BNI FAQ's
Q: Can anyone join a Business Network International chapter?
A: We only take one person per trade (professional speciality). So if you are a Domestic Cleaner and we already have one, we can refer you to another chapter. Of course, if you are a Commercial Cleaner, you could be eligible to join this chapter.
Q: How do you know new members are reputable?
A: The application asks for references and we have a membership committee that checks all references. It’s word of mouth, so before they even come to a meeting they have to have spoken to someone or been invited by someone in the group. Everyone has to have a sponsor, or one is assigned to them, and they interview them.
Q: What if a member gets a referral and does poor work?
A: We have an ethics committee and it is imperative that anyone who gives a lead and finds out it was not satisfactorily handled must report that to the membership committee, who will investigate.
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, you’re committed to your business, 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, after the visitor has been prescreened, if they’re a viable candidate. It’s pretty much a closed meeting except for potential members.
Q: Do ethical rules for certain professions prohibit participation in Business Network International?
A: Business Network International understands the importance of the ethical concerns governing certain professions and acknowledges that rules can differ by location. As such, BNI therefore requires its members to uphold the rules of its profession so as not to violate the professional’s ethical obligations. In the event that BNI’s general rules could potentially violate a professional’s ethical code, BNI’s rules are superseded by the dictates of the professional’s ethics’ code. Significantly, a primary objective of BNI is to educate its membership in ways to market and grow business. It is BNI’s intent to ensure that this is permitted.
Q: If I specialize 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.