Message from Braith Bamkin - July 1 - The Power of Looking after Visitors
**The Power of Looking After Visitors **
This month, I want to talk about a crucial aspect of our BNI experience: the power of looking after visitors. Just as you would welcome and treat guests in your home, we should extend the same warmth and hospitality to our visitors at BNI meetings. Every member is a visitor host, and it’s essential to recognise that making visitors feel welcome is everyone’s responsibility.
Imagine having guests over to your home. You'd probably clean up, prepare refreshments, and ensure everything is in order before they arrive. When they walk in, you'd greet them warmly, offer them a seat, introduce them to other guests, and make sure they feel comfortable and engaged throughout their visit. After they leave, you might follow up with a thank-you note or a phone call to express how much you enjoyed their company. This same level of care and attention should be applied to our BNI visitors.
Preparation is key. Contact visitors before the meeting with a friendly email or phone call. Provide them with all necessary details about the meeting, including the time, location, and what to expect. Let them know you’re excited to meet them and are looking forward to introducing them to the group. This initial contact sets a positive tone and helps visitors feel valued even before they step into the room.
On the meeting day, arrive early to help set up and ensure everything is ready. When visitors arrive, greet them warmly and introduce them to other members. Make sure they are comfortable and engaged. Encourage members to connect with visitors and learn about their businesses. Remember, every member is a visitor host, so it’s a collective effort to make visitors feel welcome and included.
During the meeting, highlight the importance of visitors and the potential business they bring. Visitors account for around one-third of all business in a BNI chapter, so treating them well can significantly impact our success. Ensure visitors have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their business with the group. Facilitate connections between visitors and members, fostering an environment where business relationships can thrive.
After the meeting, follow up with visitors to thank them for attending. This can be a personalized email or a phone call expressing your appreciation and interest in their experience. Invite them to future meetings and encourage them to consider joining the chapter. A thoughtful follow-up reinforces the positive impression they had during their visit and keeps the door open for ongoing engagement.
Another crucial step is connecting visitors with members who can help them or might benefit from their services. This not only helps visitors see the value of joining BNI but also enhances the business opportunities for our members. When visitors feel that their presence is valued and that they have made meaningful connections, they are more likely to return and consider membership.
In conclusion, looking after visitors is a collective responsibility that significantly impacts our chapter's success. By treating visitors with the same care and hospitality we would extend to guests in our homes, we create a welcoming environment that encourages growth and strengthens our network. Let’s all commit to making every visitor feel valued and appreciated, recognising the important role they play in our BNI community.
One final note: you’ll notice that on July 1, we launched the 2024 Master Connector Campaign. This year's prize is a trip to the BNI Australia Conference in Brisbane in May 2025. This link takes you to the slide pack, where you can read about the prize and how you can qualify. Good luck!
**The Power of Looking After Visitors **
This month, I want to talk about a crucial aspect of our BNI experience: the power of looking after visitors. Just as you would welcome and treat guests in your home, we should extend the same warmth and hospitality to our visitors at BNI meetings. Every member is a visitor host, and it’s essential to recognise that making visitors feel welcome is everyone’s responsibility.
Imagine having guests over to your home. You'd probably clean up, prepare refreshments, and ensure everything is in order before they arrive. When they walk in, you'd greet them warmly, offer them a seat, introduce them to other guests, and make sure they feel comfortable and engaged throughout their visit. After they leave, you might follow up with a thank-you note or a phone call to express how much you enjoyed their company. This same level of care and attention should be applied to our BNI visitors.
Preparation is key. Contact visitors before the meeting with a friendly email or phone call. Provide them with all necessary details about the meeting, including the time, location, and what to expect. Let them know you’re excited to meet them and are looking forward to introducing them to the group. This initial contact sets a positive tone and helps visitors feel valued even before they step into the room.
On the meeting day, arrive early to help set up and ensure everything is ready. When visitors arrive, greet them warmly and introduce them to other members. Make sure they are comfortable and engaged. Encourage members to connect with visitors and learn about their businesses. Remember, every member is a visitor host, so it’s a collective effort to make visitors feel welcome and included.
During the meeting, highlight the importance of visitors and the potential business they bring. Visitors account for around one-third of all business in a BNI chapter, so treating them well can significantly impact our success. Ensure visitors have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their business with the group. Facilitate connections between visitors and members, fostering an environment where business relationships can thrive.
After the meeting, follow up with visitors to thank them for attending. This can be a personalized email or a phone call expressing your appreciation and interest in their experience. Invite them to future meetings and encourage them to consider joining the chapter. A thoughtful follow-up reinforces the positive impression they had during their visit and keeps the door open for ongoing engagement.
Another crucial step is connecting visitors with members who can help them or might benefit from their services. This not only helps visitors see the value of joining BNI but also enhances the business opportunities for our members. When visitors feel that their presence is valued and that they have made meaningful connections, they are more likely to return and consider membership.
In conclusion, looking after visitors is a collective responsibility that significantly impacts our chapter's success. By treating visitors with the same care and hospitality we would extend to guests in our homes, we create a welcoming environment that encourages growth and strengthens our network. Let’s all commit to making every visitor feel valued and appreciated, recognising the important role they play in our BNI community.
One final note: you’ll notice that on July 1, we launched the 2024 Master Connector Campaign. This year's prize is a trip to the BNI Australia Conference in Brisbane in May 2025. This link takes you to the slide pack, where you can read about the prize and how you can qualify. Good luck!
