Visiting a BNI Chapter

Prospective members or those just curious are always encouraged to attend any BNI chapter's meeting.  Check out where and what day your local BNI chapter is meeting, then contact them to set up your visit.

Because every member of BNI is an active business person, BNI meetings follow a pretty tight agenda. What follows are some notes on protocol and what you can expect when you visit a BNI chapter.

BNI Meeting Guidelines:

• Check the list of chapters and contact one based geographically (Remember, you will need to be there very early in the morning, so choose one you can get to easily from your home or on the way to the office.) Later, if you find that your category is filled; don’t worry! We can find a chapter for you... or you can start your own chapter!
• Email BNI WNY to let us know you would like to attend a Chapter (Visitors must be invited… and we’d like to invite you!)
• Plan on arriving at the meeting between 6:30-6:45am. (This will allow you time to network with our members)
• Dress for your profession...(Remember, you are making a first impression. Do you want 30 business people to have a positive impression of you and your staff?)
• When you arrive, Stop at the Visitor Host table and sign in. We’ll give you a name badge and Visitor Host packet. Leave 2 business cards for our Visitor Host.
• Bring a minimum of 50 business cards (This is the number one thing our visitors forget, which virtually guarantees that our members will forget your name!)
• Please, no handouts or brochures... (this is a privilege reserved for members)
• You have only one chance at a 1st impression... be prepared to stay until the end of the meeting, with a Visitor Orientation lasting until 9am
• During open networking, please feel free to ask any questions... ask members about BNI and how it's working for them
• You can't join BNI, you must apply and be accepted for membership. Don't worry about high pressure sales tactics (You must have a sponsor to apply for membership in BNI... we can help you with that!)
• There will be an introduction portion of the meeting... Be prepared to stand, tell us your name, a very brief explanation of what you do. (Remember, you will have literally one minute or less.)
• Feel free to bring a friend or business associate with you
• There will be beverages and a light breakfast. Be prepared to pay a nominal fee for the use of the venue. Chapter costs vary, but will not exceed $10.00
• BNI is a structured environment that follows a proven agenda that will begin and end on time
• Feel free to visit, even if you don't plan to apply! You are allowed to visit twice before we ask you to make a decision about membership

Joining a BNI Chapter

• Joining a BNI chapter requires an application process, though there is no high pressure sales tactics. Feel free to ask questions.
• You must have a sponsor to apply for BNI - if you don't currently have one, open networking is a great time to meet a potential sponsor.
• If your category is filled, don't worry! We can find a chapter for you or you can start a new chapter.