BNI Membership FAQs

What is BNI?
What are the benefits of joining the BNI Rancho Bernardo chapter?
Can anyone join?
How is a BNI meeting structured?
Can I be a guest before I join?
How do I become a member?
How do I receive referrals?
Where does the chapter meet?
Is there a cost for the breakfast?
Who can I contact for further information?

What is BNI?
BNI stands for Business Network Int'l. The sole purpose of BNI is to increase your business through a structured system of giving referrals. The philosophy of "Givers Gain" is evident in the number of referrals passed each week.

The San Diego region currently has 27 chapters with more in the planning stages. Our local business community benefits greatly from the structured organization of this professional networking model established in 1985 in San Dimas, California.

There are 3,625 BNI Chapters in 22 countries with over 72,500 members. Last year alone, members of BNI passed 5.6 million referrals, which generated over $2.3 billion dollars (U.S.) worth of business for its members!

What are the benefits of joining the BNI Rancho Bernardo chapter?
As a BNI Rancho Bernardo member you receive many benefits:

• Listen and keep your BNI orientation audiotape entitled the "Formula for Success."
• Wear your personalized BNI name badge at meetings and carry all your chapter members' cards in your BNI business card holder for easy reference.
• Get referrals and participate in 49 networking meetings per year.
• Attend San Diego Region All-Chapter events.
• Join in free business expo trade show opportunities.
• Place a link from our chapter website www.ranchobernardobni.com to your organization's web site (at no additional charge).
• Go to local chapter socials, such as parties, picnics and holiday receptions.

Can anyone join?
We only take one person from each profession. So, for example, if you are a residential San Diego real estate professional and we already have one in our chapter, we can refer you to another BNI chapter, or we may help you open another chapter.

How is a BNI meeting structured?
Breakfast meetings are held weekly on Friday from 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. A leadership team is in place to keep the meeting on-track and on-time. An education topic is covered each week. Members give a brief commercial regarding their services. Members actively pass referrals or give testimonials. Meetings feature one or two member speakers each week.

Can I be a guest before I join?
Absolutely! We invite you to attend a BNI Rancho Bernardo meeting. Please arrive early to sign in and get your nametag. Networking begins promptly at 7:00 am. The sit-down portion of our meeting begins at 7:15 am. Cost for breakfast is $14.00, which varies by chapter. Please be sure to bring at least 40 business cards! see more info >>

How do I become a member of BNI Rancho Bernardo?
The process is easy. First you submit an application, which is carefully screened by the Membership Committee. We carefully check references of new members so that we can be confident referring our members to family, friends, peers, clients and associates. Upon acceptance you will be inducted into the chapter at a regular meeting.

How do I receive business referrals?

At each meeting members use a 3-part carbonless form to refer business to one another. The chapter retains a copy. Both the referring member and the business provider have copies for follow-up and tracking.

Where does the chapter meet?
Meetings are held at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo every Friday from 7:00-8:30 am. Arrive early at 6:50 a.m. to sign in and get a name tag before you begin networking and get your breakfast before the meeting start time. Networking begins promptly at 7:00 am. The Country Club is located at 12880 Greens East Rd. in Rancho Bernardo. Click here for driving directions . Plenty of free parking is available.

Is there a cost for the breakfast?
The cost for breakfast is $14.00, which varies by chapter. For members, the breakfast dues are collected on a monthly basis at the first meeting of the month. Some members choose to pay quarterly.

Who can I contact for further information?
For further information, visit our contact section.

 

 

The sole purpose of BNI is to increase your business through a structured system of giving referrals. The philosophy of "Givers Gain" is evident in the number of referrals passed.