Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
BNI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Prospects
- What is BNI?
BNI (Business Network International) is the world's largest business networking organization, founded in 1985. We help members generate qualified business referrals through a structured, proven system of giving and receiving referrals in a supportive business community.
- How does BNI work?
BNI operates on the principle of "Givers Gain®". By helping others grow their business, you grow your own. Members meet weekly to build relationships, share referrals, and support each other's business growth through a structured networking system.
- What happens at a BNI meeting?
Weekly meetings include networking time, member presentations, referral sharing, and relationship building. Each meeting follows a proven agenda designed to maximize networking effectiveness and business development opportunities.
- How much does BNI membership cost?
Membership fees vary by chapter and region but typically include annual membership dues, meeting fees, and materials. Most members see a strong return on investment through increased business referrals and revenue growth.
- How much time does BNI require?
Members attend one 90-minute weekly meeting plus One-to-One Meetings and occasional networking events. The time investment is typically 2-4 hours per week, which most members find generates significant business returns.
- What is the exclusivity policy?
Each chapter has only one member per profession or specialty, ensuring no direct competition within your chapter. This creates a collaborative environment where members actively refer business to each other.
- What types of businesses work best in BNI?
BNI works for virtually any business that serves other businesses or consumers - from accountants and real estate agents to contractors and coaches. The key is having a business that benefits from referrals. If you are looking for more business through qualified referrals, then BNI is a great fit for you and your business.
- How do I find referrals for other members?
BNI provides training on how to identify and give quality referrals. You'll learn to listen for opportunities, ask the right questions, and connect members with qualified prospects from your network.
- What if I don't know many people to refer?
Every member starts somewhere. BNI teaches you how to expand your network and identify referral opportunities. As you build relationships within BNI, your ability to give and receive referrals grows significantly.
- Do I have to attend every meeting?
BNI has attendance requirements to ensure commitment and relationship building. Most chapters require approximately 85% attendance, with the option to send substitutes when necessary.
- Can I visit a meeting before joining?
Yes! Prospects are welcome to visit meetings as guests to experience BNI firsthand. BNI Chapters will allow you 2 visits for you to see the networking system in action and meet current members before making a commitment. You may submit a membership application to continue to attend.
- What if my profession is already represented?
If your specific profession is taken, you may be able to join by specializing in a different niche or considering nearby chapters. Some larger markets have multiple chapters with different focuses. Use the Get Invited form to let us help you fit the right chapter for you and your business.
- How long does it take to see results?
While some members receive referrals immediately, BNI is relationship-based networking that typically shows significant results within 6-12 months as relationships deepen and trust builds.
- What training and support does BNI provide?
BNI offers extensive training through member success programs, online resources, regional events, and mentorship. You'll learn proven networking strategies, presentation skills, and referral techniques.
- Is BNI only for established businesses?
No, BNI is not exclusively for established businesses, but it is best suited for those able to commit to full-time, consistent networking to generate referrals. While many members are established, the structure benefits anyone focused on growth—including sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and new business owners—by offering a platform to build professional relationships and exchange qualified business
- What's the difference between BNI and other networking groups?
BNI's structured system, exclusivity policy, attendance requirements, and focus on measurable results set it apart. The organization's 40+ year track record and global presence provide proven networking methodologies.
- How do I apply for membership?
Contact your local BNI chapter or regional office to begin the application process. This typically involves visiting meetings, meeting with members, and completing a BNI Membership Application for Chapter Membership Committee approval. The chapter will have you conduct an online interview and then setup a short meeting to ask you a few questions about you and your industry.
- What results do typical members achieve?
While results vary, many members report significant business growth through BNI referrals. The organization tracks billions of dollars in referral business generated annually by its global membership network.
- Can anyone be a member of a chapter?
We only take one person per business specialty. So if you are a residential real estate person and we already have one, we can refer you to another Chapter, or we may work with you to open another Chapter. Of course, if you are a commercial real estate person, you could be eligible to participate in this chapter.
- How do you know new members are reputable?
The application asks for references and each chapter has a Membership Committee that conducts reference checks. There are also interviews. It's referral marketing, 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 if a member gets a referral and does poor work?
We have a Code of Ethics and it's the Membership Committee's job to make sure it's respected. It is imperative that anyone who gives a referral and finds out it was not satisfactorily handled must report that to the Membership Committee, who will investigate in a professional manner.
- 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 take action, you are the person we want in the group.
- Are members supposed to bring visitors?
You're encouraged to bring visitors to help promote the Chapter and the Members.
- Do ethical rules for certain professions prohibit participation in BNI?
BNI understands the importance of the ethical concerns governing certain professions and acknowledges that rules can differ by location. As such, BNI therefore requires its members to uphold the rules of its profession so as not to violate the professional’s ethical obligations. In the event that BNI’s general rules could potentially violate a professional’s ethical code, BNI’s rules are superseded by the dictates of the professional’s ethics code.
- If I specialize in a field within my industry, am I expected to be an expert in all aspects of my industry?
BNI understands that many industries and professions are broad and that people often specialize. BNI does not expect, nor does it encourage, any person to participate in an area outside their expertise.
- 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.
Ready to experience BNI networking in action? Visit a local chapter meeting and discover how Givers Gain® can transform your business growth!
For more information contact the BNI Atlanta office by calling (678) 264-8708 or click here to send an email.
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