Episode Overview

Podcast: BNI & The Power of One
Host: Tim Roberts
Episode: BNI 865: Weekly Presentation Coaching 148 - Michelle Gagnier - Admin Solutions
Date: November 14, 2025

In this episode, host Tim Roberts reviews a 45-second weekly BNI presentation submitted by Michelle Gagnier from Florida, focusing specifically on admin solutions for mold inspectors. The episode delves into the effectiveness of using creative approaches—like rhyming poems and AI tools such as ChatGPT—in crafting member presentations, evaluating whether these methods help in referral generation or distract from the core purpose.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Intro and Context of Submission (00:00–01:30)

• Tim introduces the episode as part of his ongoing coaching series, where BNI members submit their weekly presentations for critique.
• He explains that Michelle’s submission is a "BNI poem," generated with the help of ChatGPT, targeted at mold inspectors.
• Tim sets up his expectations: “I am not against doing them every once in a while. I hope it’s not something you’re going to do on a continuous basis because I don’t find them to be super effective.” (00:47, Tim Roberts)

2. Presentation Reading & Initial Impression (01:30–03:00)

• Tim reads the poem aloud, noting it’s “cute,” “a little bit fun,” and “different.”
• Quote from Tim: “I’m going to be honest with you, I’m not entirely sure what you do and what you’re really offering based off this.” (03:01, Tim Roberts)
• He times it at 40 seconds, noting Michelle would still have spare time for clarification.

3. Effectiveness and Focus (03:00–07:00)

• Tim questions the clarity of the offering: “It would seem to me that you offer backend admin support to do invoicing and chase bills for companies and you’re looking for mold inspectors as that company.”
• He observes that the poem takes a “very sales driven” approach, speaking directly to mold inspectors.
• Concern is raised: “You’re not going to have many of those, if any of those, you would only have one in your chapter potentially.” (04:02, Tim Roberts)
• The focus is specific (mold inspectors), but misses the broader goal of BNI presentations: equipping fellow members to refer you.

4. Critique of Style and Training Value (07:00–11:00)

• Tim explains that “fun, light-hearted, different attempts” are good for variety, but “they’re not going to be super effective though.”
• Key insight: The main function of a BNI weekly presentation is training other members—“the real purpose and focus... is to train people how to find you with a referral you’re looking for.” (09:20, Tim Roberts)
• The poem doesn’t teach members:
  • How to recognize a potential referral
  • What questions to ask mold inspectors
  • How to introduce Michelle’s service meaningfully

5. Practical Alternative Approaches (11:00–13:00)

• Tim offers a more effective structure:
  • Directly state the target (mold inspectors)
  • Provide examples: “This is a busy time of year for them. They often fall behind... you’re going to hear these types of comments... you can ask... these types of questions and make these types of introductions.”
• Emphasis on practicality over novelty: Fun is fine infrequently, but “if you rely on your weekly presentation to be this way... you’re not going to get to the level that you want to get out of it.” (12:35, Tim Roberts)

6. Final Thoughts on AI Tools & Creativity (13:00–End)

• Tim acknowledges the novelty and interest of using ChatGPT: “If it really was written completely by ChatGPT that’s kind of interesting… I use it from time to time. I’ve never used it to write a weekly presentation.”
• Suggests potential for a future episode exploring AI-written presentations.
• Encourages continued submissions and peer learning: “There is a true difference in the learning of hearing it coming from somebody else and being able to really listen to it...”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Frequency and Effectiveness of Poems:
  • “I am not against doing them every once in a while... I don’t find them to be super effective.” (00:47, Tim Roberts)
• On Clarity and Purpose:
  • “I’m going to be honest with you, I’m not entirely sure what you do and what you’re really offering based off this.” (03:01, Tim Roberts)
• On Training Your BNI Team:
  • “The real purpose and focus... is to train people how to find you with a referral you’re looking for.” (09:20, Tim Roberts)
• On Practicality:
  • “Fun is fine infrequently, but... you’re not going to get to the level that you want to get out of it.” (12:35, Tim Roberts)
• On the Learning Process:
  • “There is a true difference in the learning of hearing it coming from somebody else and being able to really listen to it...” (14:10, Tim Roberts)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Submission Context – 00:00
• Reading of the Poem – 01:30
• First Impressions & Clarification Issues – 03:01
• Discussion on Focus and Target Audience – 04:02
• Critique of Presentation as Referral Training – 07:00
• Advice for More Effective Presentations – 11:00
• Reflection on Using AI and Creativity in BNI – 13:00

Conclusion

This coaching episode underscores the importance of clarity, practical referral training, and member education in weekly BNI presentations. While creativity and AI tools like ChatGPT can add flair—there’s a place for poems and novelty—they should not overshadow the fundamental goal: enabling fellow BNI members to recognize, approach, and refer your ideal clients effectively. Tim encourages judicious use of creative approaches and greater focus on actionable strategies that truly drive business growth through referrals.