Dance cards -- one-on-ones, allow each member of the group to have a face-to-face meeting and get to know each other. The concept is simple: when you know a member better, you will better be able to refer business to them.
Recently I had a very good dance card and the woman I met with had her GAINS profile printed out so that she could go over this right at the meeting. This was both to her benefit, and to mine, and I was impressed that she had this available.
I have decided to adopt this as well--afterall, the reason for your one-on-one is to learn from each other and adopt high-value ideas! While all members of BNI should be introduced to the concept of GAINS, I had never typed mine up to go over during a one-on-one. (I tend to take the freestyle approach!)
To review GAINS:
G - Goal -- What are your business goals? What are your goals in BNI?
A - Accomplishments -- What are your qualifications; things that set you apart from the competition, (or are interesting talking points)?
I - Interests -- What do you like to do in your free time?
N - Networks -- What organizations, associations, boards, groups, do you belong to?
S - Skills -- What kind of training have you received? What are your particularly good at?
Now, there is no need to go through this word for word. Certainly these topics may flow through the course of general conversation. However, if things get of track, this can be a great reference to you. Not to mention that thinking in these terms will help you better focus on what you need and want from your BNI experience.
TIP OF THE DAY: When having your one-on-one, remember to ask:
"Who would be a good referral for you?
- Meghan Wier
Ballantyne Business Network BNI meets every Thursday at 7am in Ballantyne, North Carolina.
