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.

1 December 2023. This week’s Pitch Theme was simply to incorporate a joke into the pitch. Since I do that every week, it didn’t seem like an onerous task.

Actually, I didn’t add a joke. I used the slide – which contains a joke – do my talking, joke-wise. I don’t think the image was particularly for those at the back of the room. One person groaned and said ‘too soon.”

I, on the other hand, took the opportunity to talk about exit planning, and being prepared well in advance of the need to exit: Too many business owners hang on to their business far too long. In many cases, this can make the business unsaleable. Around two-thirds of New Zealand businesses are unsaleable, and around half of those that do list don’t sell..

Hence, Get Out While You Can!

Today’s meeting also gave a perfect example of the power of the group. On my way home, I had a flat tire. I had driven on it for a fair while. It was shredded. I pulled over about two kilometers from where our chapter meet. The tyre needed changing. I jacked up the car, got the old tyre off, but I just couldn’t get the new one back on. I tried a few times, but I couldn’t lift it. I felt quite defeated. At least it wasn’t raining.

I called Graham Nodding at Browning Auto Repair. Graham is a member of my chapter, and I have my car serviced by Brownings. I asked him if he could help me out of my pickle. He was more than happy to once he had dealt with one issue at the workshop. He said he would be there in around 30 minutes.

With my car on three wheels and still jacked up, I knew I shouldn’t sit in the car, so I perched myself on the kerb for the wait.

A minute later, A car pulls in behind me. Out steps Karl Martin, another member (and current Vice President). Without hesitation, once I had explained my predicament, Karl put the new tyre on, screwed it back on, and even put the shredded tyre in my boot for me. I headed straight to Brownings to get a new tyre.

It is often said that a benefit of being a BNI members is that you’ll never need to wait for a plumber or electrician. Chapter members go out of their way to help each other. You form strong bonds with other members, and that is rewarded in so many ways.