About BNI
BNI is a business networking organisation which allows only one person from each profession to join. Each chapter meets weekly to generate more business for its members through giving business referrals.
Referrals not leads
The purpose of each meeting is to create new business for each other. We do this, by passing qualified business referrals to each other (no vague leads here), real opportunities for business.
When you receive your BNI referral slip, you know that this is someone who genuinely requires the service you are offering and is happy to receive your call.
We all carry the business cards of the members of our chapter. When we see opportunities for each other we can seize them immediately; we are a mutual sales force.
Giver’s gain
This shared support and trust is the philosophy on which Dr Ivan Misner founded BNI in 1989. We call it ‘givers gain’; if I give you business, you will want to give me business.
Principles
- Islington BNI meets every Wednesday morning from 7–8.30am.
- Chapters meet on different days but, worldwide, all BNI chapters meet at exactly the same time.
- Because it works so well, we all follow the same, proven agenda.
- Just one member from any profession, so you are not competing for business within the group.
- It must be your full time business. BNI members are successful, determined individuals working hard to grow their businesses.
- You attend every week. BNI works because we are all committed to success. Sickness happens; so you are allowed a maximum of 3 absences, without a substitute, in a 6 month period.
- You are welcome to send a colleague, or client, in your place, when business takes you elsewhere.
- Bring visitors. They could become members, and they represent possible new business for us. Contracts worth thousands of pounds have come from one-time visitors.
