BNI Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone join a chapter?
We only take one person per professional specialty. So if you are a
residential real estate person and we already have one, we can refer
you to another chapter, or allow you to open another chapter.
Of course, if you are a commercial real estate person, you could be
eligible to join this chapter.
How do you know new members are reputable?
The application asks for references and we have a membership
committee that checks them. It is word of mouth, so before they even
come to a meeting they have to have spoken to someone or been
invited by someone in the group. Everyone has to have a sponsor, or
one is assigned to them, and they interview them.
What occupations benefit the most from networking?
It is not the occupation, it is the individual. The occupation can
be anything. If you're focused and you have a dream and you're
willing to make a sacrifice, you are the person we want in the
group.
My profession does not let me directly solicit business. Is
BNI still right for me?
BNI’s primary objective is to assist its members in ways to improve
their business and to educate them concerning how they can
effectively network. Business people get business when their
expertise is known and others reach a comfort level with them.
BNI provides a forum that allows members to meet other business
peers who need to know effective and efficient business people.
Are members supposed to bring visitors?
Yes! If you have associates who do some occasional referrals
with you, invite them to join you! You're encouraged to bring
visitors for those occupations that are open, after the visitor has
been prescreened, if they're a viable candidate to also become a
member of the chapter.. It's pretty much a closed meeting except for
potential members. One of the best benefits of BNI is that we’ll
train all of our members on how to refer effectively.
Bring your friends and people you know that do good business. Upon
acceptance of your membership, you both will be taught the same
thing…how to give and receive more referrals. This can grow
your business between the two of you!
Do I have to be there every week?
We have an attendance policy. The purpose of the policy is not
to kick members out …but to keep members in. Weekly attendance is
required. (You can have an occasional sub). The more
consistent you are with your attendance, the more you’ll show the
members of your chapter that you’re: professional, committed,
trustworthy and reliable. These values and traits go a long
way in confidently referring you to our best clients and friends.
I’m not sure I’ll be able to give referrals?
Many people have had this concern when they first discovered BNI.
Don’t worry… we’ll teach you what you need to know to make referrals
happen…both the giving and the receiving! We don’t leave
your success to chance. Referrals happen everyday. With a
little bit of instruction, you’ll be on your way to developing a
great word of mouth referral business.
How much does it cost?
Just like you can’t get a hair cut over the telephone, you can’t
really experience the benefit of BNI over the internet. Come
join us for breakfast, bring your business cards and enjoy what it’s
like to be part of a truly professional networking organization!
You’ll get all your questions answered at the meeting in detail.
This is an opportunity that’s affordable to everyone. Most people
get enough referrals after going to the MSP class to cover the cost
of BNI for years to come. This is actually something you
can’t afford not to do!
- referring business to each other
- promoting their business with 30-second commercials
- taking a turn giving in-depth presentation about their services
- networking with fellow members
- eating a healthy breakfast
- enjoying beautiful surroundings
Plenty of free parking is available.
Email now to reserve your spot for our next
meeting!
Read more F.A.Q.’s through www.BNI.com
