Christmas is almost here and it’s impossible not to miss it…with Christmas trees, tinsel and other mementos of the season. Christmas isn’t just about festivities and holidays – it’s also about the spirit of giving. This quote sums it up nicely…
“Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.”
Of course at BNI we’re all aware of the value of ‘Givers Gain’. This is an idea premised on the structured system of referrals and reciprocity we use at BNI. We all benefit in creating new business opportunities based on trust, shared successes and vibrant communities.
Small things add up
One chapter that has practised Givers Gain in 2014 is BNI Means Business. This chapter has weekly breakfast meetings in Mt Eden and as part of these meetings has introduced a charity auction with all proceeds going to Mercy Hospice.
Each week members bring along a small item – like a bottle of wine or a magazine subscription – to auction off. This year through this weekly fundraising effort they raised $2000 for hospice!
The President for BNI Means Business, Sarah Bloxham, says the auction provides a simple and fun way to engage the chapter and do some good in the community. Sarah notes that the auction is a good example of how a small charity effort can add up to a significant amount over time.
Chapter members get to practice their sales skills during the auction and the energy provided by the fundraising leads to more business generated and referrals for members. Some members go beyond this fundraising to give back more significantly to the community.
The Oprah effect
One such member is Sara Hartigan. When Sara was 23 she drew up a bucket list of things she wanted to achieve. Amongst the items on the list was a visit to see Oprah Winfrey. She’s just visited Oprah in a one off show in the States and was re-inspired to give back to the community both financially and in terms of her time.
Sara donated a further $1000 of her own money to her chapter’s total of $2000 raised for Mercy through the auctions. She felt happy donating this money because she’s had far more given back to her during her time at BNI. Sara says giving back is a no-brainer considering the benefits she’s received.
Sara’s generosity is an inspiration but remember it’s not necessary to give large amounts like this. Every bit helps and the chapter’s auction is a great way to give back without breaking the bank. During this Christmas season think about how you can help out your community and consider running a charity auction at your chapter in 2015. Remember: the more you give, the more you gain.
Happy Christmas all, from the BNI Support Team
