I attended two chapter meetings today. One in the morning, one at lunch time. The morning group had no guests, the lunch group had 9 guests. What's the difference?
It's amazing to see how two chapters with relatively the same professions can act so differently. The morning group wants badly to grow the group, but always looks for some magical formula that requires little or no effort.
The lunch group never really discusses 'we need to bring guests'. They just do it. No complaining, no whining, no 'let somebody else do it'. Members of the lunch group are so proud of the chapter they belong to and are genuinely thrilled to be there every week. They can't wait to showcase their chapter.
The morning group has the demeanor of 'this is such a chore' that they appear bored at the whole concept. It's not hard to see why guests are NOT chomping at the bit to visit the chapter. The members aren't even thrilled to go, so why would they bring guests to see it?
The bottom line is that everyone in AmSpirit Business Connections wants to be in a chapter with someone who is enthusiastic, brings lots of guests, and generates lots of referrals. What's stopping you from being that very person? Why not be your chapter's savior, rather than looking for someone else to do it?
If you can fill a room with like-minded people that have the 3 characteristics above (enthusiastic, bringing guests, generating referrals) you may just find a culture like the lunch group I mentioned here.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Underestimating 'Socials'
I often wonder why more people in AmSpirit Business Connections do not attend 'Socials'. Whether they're in their own chapter or even other area wide socials that chapters promote across the organization.
One chapter last year had very poor attendance at their monthly socials. Several members came up with the solution to the problem. Stop having them. What??
Rather than correct the behavior of 'bad networking behavior' stop having them? For the last 15-20 years it has been said that the chapters that 'play together, stay together'. I just attended my chapter's social this past Friday evening and I couldn't believe how pumped up I was afterward. Not only was it a lot of fun, but I got energized seeing others in our chapter bond at a deeper level. It all feeds into the "know, like, and trust" concept that leads to more referrals for everyone in the group.
The culture in my own chapter, or at least my guiding statement that I've shared is this:
We will create a chapter of members where each member will not hesitate for 2 seconds to provide a referral to their best clients with any member of the chapter. If we all feel the same way about each other and have the utmost confidence in each other's professionalism, we can not lose!
Every opportunity you get to socialize with your chapter, seize upon it! Until you make it a habit, you may not even know what you're missing.
One chapter last year had very poor attendance at their monthly socials. Several members came up with the solution to the problem. Stop having them. What??
Rather than correct the behavior of 'bad networking behavior' stop having them? For the last 15-20 years it has been said that the chapters that 'play together, stay together'. I just attended my chapter's social this past Friday evening and I couldn't believe how pumped up I was afterward. Not only was it a lot of fun, but I got energized seeing others in our chapter bond at a deeper level. It all feeds into the "know, like, and trust" concept that leads to more referrals for everyone in the group.
The culture in my own chapter, or at least my guiding statement that I've shared is this:
We will create a chapter of members where each member will not hesitate for 2 seconds to provide a referral to their best clients with any member of the chapter. If we all feel the same way about each other and have the utmost confidence in each other's professionalism, we can not lose!
Every opportunity you get to socialize with your chapter, seize upon it! Until you make it a habit, you may not even know what you're missing.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Here are some tips for 2009!
By now most of us have settled back into a regular work routine. Isn't it nice to have a Monday with regular hours again? I guess I need the structure of a work week to get me focused and have the ability to get done all the things that are important for my business and my life.
Ever notice that AmSpirit Chapters with the most structure more often than not also have:
Here is a link to an article that I thought was truly insightful as well as entertaining. Do you recognize any of the behaviors listed in this article? Let's all be aware and not fall into any of these behaviors ever.
Enjoy this article. I know that I did. http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/02/perfect-way-to-lose-at-networking.html
Ever notice that AmSpirit Chapters with the most structure more often than not also have:
- larger member rosters
- more referrals generated
- more enthusiasm
Here is a link to an article that I thought was truly insightful as well as entertaining. Do you recognize any of the behaviors listed in this article? Let's all be aware and not fall into any of these behaviors ever.
Enjoy this article. I know that I did. http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/02/perfect-way-to-lose-at-networking.html
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Check Your Ego At The Door...
It's a great idea to become a leader within your chapter by taking on a board position. There are several benefits:
Make the effort to understand someone else's point of view and intent, before judging or acting in a rash manner. You'll have less regrets if you do.
- You are a more visible member in the chapter with more prominence.
- Others will look up to you as a leader.
- You will gain respect from other chapters, especially when your chapter does well. You'll be partially credited with the success of the chapter.
- Carve out your own kingdom.
- Are unwilling to listen to advice and suggestions from others in your chapter or in leadership positions.
- React negatively to anyone's ideas that differ from your own.
Make the effort to understand someone else's point of view and intent, before judging or acting in a rash manner. You'll have less regrets if you do.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Try New Approaches
We're half way through 2008. In looking back at the first half of the year, how would you rate your personal networking efforts and those of your chapter's? If you are dissatisfied with either, it's not too late to turn things around in the second half.
Sometimes it is the little things that will lead to greater success in AmSpirit Business Connections. Maybe try something a bit different like some of the following:
Sometimes it is the little things that will lead to greater success in AmSpirit Business Connections. Maybe try something a bit different like some of the following:
- Visit another chapter. Pick one that does not have your category represented if possible. Why not build relationships across chapters? If your category is very popular, then just go to the other chapter to see if you can learn one new thing to take back to your own chapter.
- Ask someone to go to lunch that you haven't met before from another chapter, or pick someone from your own chapter that you haven't been able to spend any one-on-one time with for a long time.
- Find another networking event this month to attend that is not AmSpirit-related. Maybe you'll find a person to invite to your chapter, or maybe a contact for someone else in your chapter.
There are lots of opportunities to change your networking efforts in another direction. If you're 'stuck', break out of your rut with a new activity. It just might jump-start the second half of your year!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Owners, Renters, and Squatters...
Networking groups, whether it is AmSpirit Business Connections or otherwise, all tend to have 3 types of members. There are Owners, Renters, and Squatters. Which are you?
Owners--Members of this type are fully engaged in their groups. They take leadership roles, whether as a board member or just demonstrating leadership skills and setting good examples for others in the group. They attend their chapter meetings diligently, generate referrals constantly, and are always looking for ways that they can contribute to the continual improvement of their chapter.
Throughout the week, they are always thinking of how they can help and serve others. Rather than having a mindset of 'what do I have to do to be successful?', they have the mindset of 'what else can I do to be successful?'
They seek out other networking opportunities, also with the thought that they will attend the event in the hopes that they can uncover opportunities for others, not themselves.
Renters--Members in this category are able to contribute to their networking groups, but usually only do the bare minimum to get by. If they're required to do something, they'll do it, but rarely will go beyond what they're required to do. Their thinking is dominated by, 'what am I required to do to remain in good standing?' If 2 referrals a month will be required, they'll make sure that they generate 2 referrals, but no more.
As long as they belong to groups with strong leadership, they can be good members, because they will be held accountable.
Squatters--Members in this category take up space in chapters and do not follow the guidelines of good networking behavior. They scoff at structure, minimize the success of others as irrelevant, and erode the effectiveness of their groups. They want all the benefits of networking without putting forth any of the effort.
They miss meetings frequently, generate referrals only if it is easy (like someone asking them if they know a good realtor), and rarely attend any other networking events. They love making excuses as to why they can't attend events or meetings, and if questioned about their behavior, will be indignant about it. They take up a business category in their chapter and keep it from being occupied by any other business professionals who could be a much better fit for the chapter.
Before anyone thinks I am overly harsh in describing these types of networkers, please understand that I am only sharing what I have observed over the years through my involvement in AmSpirit Business Connections. I have been a Renter myself. Until I fully understood what it meant to be an Owner and the benefits associated with it.
I do not expect every member to generate tons of referrals every month or to attend every meeting. I do expect professionalism. I do expect that members deem their chapter meetings just as important as any client meeting. I do expect communication from members when they cannot attend.
We all have times where we have a conflict and cannot attend an event or a meeting. It should be the exception, though, and not the norm.
Owner, Renter, or Squatter: which are you?
Owners--Members of this type are fully engaged in their groups. They take leadership roles, whether as a board member or just demonstrating leadership skills and setting good examples for others in the group. They attend their chapter meetings diligently, generate referrals constantly, and are always looking for ways that they can contribute to the continual improvement of their chapter.
Throughout the week, they are always thinking of how they can help and serve others. Rather than having a mindset of 'what do I have to do to be successful?', they have the mindset of 'what else can I do to be successful?'
They seek out other networking opportunities, also with the thought that they will attend the event in the hopes that they can uncover opportunities for others, not themselves.
Renters--Members in this category are able to contribute to their networking groups, but usually only do the bare minimum to get by. If they're required to do something, they'll do it, but rarely will go beyond what they're required to do. Their thinking is dominated by, 'what am I required to do to remain in good standing?' If 2 referrals a month will be required, they'll make sure that they generate 2 referrals, but no more.
As long as they belong to groups with strong leadership, they can be good members, because they will be held accountable.
Squatters--Members in this category take up space in chapters and do not follow the guidelines of good networking behavior. They scoff at structure, minimize the success of others as irrelevant, and erode the effectiveness of their groups. They want all the benefits of networking without putting forth any of the effort.
They miss meetings frequently, generate referrals only if it is easy (like someone asking them if they know a good realtor), and rarely attend any other networking events. They love making excuses as to why they can't attend events or meetings, and if questioned about their behavior, will be indignant about it. They take up a business category in their chapter and keep it from being occupied by any other business professionals who could be a much better fit for the chapter.
Before anyone thinks I am overly harsh in describing these types of networkers, please understand that I am only sharing what I have observed over the years through my involvement in AmSpirit Business Connections. I have been a Renter myself. Until I fully understood what it meant to be an Owner and the benefits associated with it.
I do not expect every member to generate tons of referrals every month or to attend every meeting. I do expect professionalism. I do expect that members deem their chapter meetings just as important as any client meeting. I do expect communication from members when they cannot attend.
We all have times where we have a conflict and cannot attend an event or a meeting. It should be the exception, though, and not the norm.
Owner, Renter, or Squatter: which are you?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
It's Just Lunch
Actually, no it's not. If you're in a chapter that distributes 'lunch bunch' assignments, don't ever miss out on meeting other chapter members one-on-one. If you belong to a chapter that thinks it's unnecessary to have such a thing, too bad for you.
This is one of the most important activities to accomplish within your chapter each and every month. What do we always say? It's all about Know, Like, and Trust. What better way to quickly get to know, like, and trust someone than to spend at least an hour of one-on-one time with them?
It's very difficult to know everything there is to know about another person's business when you only hear a 30-second commercial weekly and maybe when that person is the featured speaker a couple of times throughout the year.
If you're the Social chairperson for your chapter, don't ever neglect getting this out at the beginning of each new month. Also implore your chapter members to not only meet with their assigned partner, but choose someone else in the group you'd like to know better. Or even seek out members from other chapters to meet. What a concept! You might generate a cross chapter referral or be better able to refer business back to someone in your own chapter.
The more chances you give yourself to interact with others the more successful you will be as a networker. So why limit yourself? Also, don't make your lunch bunch forms too complicated. It really just boils down to having two columns with member names listed across from each other. Keep rotating one column until everyone in both columns meets one another, then re-shuffle the list.
One last piece of advice. The next time you meet with your lunch partner for the month, I challenge each of you to come up with at least one referral for each other over the course of your meeting. Think about it, how many more referrals could your chapter generate if this happened at every lunch bunch meeting throughout the year. A 16 person chapter would generate 192 additional referrals. That's more than half of what some chapters accomplished in 2007.
This is one of the most important activities to accomplish within your chapter each and every month. What do we always say? It's all about Know, Like, and Trust. What better way to quickly get to know, like, and trust someone than to spend at least an hour of one-on-one time with them?
It's very difficult to know everything there is to know about another person's business when you only hear a 30-second commercial weekly and maybe when that person is the featured speaker a couple of times throughout the year.
If you're the Social chairperson for your chapter, don't ever neglect getting this out at the beginning of each new month. Also implore your chapter members to not only meet with their assigned partner, but choose someone else in the group you'd like to know better. Or even seek out members from other chapters to meet. What a concept! You might generate a cross chapter referral or be better able to refer business back to someone in your own chapter.
The more chances you give yourself to interact with others the more successful you will be as a networker. So why limit yourself? Also, don't make your lunch bunch forms too complicated. It really just boils down to having two columns with member names listed across from each other. Keep rotating one column until everyone in both columns meets one another, then re-shuffle the list.
One last piece of advice. The next time you meet with your lunch partner for the month, I challenge each of you to come up with at least one referral for each other over the course of your meeting. Think about it, how many more referrals could your chapter generate if this happened at every lunch bunch meeting throughout the year. A 16 person chapter would generate 192 additional referrals. That's more than half of what some chapters accomplished in 2007.
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