Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can anyone join a chapter?

A: A chapter accepts only one person from each profession. So if you are a real estate agent and the chapter already has one, you will be referred to another chapter with an open category, or this will be an opportunity to start another chapter.

Q: How do you know new members are reputable?

A: 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 and invited by a BNI member.

Q: What if a member gets a referral and does poor work?

A: The membership committee of a chapter looks into this concern, and it is imperative that anyone who gives a referral and finds out it was not satisfactorily handled must report it to the Membership Committee, who will investigate.

Q: What occupations benefit the most from networking?

A: 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.

Q: My profession does not let me directly solicit business. Is BNI still right for me?

A: 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.

Q: Are members supposed to bring visitors?

A: They are encouraged to bring visitors to see what we do so they too can participate in our philosophy of “Givers Gain.”

Q: How many times can I visit a chapter?

A: Only twice, you are welcome to a third meeting as a member status. This means that you have submitted your application with payment and you will be inducted as a member that morning.

Q : How do I become a member?

A: You must visit a chapter meeting. Being there and seeing what goes on during the weekly meetings serves to give you a better idea of what it takes to be a member and whether participating would benefit you and your company. If you like what you hear and see, take the next step!

The only people who will find referrals for you consistently are people who know and trust you.
You need to start spending time with the right people in a structured, positive and professional environment.

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