Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can anyone join a Business Networking International chapter?
A: We only take one person per professional specialty. So if you are a residential estate agent and we already have one, we can refer you to another chapter. Of course, if you are a commercial estate agent, you could be eligible to join this chapter.

Q: How do you know new members are reputable?
A: We ask for references and we have a membership committee that checks them.

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: Are members supposed to bring visitors?
A: You're encouraged to bring visitors for those occupations that are open, if they're a viable candidate. It's pretty much a closed meeting except for potential members.

Q: If I specialise in a field within my profession, am I expected to be an expert in all aspects of my profession?
A: BNI understands that many professions are broad and that people often specialise within their profession. BNI does not expect, nor does it encourage, any professional to participate in an area in which the professional does not have expertise. On the contrary, BNI prohibits professionals from acting outside of the scope of their abilities.

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.