How will BNI benefit my business?

When you join a chapter, all its members become your sales force. They promote you and your business to potential clients, while you do the same for them. And word of mouth is the most effective form of advertising.

Can anyone join a chapter?

We allow only one person to join from any one trade or profession. So, for instance, if you were a commercial lawyer, you could not join our chapter as we already have one. However, if you specialized in family law or conveyancing, you would be welcome to join.

What occupations benefit the most from networking?

It’s not the occupation, it’s the individual that counts. It doesn’t matter what your trade or profession is; if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll get the rewards. Or as we say in BNI ‘Givers gain’.

Do I have to attend every week?

Yes. If you are going to get the most from BNI, it’s important to establish good relationships with your fellow members. That way, they will be confident enough to start passing business referrals to you.

If I cannot attend, can I send someone else in my place?

Yes – you can send a substitute. This can be a friend, a colleague, or even a client. It can also be a member of another BNI Chapter. Many BNI members are keen to broaden their network of contacts by ‘subbing’ at other chapters and, as a member, you will be free to do the same. There is also a dedicated website, which makes it easy to recruit substitutes for yourself and find subbing opportunities elsewhere.

Is it true that I have to give a one-minute presentation every week?

Yes. We are your sales force. So we need to know as much as possible about you and your business so that we can find referrals for you. By giving a one-minute presentation each week, you can brief us fully on what you do, why you’re good at it and what kind of business you’re looking for.

I’m a nervous wreck when presenting. Can you help?

BNI provide a range of training courses to help you get the most of out of your membership – and there is one which is designed to improve your presentation skills. The group can also help you with your presentation and give you feedback on how to improve it.

What is a referral?

A referral is someone who is currently looking for the service you provide and who is expecting a call from you. Unlike a ‘lead’, it is a genuine opportunity to do business.

I’ve heard that you check participation?

Yes, we record attendance, referrals given and received, your testimonials for other members and the value of business passed. BNI is run like any good business, where chapter management has all the data it needs to analyse and improve performance.

What does BNI stand for?

Business Network International

How long do the meetings last?

Our weekly meetings last an hour and a half, but members are encouraged to come earlier and stay later to make the most of the networking opportunities they present.

Can I just come along as a visitor?

Yes. By visiting our chapter, you can experience the full flavour of a meeting, with no obligation to join. You may even walk away with some valuable new contacts. Just make sure you bring £10 towards the cost of your breakfast, a stack of business cards and a 60 second introduction to you and your business.

How much does it cost?

Annual membership is currently £450 a year and there is a one-off joining fee of £100. You also need to pay a monthly amount for your breakfasts – usually between £40 – 50. But when you visit our chapter, you will meet people who have been members for two or three years – and one who has been a member for 10 years. And they wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t profitable.