BNI ENCINITAS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 over 34 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 over 4600 BNI Chapters in 39 countries with over 92,000 members. In 2006 members passed approximately 4.9 million referrals generating over $1.2 billion dollars in business for members.

What are the benefits of joining the BNI Encinitas chapter?
As a Encinitas BNI 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 4 networking meetings per month.
• Attend San Diego Region All-Chapter events.
• Join in free business expo trade show opportunities.
• Go to local chapter socials, such as parties, picnics and holiday receptions.

Can anyone join?
BNI is a business and professional networking organization that allows only one person per professional classification or specialty to join a chapter. So, for example, if you are a residential real estate professional and we already have one, we can refer you to another BNI chapter, or we may help you open another chapter. Of course, if you are a commercial real estate professional, then you could be eligible to join.

How do I become a member of BNI Encinitas?
We carefully check references of new members and are confident referring our members to family, friends, peers, clients and associates. The process is easy. 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.

Can I be a guest before I join?
We invite you to attend an Encinitas BNI meeting. Meetings are held at Firefly Grille in Encinitas located at 215 N. El Camino Real every Thursday from 7:00-8:30 a.m. Arrive early at 6:45 a.m. to network and get your breakfast before the meeting start time.

Are members supposed to bring visitors?
Members are strongly encouraged to bring visitors for those occupations that are open.  We are always seeking high-integrity professionals to whom we can pass qualified referrals. 

My profession does not let me directly solicit business. Is BNI still right for me?
BNI’s primary objective is to assist its members in ways to improve their business and to educate them concerning how they can effectively network.  Some professions, specifically attorneys and certain health care professionals, may not be permitted to seek direct referrals through in-person solicitation through the use of business cards pursuant to their ethical code. Members of BNI that belong to those professions are directed to follow their profession’s own ethical guidelines.

How is a BNI meeting structured?
The sole purpose of BNI is to increase your business through a structured system of giving referrals. Breakfast meetings are held weekly on Thursday from 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. at the Firefly Grille in Encinitas. 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 40-second commercial incorporating a memory hook. Members actively pass referrals or give testimonials. Meetings also  feature two member speakers each week. Individuals are recognized for networking achievements.

Where does the chapter meet?
Meetings are held at Firefly Grille in Encinitas (215 N. El Camino Real) every Thursday from 7:00-8:30 a.m. Arrive early at 6:45 a.m. to network and get your breakfast before the meeting start time. See our Meeting Information page for more...