Whether you’re in BNI in Christchurch or Wanganui, a large city or a smaller town, it’s important to remember that your BNI chapter is your business community.
Recently USA Today wrote a great article on small business lessons from the Silicon Valley community (where, by the way, there’s a BNI chapter too). It covered some key points that are of relevance for us here at BNI like:
1. Network like crazy. The golden rule of Silicon Valley is your power comes from your network. You’re most likely to get a job, find an employee, land a deal through those you know, or their contacts.
The more high value individuals you have in your network, the stronger it will be. High value individuals are people who have a strong network of connections that you can draw upon.
At BNI remember to stay focussed during weekly meetings on getting introductions to people that will help you with referrals and grow your business. Use your 60 seconds to ask who you’d like to get in touch with. Be direct and clear.
2. Innovate. “Innovation” is an overused word, and small businesses don’t have to be on the cutting edge. BUT we do have to evolve, embrace change and be open to new technology.
We need to look at what we are delivering and ensure we are not staying static. Reflect back on what you were saying to members 6 months, a year, 5 years ago. Update your message to reflect where you are at now and want to be and seek support with marketing if you need to.
3. Be nice to everyone. In Silicon Valley, everyone knows that your employee today may be your boss tomorrow. Everyone’s got an idea for a start-up; people change jobs every couple of years. “The barista at my coffee shop founded Instagram. My former employee leads an innovation lab at Google.”
Anyone may turn out to be a potential future employer or strategic partner. So stay positive and be friendly with all your fellow members even if you don’t feel they have anything to offer your business directly this week.
4. Share. Silicon Valley has an “open source” attitude. Sharing is common, whether it’s information, connections, profits, even company ownership. Tesla founder Elon Musk released the intellectual property for electric cars.
There’s a feeling that the more you share, the more you get. This same philosophy (Givers Gain) is a key part of BNI. Share your knowledge and expertise with your fellow members and allow them to do the same with you. This sort of support will help you to develop your business in ways you would not have imagined possible.
Silicon Valley may seem far away from the weekly meetings at BNI but many of the lessons learnt from this part of the world can assist us with our own businesses here. Their positive attitude and belief in having fun is also important – so bring that to your meetings.
