Comments on: How bums on seats can transform your BNI and your business

By: Mike Tennent

Mike Tennent — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:12:14 +0000

I have been telling chapters this for a while… especially small chapters… better to have 20 people in the meeting than 13 members… even if 6 of the other 7 will never join.

Well written and spot on.

By: Andy Mellor

Andy Mellor — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:58:57 +0000

This is so true, as we have expierenced in our chapter. Bums on seats equals excitment which is infectious. Bit like the bird flue really. It also creates an enviroment for attracting new members and referrals. Good advice.

By: Colin

Colin — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:04:48 +0000

Thanks for the feedback everybody – this is something I plan to implement with some of my smaller chapters. I’ll keep you posted.

By: Colin

Colin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:11:57 +0000

Hi Dinah
Thank you for your feedback. What a great idea – getting other BNI members to boost the energy in your chapter – I’m going to circulate it to all president’s in my region.

By: David Wimblett - Regional Director, London North West

David Wimblett - Regional Director, London North West — Sun, 31 May 2009 10:40:58 +0000

Hi Colin,

As Dinah says this is a great idea. It was my own chapter that Dinah was talking about and it made such a difference to our members.

I am now using the same idea in one of my small chapters to great effect.

Cheers,

David

By: Dinah Liversidge Area Director, BNI London North and West, UK

Dinah Liversidge Area Director, BNI London North and West, UK — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:16:42 +0000

Hi Colin,
Great posting.
We had a chapter in my region who dropped in numbers to just 10 members (from 30). We asked local chapters to support them by sending two members a week for 8 weeks. It had a hugely positive effect, including lifting the atmosphere for the members who started to enjoy being at their meeting again. It was great to see the broader BNI community support and it also resulted in several alliances between members of local chapters.
I am delighted to say that, within a year, the chapter were back to 30 members and one of the top performing chapters in the region.
I am sure you will see results in no time!
Warm regards from London,
Dinah

By: Paul Meyer

Paul Meyer — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:34:38 +0000

Good point Colin.
Further evidence that “social proof” works was today at the Bizone Business Expo at Auckland. Once you were talking to an interested party on BNI at the BNI stand then others appeared, attracted to what others were learning about. Often several surrounded to listen in. Some great prospects for BNI today & no doubt “bumbs on seats” in next few weeks.
Good luck chapter leaders at converting!
Cheers
Paul