Strong chapters are characterised by their spirit of giving

There are many things that contribute to building a strong BNI Chapter (including good leadership). Another very important element of a strong, growing chapter, which is what we will talk about today, is that they know how to have fun.

It was Confucius who wrote: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

There’s also the saying: “Families that play together, stay together”.

Chapters that play together and have fun, stay together and are a happier bunch. Relationships are strengthened, insights developed, burdens are shared…

But how can your chapter have fun?

Hellen Keller said: “Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”

At BNI we find that the chapters who unite behind a common cause, such as raising funds for hospice, are united in working together to achieve a common goal.

They have tremendous fun along the way, showcase their individual and team skills during the project and share the satisfaction of giving, accomplishment and a job well done.

It’s a fact! We know from experience that the chapters who actively get involved in raising funds for Hospice (auctions, socials, funny money nights) and that set ambitious goals for those projects, are also our strongest chapters.

If you want to build a strong and dynamic chapter, find a worthy cause – a common project you as a chapter can unite behind – and you’ll go places this year.

Colin Kennedy is a keynote speaker, writer and content marketing consultant. As BNI New Zealand’s marketing director he is responsible for the organisation’s communications strategy, and also serves as an assistant director for North Central region of BNI.