bni

BNI, or Business Network International, is a global organization that promotes structured, ongoing referral marketing through local chapters. Founded in 1985 by Dr. Ivan Misner in Southern California, BNI has grown to thousands of chapters in over 70 countries, drawing professionals from many industries into a formal referral network.

Chapters meet weekly at a designated time and location. Meetings follow a structured format that typically includes brief member introductions and business presentations, followed by a segment in which members share qualified referrals. A key policy is exclusivity: typically only one member from each professional category may join a chapter, aiming to minimize internal competition and maximize the chance of relevant referrals.

Members participate by paying annual dues and recurring meeting fees, and are expected to actively generate referrals for others. The organization emphasizes accountability and business ethics, and maintains a code of conduct for members. Visitors may attend meetings to learn about the program before joining.

Benefits commonly cited include access to a steady stream of referrals, accountability through a structured framework, and opportunities to build relationships with other local business owners. Reported outcomes vary: some members credit BNI with increased sales and visibility, while others note that results depend on individual participation and the time required to attend meetings. Critics point to costs, time commitment, and the potential for over-reliance on referrals or uneven value across chapters.