Week 22 (February 24 – March 2, 2025)

Introduction

“Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re going to dive into the heart of what makes BNI work—referrals. Referrals are the foundation of our Chapter’s success, and knowing how to give and receive them effectively can make all the difference. When we harness the power of referrals, we not only grow our own businesses but help our fellow Members succeed too.”

Body

“Referrals are a form of trust, and when we pass referrals, we’re sharing opportunities that have the potential to bring real value. Here are three key strategies for maximizing the power of referrals in our Chapter:

1. Focus on quality, not just quantity – A strong referral is one that is targeted, relevant, and likely to turn into business. Instead of just passing any name or contact, focus on providing referrals that are truly valuable to the recipient.

2. Educate your Chapter – The more our fellow Members know about our business, the better referrals they can give. Use your weekly presentations and One-to-Ones to clearly explain what makes an ideal referral for you.

3. Follow up on referrals – When you receive a referral, follow up quickly. This shows professionalism and keeps the momentum going. Additionally, don’t forget to thank the Member who gave you the referral, showing gratitude reinforces the referral culture in our Chapter.”

Example

“Imagine you’re a web developer and a Member refers you to a business that needs a complete website redesign. When you follow up, you demonstrate professionalism and prompt service, ensuring that the referral turns into a closed business opportunity. Following up quickly helps build trust with both the referral and the Member who referred you.”

Conclusion

“Referrals are at the core of our Chapter’s growth, and the better we are at giving and receiving them, the more successful we’ll be as a group. Let’s focus on providing quality referrals, educating our Members, and following up quickly to ensure that every referral turns into an opportunity for success.”