At Your First BNI Meeting

Don’t be nervous – we’re very friendly. The chapter Visitor Host will greet you at the door and sign you in. They will introduce you to the members (we call this Open Networking).

When the formal part of the meeting is called to order, the chapter President will make introductions and welcome guests (that’s you).

BNI members will each do their “Sales Manager Minute” or infomercial. You’ll be invited to introduce yourself (see Preparing for your Visit section). The chapter Vice President will share the chapter’s statistics – like weekly referrals and value of referrals exchanged. Then one member will present a “Showcase Presentation”. He/she will have a few minutes to further educate the chapter members about his/her business and explain in greater detail how to refer business to him/her.

Then comes the formal referral exchange – in BNI we track referrals using printed referral slips making us very different from other business networks. Watch the referrals (and thank yous) fly.

At this point the chapter’s Secretary/Treasurer will share with you the application process and membership fee structure. Before the end of the meeting you’ll be invited to join a Visitor Host for a brief Visitor Orientation. The Visitor Host will answer questions you have about BNI, the referral marketing program and the application process.