This post is about one of my 45-second pitches at my BNI Chapter, BNI City Business. You can read the introduction to this collection here.

15 December 2023. The Chapter’s final meeting for the year. We do things a bit differently in the final session. Instead of formal pitches, we each take turns sharing what we are thankful for. Inevitably some emotion and tears, and some baring of souls. But not me…

I still did a slide, with a festive Christmas theme, and an amusing picture. I had tried to find something that would top last year’s final slide. I couldn’t find anything better than the one I used (at least not something I would get away with).

I then said I was thankful I know not to put Christmas lights on palm trees. I was thankful people laughed at my slides. And I was thankful to those in the room that laughed even if they didn’t get the joke.

I then gave a testimonial for the power of BNI. I try and visit another BNI chapter in the Auckland region every month or so. I see the power of BNI as being more than the people in the room and each of their networks. BNI can also work as a network of networks. I mentioned that I received more referrals (by amount) from people outside the chapter. I may have mashed my words and intent. I think some thought I was criticising the group. I wasn’t. I was simply encouraging folks to get out there.

A common issue I have seen in BNI is that chapter members over-focus on the people in the room – not even members’ networks or wider. Visiting other chapters can be a useful way of building out your network. I always find people with classifications not represented in my chapter. And I get to meet new people, members of BNI, so they know how it works.

Finally, thanks to those that read my blog and like my sense of humour.