A few times during the year at BNI we have the opportunity to give a 10-minute presentation. Most members use this time to showcase their businesses. Recently a long-time member of BNI Waitakere (15 years and still going strong!) took a different stance. David Schischka from BNI Waitakere discussed the importance of GRACE at BNI.
Grace can be defined as “bringing honour or credit to something by one’s attendance or participation”. David encourages all members to grace their chapters with their presence. He also wanted to remind members of the value of these 5 concepts which spell out the word GRACE: GIVER – REFERRER – ATTRACTIVE /ATTENDANCE – COMMITMENT – EDUCATION.
Let’s go through each…
Giver
We’re here to give not to take – that’s where Givers Gain comes into play. Think not what your chapter can do for you, but what you can do for your chapter. Think seriously about joining your Leadership Team this September. Put your hand up, take a role and be a giver.
Referrer
Keep business cards of members on hand so you can provide referrals for chapter members when you are out in the community doing business. Always keep your fellow chapter members in mind. Have their contacts in your phone or available somehow digitally if that works better for you.
Attractive / Attendance
There is an abundance of referrals out there but you need to attract them not chase them. Be a magnet and set your mind-set on attracting lots of business. Over time you will get better at tuning in and noticing referrals.
Attendance is another part of this equation. Be part of your chapter every week and participate in business growth. 80% of success in BNI is showing up 100% of the time.
Commitment
Meetings are great but one to ones are the best way to connect with people. Make a commitment to learn about other chapter members through one to ones. Also make a commitment to your 60 seconds. Have a plan; don’t think about your 60 seconds on the day.
Education
Educate members so they trust you, then referrals will flow. Use every opportunity in meetings and OUTSIDE BNI meetings to teach people about your business.
Think about GRACE and the 5 concepts it encompasses the next time you are at BNI. It’s been proven time and time again that by following these concepts, success will follow.
