The elections are almost here and there’s obviously been a lot of attention around leadership and possible future directions for our nation.
Part of the election process involves debates – head to head debates between the leaders of the major political parties and also multiparty debates between the minor parties. A little more under the radar, there are numerous smaller debates happening around the country on particular issues that involve representatives from different political parties.
At times a representative can’t make it to a debate because of illness or other unforeseen events (Judith Collins comes to mind). In these cases the political parties have to find a substitute; someone else from the party who is up to speed on the issues and able to fill in. These debates are important and it’s not simply a matter of finding someone who can act as a placeholder.
The substitute needs to be fully briefed on the issues, be clear about the topical messaging and what is expected of them during the debate.
In a similar way, sometimes substitutes are required for BNI meetings. It’s expected that members attend every meeting, but of course sometimes life gets in the way and it’s not always possible. In this instance it’s BNI policy that you bring in a substitute person to fill in for you.
Importance of the sub
If substitutes are not present the meeting may be less dynamic and if there are quite a few members away it’s not uncommon for morale in the chapter to drop.
A great substitute presents a new opportunity for other chapter members because they are bringing with them new ideas and their own networks. It could be a new person for chapter members to do business with. A substitute could even be a potential future member, so they add value to a meeting regardless of their background.
Who should I get to sub for me?
Recapping, it could be someone else who works in your business, a client, a supplier. Alternatively, a substitute could be someone who is not even related to your business, but who you have briefed as to what to put across at a meeting.
Make your sub’s life easy by:
1. Clearly describing to them what their role in a meeting is and providing them with a well written 60 seconds.
2. Giving them clear details on the location, time and parking for the meeting, and
3. Letting your chapter know beforehand that they will be substituting so the substitute is greeted on arrival and doesn’t feel like an outsider.
How do we go about finding subs?
1. Your chapter should have developed a substitute list of people who are available to substitute for any member on an as needed basis.
It’s important not to rely on just one person to frequently substitute – this leads to “substitute fatigue”. Rather, have a number of people from a range of backgrounds who understand BNI and are able to substitute. Remember not to use substitutes with industries that conflict with other members, i.e. are in the same business as an existing member.
2. When looking for a substitute, use a glass half full approach. Present substituting as an opportunity to showcase their business without the commitment of joining BNI. Ask them to bring business cards and prepare their 60 seconds so that they understand that this is a phenomenal networking opportunity for them as well.
