As a school principal I know that modern schooling is often about thinking outside the box. As the principal of a lower decile school, I also know that it’s important to think outside the box with regards to financing. Finding new streams of funding is a crucial part of providing the best opportunities for our students in terms of buying equipment and organising activities. One way of finding these streams is by reaching out to the community and looking for partnerships and sponsors. Joining BNI has been a big part of this important engagement.
BNI’s philosophy of ‘givers gain’ – giving referrals to other members to build relationships and receiving referrals in return – perfectly represents the connections our school wants to build with other entities in the community. Since joining BNI I have been appreciative of the feedback I have received that has recognised the reciprocity of my school’s relationship with the other businesses in the organisation. Put simply, the relationship is mutually beneficial and mutually enriching.
What I have been able to contribute to BNI
One thing that BNI members have remarked on in my joining the organisation relates to my experience dealing with children. One member said that the strategies and thought processes I have identified have been directly useful for them in day to day business – customers can often act like children! The added exposure of having someone who touches upon the lives of a whole community daily has also been appreciated.
Another thing that members appreciate is my willingness to share my knowledge about many different experiences from the school and my students. Being able to share my knowledge and answer their questions – I’ve used speaking opportunities for Q & A sessions – has proven to be very fruitful for the group as a whole.
What I have gained through BNI
As soon as I joined BNI Ashburton I saw the possibilities in being able to learn from other business leaders in the community. Since then I’ve conducted dances at the school and have brought a number of sponsors on board who have helped to provide extra funding streams for my school. Businesses have supported our classrooms and also sports teams.
Again, the relationship is reciprocal. When our sports teams have practice sessions it is an opportunity for sponsors to come down and meet the students. There are opportunities for photographs indicating the sponsors’ connection to our students and school. It’s a great chance for businesses to get the word out about their support for our school and show their relationship with the community.
These types of partnerships will become more and more important in future as funding is stretched to cover innovations in technology required for modern education. BNI is facilitating this relationship and in this way is ahead of its time. Schools are a vital part of our community. We all have some association with them at some point in our lives – if only our own attendance during our youth. With BNI’s increased focus on how exactly the organisation can relate and interact with the community, it makes sense for schools and staff from schools to have a greater role in our organisation.
I encourage other members to bring people from their local schools into BNI by inviting them to a meeting. That’s how it started for me and there’s been no looking back since. Schools aren’t a type of business one immediately associates with BNI, but they are an important group to consider as BNI becomes more deeply involved with the wider community. Consider inviting someone from your local school to BNI soon – the benefits will flow both ways.
Mark Ellis – School Principal Rakaia School, chapter member of BNI Ashburton
