So, you’ve been invited to a BNI meeting…

Only one person per profession can hold a seat in the chapter. Members get to know each other’s businesses, then pass warm introductions to people who actually need what you do.

Meetings run 90 minutes on Tuesday mornings, 9:00-10:30. Each member gives a short 45-60 second commercial about what they do and the kind of referral they’re looking for. One member each week gives a 10-minute deep dive on their business.

Yep, but only for about 30-60 seconds, and only if you want the room to know how to refer you. Bring a few business cards and a quick line about what you do. That’s it.

For members, the suggested rhythm is a couple of one-to-one coffees a week, bringing a visitor about once a month, passing referrals, and a little continuing education. You can miss up to 3 meetings in a rolling six months as long as you send a substitute.

There’s a one-time application fee (if you’re accepted), an annual national/regional BNI fee, and chapter dues of $100 twice a year (April and October). Fees change. Confirm current amounts with the Membership Committee.

The regional BNI office publishes a monthly Traffic Light Report tracking attendance, referrals, visitors, and training. Green is great, yellow is a heads-up, red means it’s time to re-engage. It just keeps everyone accountable.

Not quite. It’s a give-to-get community. The members who show up, build relationships, and refer others are the ones who get the most back. Know, like, trust.

If you own or run a business and want steady, warm referrals, absolutely. Come see a meeting, no pressure. Talk to whoever invited you, bring some cards, and arrive by 9:00.