As most of you may know, the first book in The Lord of the Rings fantasy trilogy is titled “The Fellowship of the Ring”.
It’s given this title because it revolves around a group of characters (the fellowship) who come together to support each other as they go on a quest to destroy a magic ring and stop it getting into evil hands! The idea of fellowship is central to stories like the Lord of the Rings and also to groups of all types from sports clubs to businesses.
In the Lord of the Rings, the author wanted to see a fellowship that was made up of people from quite different backgrounds that were able to band together for a common purpose.
Sound familiar?…
The fellowship that is characterised in The Lord of the Rings is one we are quite familiar with in BNI.. The idea of people from a range of backgrounds with different abilities and experience coming together to further the collective good is a common one.
If you don’t consider BNI as a fellowship that’s fine…but remember we are all here supporting each other with the same common goal in mind.
What’s the real value of fellowship?
Recently a member who has been part of BNI for over a decade got in touch to share with us a story of his business success. It has a lot to do with the fellowship or community provided to him through BNI. Kenn Butler, a member of BNI Nelson Originals, was a winner at the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Awards.
He notes that it hasn’t always been rosy for him in business, but his local chapter has always been there – week to week – supporting him and his business.
This support has been a huge part of his ability to grow his business and receive awards.
BNI provides constant support – all year round
Some of you may be in a business that isn’t necessarily going to see referrals every week. Even when referrals may not flood in, like Kenn you can love going to BNI for the fellowship.
It’s easy to feel isolated when you are in a SME but BNI gives you the chance every week to meet like-minded businesspeople from a huge range of industries and backgrounds. Kenn calls his group politically incorrect whanau and says he wouldn’t be in business without them.
As we get closer to Christmas and the New Year holidays remember your BNI family too. Draw on their knowledge and support them where you can. This is the true strength and power of BNI.
Givers Gain® and by working together in business we can all profit financially and in fellowship.
