What makes a quality Substitute?
Sometimes life just gets in the way. Sometimes we have planned vacations, meetings we can’t miss or maybe an urgent family situation that prevents us from attending our chapter meeting. That is why BNI policy allows us 3 absences per term. The general idea is “out of site, out of mind”. If you are not in your seat at a meeting, them other members may not be thinking of you for that entire week. So whenever you no you are going to be absent it is best to send a sub.
If you keep in mind that by not being at a meeting you are affecting your visibility than wouldn’t it make sense to make your presence felt (even in your absence) by sending a really good sub?
Who qualifies as a great sub?
- A client who can speak highly of your work and could also use some of the services of other chapter members. They may even be eligible to join the chapter.
- An employee who can deliver your business message as well as you can.
- A family member who likes you. They will speak highly of you and may even be able to share something about you that nobody knows.
Who does not make a great sub? (still acceptable should you be unable to secure a great sub)
- Someone whose profession is already represented in the chapter. They can give your infomercial but not their own.
- A former BNI member who has chosen to discontinue their membership but makes a habit of being available to sub.
- Another BNI member. There are plenty available but they really don’t bring anything of value to the chapter. They should be a last resort.