Michael Mayer, expert in member retention and building relationships with new BNI members, discusses the importance of caring for members and shares strategies for keeping them engaged in a BNI chapter. He emphasizes the significance of building genuine relationships, organizing networking evenings for new members, and recognizing individuals within the organization.
Caring about new members and building relationships with them is crucial for member retention.
Maintaining regular touch points and creating a sense of community are vital for keeping members engaged and committed.
Deep dives
Member Retention: The Importance of Caring for Members
Retaining members in BNI is crucial, as losing members can be detrimental to the organization. It is essential to prioritize taking care of members and ensuring their satisfaction. While launching chapters and converting visitors into members is important, focusing on member retention is equally vital. Calculating percentages of retention can be misleading, so it is more valuable to consider the absolute number of members lost. Every member who leaves represents a lost opportunity to build relationships, which is why taking care of members and showing genuine care and support is crucial for retention.
Staying Connected: The Importance of Touch Points
To keep members engaged and ensure their long-term commitment, it is essential to stay connected with them. Particularly in the first year of membership, maintaining regular touch points is crucial. When new members join, they are often enthusiastic about the energy and opportunities within BNI. However, without proper guidance and support, they may feel disconnected and unsure of how to navigate the organization. Therefore, it is vital to provide ongoing support and create touch points such as networking evenings where new members can connect with other members and learn more about the vision and values of BNI. Building relationships and making new members feel a part of a community are essential for retention.
The Power of Recognition
Recognition plays a significant role in member retention. Expressing appreciation and recognizing the contributions of members are essential for fostering a positive and motivating environment. Offering specific recognition, such as acknowledging referrals passed or the positive impact of a member's actions on someone's business, can make a significant difference. By being specific in recognition, members feel truly valued and appreciated. Recognizing and appreciating members at both the local and regional levels is key to creating a culture where members feel motivated and encouraged to remain actively involved in BNI.