that the cornerstone of success lies in unwavering consistency. Whether it's producing podcast episodes, maintaining a fitness regimen, or managing business operations, the relentless pursuit of small, daily actions can lead to exponential growth and long-term success. By internalizing and applying these principles, listeners are empowered to transform their personal and professional lives through the steadfast power of consistency.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Roberts [03:10]: “...just the goal that has kept me consistent in doing these.”

• Michael Martin [04:23]: “The things that end up providing the best rewards are usually the hardest things you're gonna do.”

• Tim Roberts [12:13]: “What is the 1%? What's the... If you do 1% a day, what's the actual return at the end of the year?”

• Michael Martin [12:38]: “It's the power of compound interest. So interest in your time, it's not just about money.”

For more insights and discussions on success strategies, increased referrals, and elevating your BNI membership, tune into future episodes of the BNI Podcast Series.