Is it time to hit refresh on your chapter?

Hit Refresh is a just launched book from the CEO of Microsoft about the transformation happening inside of Microsoft and the technology that will soon impact all our lives. It’s about how people, organisations, and societies can and must transform and “hit refresh” in their persistent quest for new energy, new ideas, and continued relevance and renewal.

It’s relevant for us at BNI and with new leadership teams in place we see new or renewed passion and ideas at BNI which helps to keep chapter momentum moving in the right direction. We had a new chapter form recently in the Wellington region and the launch of this chapter illustrates the positives that come when a new group starts up. There is an energy and sense of possibility that is generated when a new group of businesspeople get together to network and do business.

This new chapter has done things right by following these 3 key recommendations, which are relevant for chapters throughout the country no matter how long they have been operating:

1. Be clear about your goals. Set individual and collective goals for your chapter. Make your goals achievable and measurable.
2. Ask key questions like – how much closed business do you want to achieve, both as a chapter and individually? How many visitors and new members do you want to attract?
3. Follow the systems and structure of BNI. BNI works but only if you follow the programme. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; follow the meeting agenda, be present and remember to follow up with 1-2-1s. BNI is a proven system that works.

One of the factors that strengthens a new chapter is ensuring everyone completes their MSP training as soon as possible. In the case of the new Wellington chapter, every member went through Leadership Team training as well to give members a deeper knowledge of how BNI works as well as bonding chapter members.

No matter how long your chapter has been operating, why not give it a refresh by focussing on these three points. It’s a great way to re-energise your chapter and get your membership buzzing for the rest of the year.