BNI Week 4

This week at BNI a real estate agent asked me to be a substitute for them next week. I will need to get into contact with her to set up a "60 second commercial" to do for her business. I think it is a good sign that members of the group are reaching out and asking me to help out.

This week there was not a speaker and the team leaders seemed to be distraught. They actually called on the person scheduled to speak, and then declared that we were not having a speaker because he was not prepared.

I mentioned in the Week 1 blog that we have breakfast at each BNI meeting. I fill in for Garrels Training Systems, a training and clothing company. To make sure I am a positive reflection of the business I order small, plain oatmeal (no sugar, no fruit, and no cream).

BNI Week 3

I have been thinking about the different rituals and "customs" in the BNI group. The following is the list I came up with: (I will be updating the list with new observations)

1. Referral cards
2. Testimonials
3. Weekly speaker
4. Weekly door prize
5. End of quarter results
6. Contact sphere (this is almost like a "secret")
7. Team leader/visitor host cards
8. Social events
9. Point system for BNI members
10. Member renewal process
11. New member initiation process

I haven't gotten a chance to blog on this week BNI (Week 4) but I will get it up by the end of the week.

BNI Week 1, Week 2

I attended my first two meetings at BNI. I met everyone in the group and learned about their businesses. I am being treated as a "stranger" right now. At every meeting I am introduced as a "visitor" and have to say a few words about myself. It will be interesting to see if I will have to continue to do that every week.

During the meeting each member is required to give a referral or a testimonial. If a member does not have one for the week, the rest of the group is disappointed. I have been trying to participate in this aspect by getting to know the businesses better. I even had the oil changed in my car at Helena Motors, a business that is part of the group.

I elected to be a substitute for any member who couldn't make it to the meeting. Right now I am filling in for Garrels Training Systems, but I am sure the owner will want to make a few BNI meetings! The "rule of thumb" is that a member who will not be present must have a replacement to still be in the group.

So far this project is working out for me. I have made new contacts and enjoy the business setting.

Husky Camp!

A culture I unexpectedly became involved with was volunteering at the animal shelter. A few weeks ago a man from Colorado stopped in Rocker with a school bus containing over 100 dogs. The school bus broke down and horrified truck drivers called police.

The dogs are being kept at the Anselmo Hoist house and at the BSB animal shelter. I have hated dogs all of my life; primarily out a fear after being bitten several times. This volunteering opportunity has forced me to get out of my comfort zone and learn how to deal with dogs. It sounds weird, but I have a newfound appreciation for pets since I have been volunteering for the past two weeks.

I have had a hard time dealing with the facts of the situation and it is the worst case of animal cruelty I have ever seen. I have thought about switching projects because this story has really hit a nerve with me.

BNI - Business Network International

The culture I am interested learning more about is Business Network International (BNI). The BNI group meets at least once a week in Helena. I have already attended a dinner meeting, but I will need to attend the more formal Tuesday meetings from 7:00-8:00 AM. After attending the meeting this week I will write a short blog about my experience.

During the meeting, the group requires that each member give a brief 60 second "commercial". I will be representing Garrels Training Systems (GTS). Garrels Training Systems personalizes training systems for people, has a clothing line, and operates a women’s boxing club. Keep in mind that I am representing the business so I will need to conform to a certain stereotype. The meeting is held over breakfast, so I need to be sure to order a healthy food and have the right attitude about fitness (health to the extreme). In addition to the 60 second commercial I may also have to give a short (10 minute) presentation later in the project.

I will soon learn what the "norm" and what is acceptable behavior within that culture. This truly will be a culture shock for me because I am required to go alone and it will be a new experience. I am excited to attend the meeting tomorrow and start fitting into a culture I am not part of.

Joining this culture will provide me with the opportunity to learn more about networking. In addition, as a graduating senior this culture will provide another "communication tool" to use in the workplace.