The History of BNI

BNI (Business Network International) is a 25 year old business and professional organisation that allows only one person from each trade or profession to join a chapter. With over 4,900 active chapters, and 100,000 members, it is the most successful business referral organisation in the world.

Over the past four years, we've provided more than $1 million in combined cash and pro bono support to Way to Grow, an early childhood education and nonprofit organization. Other community giving involvement throughout our agency history includes pro bono work for more than 13 organizations, direct giving, a scholarship program through the Minneapolis College of Art & Design, board memberships, and ongoing participation in the Keystone Club, which gives five percent of our company's earnings back to the community each year.

BNI provides a structured, supportive, business environment in which local business people can get together to network, learn valuable new marketing skills and develop the strong personal relationships that lead to trust and the consequent generation of significant business for each other.

Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you because all the other members carry copies of your card with them. When they meet someone new that could use your products or services they hand out your card and personally recommend your services.

What is BNI?

BNI is the World's Largest Referral Organisation

It's as simple as that! Last year members of BNI passed around 5,000,000 referrals, which generated more than €1.5 billion worth of business

In the last 12 months, BNI South Cheshire has passed at least £2,470,480 worth of business between our members

What You Need To Know

• Only one person from each professional specialty is permitted to join a chapter of BNI.
• All participants should represent their primary occupation, not a part-time business.
• Attendance is critical. If you cannot attend a meeting, you must send a substitute. This will not count as an absence.
• Participation in the chapter by members is a key to the success of a group. Members can participate by bringing bona-fide referrals and/or visitors to their BNI chapter.