Background to BNI

Started in January 1985 by Dr. Ivan R. Misner, Founder & CEO of Business Network Int'l., BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for men and women to further their business through word of mouth marketing. Last year, members of BUSINESS NETWORK INT'L. (BNI) passed thousands of referrals which generated millions of pounds worth of business for each other!

Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you because all the other members carry several copies of your business cards around with them. When they meet someone new who could use your products or service, they hand your card out and recommend your services. It's as simple as that! It's simple because it's based on the proven concept of what goes around, comes around. If I help you, you'll help me and we will both benefit as a result.

Motto: "Givers Gain: If you give business to others, you will get business from them." Many successful business people have learned to ask not what others can give to you, but what you can give to others. At the same time, we naturally treasure those individuals who rarely send you business, despite the fact that you have sent them a great deal of business? The BNI process teaches us the that all group members benefit when everyone becomes truly proficient at giving.

Mission

To teach business professionals that the word-of-mouth networking is more about farming than it is hunting: it's about the cultivation of professional relationships in a structured business environment for the mutual benefit of all.

Guiding Principles and Responsibilities of Membership: Cooperation vs. Competition: We try to eliminate competition by allowing only one person from each profession. Each member represents a core business, niche or specialty (e.g., residential real estate agent, estate attorney, financial advisor, accountant, mortgage banker, property/casualty insurance agent, etc.). We invite only individuals who will complement and support the businesses of existing members. Our chapter is just being formed. The opportunity for new members is to create a group that supports their businesses.