Let’s examine a few reasons for why we need to concentrate on inviting visitors regularly.
People’s circumstances change. Their business may be sold, perhaps if employed, they receive a promotion to a different position. There is the possibility of a transfer out of the local area, or there may some change in their personal lives, and even the one most of us strive for – retirement!
Another obvious reason is to grow the chapter. Every visitor is a potential applicant. Weren’t you a visitor before you became a member?
More importantly it is a fact that that the larger the chapter the higher the value of the TYFCB becomes. Very rough figures, in chapters from 20 members up to around 60 members, for every 10 extra members the TYFCB approximately doubles.
Who likes visitors days? They can be very fruitful but often they are a lot of work for little return. A steady stream of quality visitors can avoid the need for visitor days!
Visitors are a great source of New Business. It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of business in BNI is generated from visitors. The value of a visitor is put at over $1000.00 per visitor. Over and above that many solid ongoing business connections are made with visitors by different members.
Visitors also add to the vibrancy and energy in the meeting. When there are more people in the room the atmosphere is always lifted. We also tend to do a better weekly presentation when there are visitors present.
So, who can you invite?
Firstly, look at possible applicants who would fit in your hub – people who you would naturally refer to, and who would refer to you. Who would you like sitting in this room to listen to your sales pitch every week?
Next think about possible applicants that would fit into other hubs. Is there a hub that has low numbers, can we find people suitable to fit into that hub?
You might also consider those you will be meeting with this week that could benefit from visiting your chapter?
Do you know any local representatives of community organisations or not for profits who may like to visit your chapter to promote their cause?
And finally, any person who may be a good general fit in the chapter. Remember, “Every visitor is a good visitor” unless that person is in direct category conflict with a current member.
So, what are you waiting for? Who can you invite to your next meeting?
