What is BNI?

BNI is a business and professional networking organization whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals. The organization presently has over 2,600 chapters in countries around the world including the North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa. Last year, members of BNI members passed over 2.5 million referrals which generated almost $856,000,000 (U.S.) worth of business for each other.


 

What makes BNI unique?

What makes BNI unique is that it allows only one person per profession to join a chapter. Thus, once you've joined, none of your competitors can participate.

What are the benefits of joining BNI?
Increased exposure to many other people and businesses.

Substantially increased referrals.
Tools to network more effectively, including an orientation cassette tape giving the "Formula for Success" in BNI, a badge, a vinyl card holder to carry members' business cards, referral slips, marketing materials for your chapter and much, much more.

Participation in up to 52 networking meetings per year.

Quarterly newsletters with educational material on networking, public speaking, and business.
Participation in business tradeshows (where you'll have an opportunity to market your chapter and your business).

Free periodic workshops on networking.
And much, much more!!!

How it works

At each meeting of a BNI chapter, the members are given the opportunity to explain their services and the types of referrals they are seeking. Often referred to as the "60-Second Commercial," this mechanism helps everyone in the chapter find new business for each other. Instead of concentrating your efforts training just one salesperson, this method effectively gives you 20 to 30 (or more!) salespeople looking for opportunities to refer your services.

Based on the concept of "Giver's Gain," the BNI system encourages support and interaction among the members and facilitates the referral process. Whenever a member hears of someone needing your services, they pass your business card to them and let you know of the referral. Each BNI member is trained in how to "qualify" a referral so they are passing you a warm lead - not a cold call!