As Education Co-ordinator at BNI Positively Wellington my role is to inspire our members and improve their networking skills. Each week I present a learning piece created here in New Zealand about networking in our country. This covers off networking issues such as:
- One to one meetings
- Anatomy of a 60-second introduction
- How to give good referrals
- Top ways to increase the number of referrals you give
- How to successfully invite visitors
Recently I was intrigued to read the BNI Education Article on Graham’s attendance at a conference in Australia. It inspired me to put together a special education slot that was presented to the 45 members in my chapter.
I put together a box with the 5 points Graham made regarding the new mind-set developing amongst networkers. It was something the members could take away with them and refer to at their office or place of work whilst using it as a receptacle for pens/paperclips etc. I drew on the talents in my chapter to create the education slot.
The photographer was Clive Piggot (Artful Dodge Photography), Jay Carey (Sugar Sisters) provided the cupcakes, and my team at Displayschemes the vinyl printing for the box plus assembly. I have to make special mention of the clever caterers in the group – Sugar Sisters – who rose before 5am to make and ice the cupcake treat that would fit inside the box.
I feel that the education slot is a vital part of the benefits that BNI brings to its members. For this reason, I believe it is very important to read the Networking Learning Piece (NLP) that is provided every week and not skip this part of the meeting. We have a very large chapter but we always make the time to present the learning piece. I would offer these 3 tips on how to create an education slot that is memorable.
- Keep your presentation simple. Some ECs do their own research but this really isn’t necessary. Just use the NLP and develop this in some way if you have the time.
- Ensure you know the NLP inside and out – don’t read it for the first time in front of members. This makes a huge difference to your presentation. If you read the NLP beforehand and have a clear idea of what you are talking about, you will be far more engaging. Your presentation will be stronger and members will take more learning lessons away with them.
- Personalise the NLP by using examples from your chapter. This will help members connect with your message. Think about some examples from your chapter (ask others in the Leadership Team if you can’t think of any) and flesh out the NLP. Never underestimate the power of a personal example for grabbing the attention of the membership.
Finally, give your presentation some energy. Early morning meetings can be challenging for some members. Giving your presentation a dose of high energy will wake members up and help them connect with your message.
We have a lot of fun at meetings and our creative spark is one of the things that have grown the chapter. Recently we all got together for a Midwinter Xmas that raised over $5,000 in a charity auction for Mary Potter Hospice. Creating a strong chapter involves bonding and celebrating everyone’s achievements. I recommend other chapters think creatively when it comes to the education slot and what you do during chapter meetings. Your chapter will be the stronger for it.
Vincent Fry from Displayschemes and Education Coordinator (EC) for BNI Positively Wellington
