Barriers to Entry in Business

BNI (organization) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Establishing barriers in some way shape or form in all areas of life is key – especially in business.

Barriers create value. Barriers force more attention to detail.

After an almost two year break I just committed to BNI again by submitting an application to a really energetic and successful chapter.

Real quick if you do not know what BNI is…

Business Network International is world wide networking and referral marketing organization. In my first book, “Motion Before Motivation, The Success Secret That Never Fails,” I mentioned how BNI is an amazing way to get out and meet some truly committed and like-minded business people in your area. I recommend if you are new to an area or looking to explore an organized form of “referral marketing.”

OK – Back to Barriers…

BNI has barriers to entry. You need to pay. You need to pay upfront. You need to commit to going once a week or risk loosing your spot. There are rules. I’ll admit as an entrepreneur who is used to making his own rules, rules can be tough to follow.

But the barriers elevate the playing field. You know the person next to you and the entire chapter of BNI has “Skin” in the game. Barrier to entry can serve you in a couple of different ways…

Barrier to entry can help your business when you use it as a buffer to help you use your time wisely and not let others take advantage of you. If you offer a free consult you have made it easy for someone to inquire. That’s great! But you must set a time limit barrier for that free consult and make it very clear when it is over. If they attempt to reach you again and “restart” free consult time you can make it clear that “free time is over!”

Requiring applications for certain services. Taking money up-front (if you can justify it). These are just a couple of examples of how you can create your own barriers. Barriers help get you some commitment.

Next –

Look for Barriers.

When you find a barrier or it seems like one has been put in your way, so what. It might be worth your effort to jump through a few hoops if that’s what is required of you. Or, the barrier might be UN-breakable because this particular thing is really NOT for you!

Barriers are not so bad. Create some, look for some and use them to your advantage!