Copy
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
 
Members Top Tips



Susan Johnson
BNI Growth - New South Wales
SJ Growth Solutions

 
Susan's top tip for finding referrals for fellow members:

'Remember to share a story or testimonial with your contact to help build the credibility of your fellow member. People are far more likely to give you permission to pass on their contact details to your fellow members.'



If you want your name here, complete the Featured Member Form Now




Visit a Chapter
 
If you would like to visit a chapter near you, please contact the chapter president or director for more information.

Dear  <<First Name>>

Welcome to the August 2016 edition of your BNI Australia Newsletter. 

There's a certain power that comes with knowing what you want and not being afraid to ask for it. Many of us question whether or not to seek help from those in our network for fear we'll appear as if we are abusing the relationship. What we sometimes forget, is that although we are utilising the knowledge and skills of others, we can return the favour with own expertise.

In this newsletter, I’d like to encourage you to reflect on what your personal and professional goals are, and how you are going to achieve these. Do you truly know what you want, and do you know how to ask for it?

But first, congratulations to all the regions on what has been a fantastic financial year. The 2015/16 financial year results image is included below in case you missed it on our Facebook Page.




Clear Goals Are The Key To Success 

If you don't have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, how can anyone else help you achieve it? Whether as an individual, business or organisation, clarity drives success. Being clear in your business goals improves workplace efficiency, utilises internal and external resources, and allows you to find the right staff who understand your goals and believe in your vision.


Former business advisor John Lawlor explains that although many businesses struggle with limited resources, they are still able to achieve clear goals. He suggests checking your goal with a 'Clarity Test' - ensuring that you can visualise your goal, that you have it written down, and that you are able to explain to others what it is and why it's important. You can read more about The Power of Clarity here.

Leveraging The Knowledge Of Those Around You

As networkers, we know how important the people around us are, and how continuing to build professional and personal connections can see positive results for our businesses. Leveraging the knowledge, skills, and experience of the people in our network gives us access to a much broader collection of abilities, and assists in achieving our business goals.

'Leverage – The Key to Competitive Advantage' reminds us that there is nothing wrong with utilising the connections we have, and these can be incredibly beneficial for our business. A positive network has benefits for both parties, so we can ethically leverage these skills from around us, and then return the favour with our own talents.

The Power Of Asking For What You Want

Do you ever wonder how some people are always able to get what they want? Maybe they come across as charming, intelligent or just seem to have 'the gift of the gab'. In reality, it's more likely these people get what they want because they aren't afraid to ask for it, and because they know how to ask. Rid yourself of fear and negativity, and remember that if you don't ask, you'll never know what the answer could be. 

'How to Get What You Want Every Time You Ask for It' offers a six-step method for asking with confidence, and stresses the importance of having a solid understanding of what it is you want, who you're asking, and why. If your first attempt fails, take a different approach - be flexible but determined until you succeed.

Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Think of all the times you've asked for help and received it, and all the times you've helped others in return. Although there may have been times you sought help and were met with rejection, these are likely outweighed by all the times the people you asked chose to help you. It might be because they care about you, can see a benefit for themselves, or believe that you can help them in the future, but regardless of the reason, they help you all the same.

We could all use some help every now and then to achieve our goals and get to where we want to be, and understanding the importance of asking for help is vital to being successful. 'Steve Jobs on the Remarkable Power of Asking for Help' solidifies this idea by sharing the story of how Steve Jobs asked for help many times on the way to his success, and how everyone he asked did what they could to help. 

"Most people never pick up the phone and call, most people never ask. And that's what separates, sometimes, the people that do things from the people that just dream about them. You gotta act. And you've gotta be willing to fail, you gotta be ready to crash and burn... If you're afraid of failing, you won't get very far." - Steve Jobs

How do you ensure your business goals are clear and well communicated? Do you make the most of the skills and knowledge available to you in your network? What steps do you take in order to successfully ask for what you want?

We are looking forward to sharing your thoughts and ideas on BNI’s social media channels. Email 
social.media@bni.com.au for a chance to see your comments on our Facebook page or blog.

Until soon, in your next BNI newsletter edition.

Warmest regards,

Frederick Marcoux
National Director BNI Australia



BNI Australia PO Box 298 Hillarys, Western Australia 6923 Australia 
 
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp