“Don’t look down, it’s an impossible view…Fly like an eagle, whatever you do.”
That’s Kanye West…
Keep these song lyrics in mind during meetings. Giving people the appropriate eye contact during BNI meetings is a very important part of building great relationships and connections.
It’s very off-putting to be giving your 60 seconds and seeing someone looking down and not giving you the attention you deserve. Try to stay engaged and actively listen to your fellow members while they’re speaking – they’ll do the same for you.
Equally, it’s important to give people your concentration when you are chatting before the meetings or exchanging business cards. Here are some tips for giving and receiving business cards:
- In the context of New Zealand business, just giving someone your card without establishing some sort of connection is frequently seen as being pushy or rude. Besides, unsolicited cards are rarely kept by the individual who is given the card.
- When someone gives you their card, they’re inviting you to make a future connection, especially if it’s a visitor. How you handle that connection afterward will determine how responsive they will be. Always be respectful with what you do after someone gives you their card.
- Not showing interest in someone’s offered card or business is just plain bad form. So long as both parties have made it a point that they know what the businesses and services are all about, this scenario should not happen.
- After someone gives you their card it’s a good idea to make some notes about their business. You’ll have a reference of the key points related to their business that you can follow up with them on later. It shows you have paid attention and have a real interest in their business.
Timely connections
Whatever you do, don’t waste contact information or squander a connection. Why take someone’s card if you’re not going to follow up? Send a follow up e-mail or make a quick call. Do something to capitalise on the meeting – it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Remember to reach out to your contact so you can keep the potential relationship warm. Within a day or two isn’t a bad time to speak with them, especially if you have something you thought they’d be interested in to share.
Keep looking up, smile, make eye contact and the energy you spend on a contact will pay off in terms of your business.
