Business Network International (BNI) Overview
Business Network International (BNI) is a business networking organization that was founded in 1985 by Ivan Misner. The organization is based on the idea that businesses can benefit from referrals and networking with other businesses. BNI operates in over 70 countries and has over 250,000 members. BNI members meet regularly to network and exchange referrals, and the organization also offers training and resources for networking and business development. BNI's structure is based on a chapter system, with each chapter being made up of a group of businesses from the same local area. Members of a chapter are from different industries and professions, but they all share the goal of growing their businesses through networking and referrals.
How does BNI work?
BNI operates on a referral-based system, where members of a chapter meet regularly to network and exchange referrals for each other's businesses. Each chapter is made up of a group of businesses from the same local area, and members are from different industries and professions. However, only one member of each profession is allowed to join a chapter, which helps to prevent competition among members.
During meetings, members have the opportunity to give a brief presentation about their business and the types of referrals they are seeking. They also have the opportunity to give "testimonials" about other members and their businesses, which helps to build trust and credibility among the group.
BNI also has a strict "visitor policy" which only allows visitors to attend a chapter meeting once unless they are invited back by a member. This helps to ensure that the group is made up of serious business professionals who are committed to growing their businesses through networking and referrals.
BNI also provides training and resources for its members, including workshops, online training, and support materials, to help members develop effective networking and referral-generation strategies.
Overall, BNI is a structured and results-oriented networking organization that helps businesses grow by developing referral-based relationships with other businesses in their local area.
BNI St. Clair
BNI St. Clair is a chapter of Business Network International (BNI) that serves the St. Clair area. Like all BNI chapters, BNI St. Clair is made up of a group of local businesses from different industries and professions, who meet regularly to network and exchange referrals.
As a member of BNI St. Clair, you will be able to:
- Attend regular chapter meetings and give presentations about your business
- Give testimonials about other members and their businesses
- Receive referrals from other members
- Attend training and workshops to improve your networking and referral-generation skills
- Access online resources and support materials
- Participate in BNI's online member-to-member referral platform
- Be the only member of your profession in the chapter
The chapter meeting day and time, location, and other details may vary. It is best to check with the BNI St. Clair chapter directly for more information on how to join and participate.
BNI St. Clair County
929 Edgewood Dr O'Fallon, IL 62269
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BNIStClair