Inviting visitors to your BNI Chapter meeting is a crucial part of growing your network and enhancing the success of your business. BNI meetings provide valuable opportunities for networking, referrals, and business growth, but attracting visitors requires a thoughtful approach. Here are five best practices to help you effectively invite visitors to your BNI Chapter meeting:
1. Understand Your Visitor’s Business
Before inviting someone to your BNI meeting, take the time to learn about their business. Understanding their industry, challenges, and goals allows you to tailor your invitation in a way that resonates with them. For instance, if your visitor is a real estate agent, you could mention how other real estate professionals have benefited from the Chapter. If they’re a financial planner, emphasize the success stories of similar businesses in your group. By aligning the benefits of BNI with their specific needs, you make a compelling case for why they should attend.
2. Follow Up After Inviting
Once you’ve extended an invitation, don’t forget to follow up. A simple reminder email or phone call a day or two before the meeting can make all the difference in ensuring your visitor attends. This follow-up shows that you value their presence and are genuinely interested in their participation. It also helps remind them of the time and place, increasing the likelihood of their attendance.
3. Be Consistent with Your Invitations
Consistency is key when it comes to inviting visitors to your Chapter meetings. Sporadic invitations may yield occasional results, but regularly inviting new visitors will have a more significant impact. Set a personal goal to invite at least one new visitor to each meeting. Over time, this consistent effort will increase the number of visitors who attend, potentially leading to new Members joining your Chapter.
4. Highlight the Value for Your Visitors
When inviting someone to your BNI meeting, it’s important to clearly communicate the value they will gain by attending. Explain how BNI’s referral-based system can help their business grow and share examples of how BNI has positively impacted your business and those of other Members. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of BNI, you make it easier for your visitor to see why attending is worth their time.
5. Be Helpful, Not Pushy
While enthusiasm is important, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid being overly pushy. Focus on building a genuine relationship with your visitor and showing them how BNI can help them achieve their goals. An authentic and respectful approach is more likely to result in a positive response and a lasting connection.
Inviting visitors to your BNI Chapter meetings is a powerful way to expand your network and grow your business. By understanding their needs, following up consistently, offering clear value, and approaching them with authenticity, you’ll increase the likelihood of attracting new Members and building strong, mutually beneficial relationships. Start implementing these best practices today and watch your Chapter thrive!