At the core of BNI networking are the BNI 'chapters' which meet every week at breakfast. The meetings are scheduled for that time so they don't impact with the day to day running of your business. The sole reason for the chapters and the meetings are to network. There is informal networking both before and after the meeting but the meetings themselves follow a tried and tested 20 point agenda.
The agenda is formulated to do two main things - inform the members about your business and to pass referrals between the members. It's the BNI agenda that really makes the difference because it's been proven to work over the past 20+ years!
You don't have to worry about having to think of the next thing to say at BNI meetings, as the whole meeting follows a planned agenda designed to result in the maximum benefit for all the group members.
Although there is a fixed format, and there is a serious focus on generating business, there is also plenty of scope for the members to enjoy themselves and have fun at the meetings as well. The meetings are often an exhilarating start to the day's business for most of the members!
The meeting starts at 7:00am sharp with 15 minutes of open networking, and breakfast is served:
- Open Networking
- Welcome everyone, introduce Team Leaders
- Purpose and Overview of BNI
- Networking Education
- Announce Business Network "Leaders" (beginning of each month)
- Pass business cards
- Welcome any new BNI members to the organisation (induct new members)
- Members introduce themselves and give 60-second presentation
- Welcome visitors to BNI and have members introduce them (visitors give 60-second presentation)
- Membership Co-ordinator's Report
- Membership Committee Report
- Treasurer announces rota of speakers for next six weeks and introduces this week's speaker(s)
- Speaker(s) gives 10-12 minute presentation
- Pass referrals
- Treasurer's Report
- Announcements and reminders
- Door prize draw: for members bringing visitors or referrals
- Close meeting
- Conduct new member orientation
- Conduct visitor orientations
|