3 Things to Know Before Visiting a BNI® Meeting

Are you thinking about visiting a local BNI® chapter? Before you go to a BNI® meeting, whether in person or virtually, we have a few things you should know to help you prepare for a successful visit.

1. Givers Gain®

The premise of BNI® is to build business through relationships. The Givers Gain® philosophy is core to BNI® and a principle that all members embrace. At the heart of every chapter, members seek to help each other get business first before getting business for themselves. BNI® members are committed to helping each other grow their businesses, and that is what the Givers Gain® philosophy is all about. By helping others, other members are naturally excited to repay the kindness by sending business in return.

2. Proven Agenda

When BNI® chapters cannot meet in person, they host meetings online. With virtual meetings, there’s an opportunity to visit chapters from around the world that you might not have been able to attend before. Whether online or offline, chapters follow a proven agenda for meetings used worldwide to make the most of your time. Meetings last approximately 90 minutes, and everyone has a few seconds to talk. Here’s a sample agenda, so you know what to expect:

3. Everyone Speaks

Have you ever been in a room full of people and don’t know what to say to strike up a conversation with a stranger? Creating valuable relationships is critical to a business’s success, and BNI® meetings are structured to help you build those lasting connections. To get the most out of your visit, be prepared for your 60-second presentation. Plan out what you’re going to share so you can effectively tell people who you are, how you help your clients, and the types of people who might be a good referral for you.

By understanding the structure of a BNI® meeting, the philosophy of Givers Gain®, and how to prepare for your first visit, you should have what you need to make your first (or second) visit a success. If you’re ready to make some new connections and lasting relationships, please check out a BNI® chapter near you. We hope to see you soon!