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Author Dave Anderson suggests that "commitment shows up more in your actions than your words." For BNI members, it is important to realize that among the many characteristics required to win the trust and referrals of others, commitment is among the most important.

When truly committed, you don't have to tell people—they'll figure it out through their interactions with you. When you are not, words won't convince people otherwise.

Here are ten ways BNI members can boost their commitment level—even when it's not easy or popular:

1. Attend your weekly BNI meeting, even when it's not convenient. Paying for a membership to a health club and not using it is your business. Paying for a BNI membership and not attending meetings is each member's business. We are in this together.

2. Do not give referrals to people with whom you are not in relationship. Never. Make it a point to only refer people whose reputation you would stand by if something went wrong.

3. Hold members accountable for violating your code of ethics. No matter how many referrals another member gives you, never sell out your values.

4. Attend training opportunities to improve your ability to do business by referral. Find reasons to go instead of making excuses not to. Referral marketing is an acquired skill.

5. Schedule 1-2-1 meetings. Meet with people you know, and people you don't. As you make time to deepen your relationships, referrals will follow. Referral marketing is a pipeline business. Keep your pipeline full.

6. Quit spending time with negative people. You can't do business well when your personal energy is drained. You will find a better version of yourself as your spend more time with positive, helpful people.

7. Hold yourself and your fellow members accountable to minimum monthly performance standards: 100% attendance, four 1-2-1s per month (minimum), three referrals (given), one visitor (minimum). Do this even when it is not easy, cheap, popular, or convenient. Reach out for support if necessary.

8. Learn something new each month. Delve into anything business related: sales, marketing, your industry, or someone else's industry. Constantly upgrade your skill capacity to position yourself as a leader.

9. Attend networking events for the sole purpose of helping others. Don't go to dump your pocketful of your personal business cards. Go to make connections for others. Remember: Givers Gain.

10. Meet with your contact sphere at least once a month. Think of it as a training session for your sales force, and prepare accordingly.


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