About BNI

Started in 1985 by Ivan R. Misner, Ph.D., BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for men and women to further their business through word of mouth marketing. BNI is comprised of groups called Chapters who meet weekly to exchange referrals and learn word-of-mouth marketing skills. The most successful chapters of BNI have up to 50 members who are committed to helping one another through networking. They are a team. As a participant in BNI you are responsible for complying with the policies and guidelines of the organization. A partial list of the policies is listed below.

POLICIES YOU SHOULD KNOW:

1. Only one person from each profession is permitted to join a chapter.
2. All chapter meetings are 90 minutes.
3. All participants should represent their primary occupation.
4. An individual may be a member of one chapter only. A company may have individuals representing them in several chapters.
5. ATTENDANCE IS CRITICAL. If you cannot attend a weekly meeting, you may send a substitute and/or visitor. This will not count as an absence. Participants are allowed 3 absences every 6 months. More than this and they are subject to their classification being reopened.
6. Participants are required to bring bona-fide referrals and/or visitors to their Chapter.

EXAMPLES OF THE BENEFITS TO YOU:

1. Increased exposure to many other people and businesses.
2. Substantially increased business through referrals.
3. Tools to network more effectively, including an orientation CD giving the "Formula for Success" in BNI, a badge, and a vinyl card hold to carry members' business cards and marketing materials for your chapter.
4. Participation in up to 52 networking meetings per year.
5. Monthly online SuccessNet newsletters with educational material on networking, public speaking, and business.
6. Participation in business trade shows (where you'll have an opportunity to market your chapter and your business)
7. Periodic workshops on networking.
8. And much, much morel!!

An AVERAGE MEMBER GENERATES APPROXIMATELY $15,660 PER YEAR IN REVENUE.

If you wish to participate in BNI you complete an application with payment, your application will be reviewed by the Chapter's Membership Committee or Director and you will be notified of the status before the next meeting.

INVESTMENT:

There is a one-time registration fee of $100. Fees are paid annually at $330 or biennially at $510 for an initial investment of $430 or $610 respectively. There may also be an additional individual chapter charge for the rental of the meeting location or for a meal.

Will Rogers once said "you might be on the right track, but if you're just sitting there, you'll get run over!!" You're on the right track because BNI is an organization that is dedicated to increasing your business through referrals. Apply now before your competitor does!