The Holy Grail
Being part of an effective BNI Hub (or power team as they are known around the world) is the holy grail in BNI. Why? Because members of a power team generate far more referrals for each other than for members outside of their power team. In fact, 50-70% of their referrals will come from their power team.
What is a Power Team?
A Power Team is a team of two or more members that effortlessly refer clients to each other. A typical example is a Builder and Electrician who always seem to be working on each other’s projects to the point where they are almost an extension of each other’s businesses. Who can name members with similar relationships in our chapter?
How does a Power Team get formed?
In the past we have tried to “force” the creation of Power Teams by suggesting members with clients with complementary needs meet to try and form a power team. For instance, Finance, Trades, Wellness, Property, Automotive. What has often happened is that they have met with no real agenda, with existing issues between potential power team members and no common established level of trust. Often these power teams have started then fizzled out or just continued to limp along. So, what is the better way to start a Power Team?
The best place to start a power team is with the two or three members who already have one. They can deliberately “invite” other members to join them and become part of their Power Team instead of being “forced” to try and include them.
So, I’m part of an informal Power Team already, how do I grow it?
Look at the members of the chapter who would by profession fit into your Power Team. Then consider who would fit in terms of credibility, ethics, engagement, attitude, and personality. Start with one member you think would be a good fit and then “interview” them to see if they are motivated to put in the effort needed to be part of your Power Team.
If they are, then you would meet regularly, every 4-6 weeks is the minimum, with an Agenda to work on and building a larger Power Team. You then build the team by selection, one member at a time. Eventually, you would look to recruit Power Team members by inviting visitors to the chapter that you think would be a good fit for your team.
Summary
Power Teams really work but rarely work by forced design, however, they can be grown deliberately over time with the right strategy.
