Article contributed by Geoff Kirkwood.
This is a 2-3 minute activity that involves those at the meeting.
You will need to read it through beforehand and be prepared.
What you say out loud to the group is in larger type in bold.
Purpose: To highlight the importance of Visibility in relationships.
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Start by asking the members…
How well are you farming?
Seek responses and repeat 2 or 3 of them. Then tell them….
Dr Ivan Misner – the founder and chairman of BNI talks about the three stages of building relationships:
Visibility, Credibility and Profitability
The first stage is being known (or plowing the field), the second is gaining acceptance (or planting the seed) and trust and the third is where both partners are gaining from the relationship (reaping the crop).
Many people give up their networking activity after the first stage. They come to a meeting for a month or two then loudly proclaim that they haven’t received any referrals and leave.
So what things can you do to improve your Visibility?
Seek responses and repeat 2 or 3 of them.
Now let me give you a list of things that we recommend.
1. show up every week – and on the weeks you can’t, ALWAYS send a substitute
2. show up early – at least 5 minutes before the meeting starts – people will begin to notice and comment on your habit of being early – you will stand out from the others who race in “just on time” or even after 7.00 am
3. volunteer to help when someone is away – no matter what, volunteer – people will begin to notice that you are someone who helps
4. stay behind after the meeting – help the Leadership Team clean up – make sure the visitors have been looked after
5. make sure the card box is always topped up with your cards
6. make sure the display table always has plenty of your brochures, flyers, etc
Being visible is easy and is the mandatory first step in successful farming in BNI.
