The second meeting of December at the Dorchester Casterbridge Chapter of BNI saw many of the members sharing their 60 second presentations in poetry and song. I am including those I have been given within poetry corner and I can also announce that the winner of the challenge was Martin Goodall from Printing.com who gave us his 60 second presentation to the tune of ‘My favourite things’ – a firm Julie Andrews favourite from The Sound of Music.
Following the theme of the meeting we were also treated to a highly appropriate education slot by Ben Howells from Sands Associates Mortgage Advisors who gave us 5 top tips to improve the quality of our BNI 60 second presentations. In his presentation he reminded us that for a one minute to be effective, it needs to have five key attributes:
- Preparation – every one minute needs careful preparation in advance of the meeting as this is the only way you will be able to ensure you get all the salient points into the short amount of time you have available.
- It is useful to have a script and a great memory hook – particularly if you are worried about forgetting the things you would like to say
- Using stories helps the other Chapter members to relate your products and stories to the people and businesses that they know and makes it easier to spot opportunities to create referrals
- Being as specific as possible about what you are looking for, down to the name of business or specific person you would like to speak to also helps others enormously, simply because you don’t know who others know.
- Making eye contact ensures that the audience is listening and paying attention and every member will feel that you are talking specifically to them as well.