Visitor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: WHAT is BNI?
A: A business marketing program that allows one person from each profession to join a chapter. The sole purpose of the chapter is to increase business through a structured system of giving "warm" referrals.

Q: Where does BNI meet?
A: In many chapters throughout the Los Angeles Basin, and more are developing all the time.

Our chapter, Business Advantage, meets every Tuesday morning from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. in Beverly Hills. Click here for location and contact information.

Q: When does BNI meet?
A: Every Tuesday morning from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., so that members maintain contact and exchange regular referrals.

Q: Why visit and join BNI?
A: Because "what goes around comes around!" People that GIVE business referrals GET business referrals! Visit and see BNI in action at a Business Advantage Chapter meeting!

Q: How can you benefit from BNI?
A: In many ways by:

• substantially increasing and expanding your business through referrals.
• exposing your services and knowledge to businesses and success-oriented people throughout the community.
  
• allowing members the opportunity to present and promote their business to all members in a group exclusively, without competing professionals. Each profession and/or its specialty, has only one representative per chapter.
  
• increasing awareness of your profession by other networking members who will use or recommend your services once they know and trust you.
  
• gaining knowledge on other networking members' professions.
  
• using a professionally designed forum to promote yourself and your business efficiently, effectively and economically.
  
• routinely meeting with other focused, motivated business professionals.

Q: Can anyone join the chapter?
A: Only one person from a profession is allowed in each BNI chapter. For example, if you are a residential real estate professional and the chapter already has one represented, you’ll be referred to another BNI chapter, or to a chapter that is forming. Be sure to review the Business Advantage Openings (link) page.

Q: What occupations benefit the most from networking?
A: What matters is the individual, not the occupation. All professions can prosper from BNI if you take the time to learn how to target market and teach your fellow members what you are looking for in referrals.

Q: Are there any other events besides the weekly chapter meetings?
A: Yes. BNI headquarters and the Los Angeles region sponsor the Member Success Program to train new members; monthly advanced training for the Leadership and Support Teams; and quarterly regional workshops and other networking events for all members.

Q: Are members supposed to bring visitors?
A: Members are encouraged to bring visitors for those occupations that are open in the chapter. After the visitor has been prescreened and joins, their profession is then closed. BNI is primarily an invitation-only organization and members look to invite visitors who are interested in joining BNI; who would benefit from being a member; and who would be a benefit to the chapter.

Q: How do you know new members are reputable?
A: The application process requires references, which are checked by the membership committee. Since BNI relies on word of mouth, potential members need to have spoken to or been invited by someone in the group or the regional office. To apply, you must have a sponsor, or one is assigned to you for an initial interview.

Q: What if a member gets a referral and does poor work?
A: Each chapter’s Membership Committee oversees the organization’s ethics. It is imperative that anyone who gives a referral and finds it was not satisfactorily handled must report the incident to the membership committee, who will investigate.

Q: How much does it cost to join BNI?
A: The annual monetary investment is about a $2.50 per day. The true investment in considering BNI is not money, but your time.