How to Choose the Right BNI Group [E187]

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

Let’s be honest: BNI isn’t new to you. If you’ve been around this podcast, you’ve heard us talk about Business Networking International before. But this time, we’re taking a deeper dive into something super practical: how to actually choose the right BNI group for your shop. Because let’s be real, not all chapters are created equal. In this episode, Kim and I walk you through the exact steps we’ve taken to find the best-fit groups, what red flags to look for, and how to show up ready to make a killer first impression. Whether you’re a natural introvert like me or you’re already networking like crazy, there’s a group out there for you, and we’ll help you find it.

Don’t miss this one—especially if you're ready to grow your business through real relationships and legitimate referrals.

Show Notes with Timestamps

1. Introduction and Sponsors (00:00:00) Podcast introduction, hosts, and sponsor messages for Shop Boss and App Fueled.
2. What is BNI? (00:01:20) Explanation of BNI, its structure, exclusivity, and benefits for business networking.
3. Personal Experiences with BNI (00:02:31) Hosts share how BNI helped their businesses and personal growth, especially in public speaking.
4. BNI’s Structure and Meeting Format (00:03:44) Description of BNI’s structured meetings, weekly agenda, and the value of regular participation.
5. Tracking BNI’s Impact (00:06:39) How the hosts tracked BNI as a marketing source and the variety of chapters in different regions.
6. Finding and Choosing a BNI Group (00:08:29) Step-by-step advice on finding local BNI chapters and evaluating group membership.
7. Understanding Networking Spheres (00:09:56) Explanation of networking spheres and the importance of complementary businesses in BNI groups.
8. Starting a New Chapter (00:10:50) Advice on starting a new BNI chapter if your area is underserved.
9. Evaluating Group Culture and Fit (00:13:03) How to assess group meeting times, culture, and whether the group’s vibe matches your needs.
10. Visiting and Assessing Groups (00:14:27) Tips for visiting groups, gauging friendliness, and looking for active, growing chapters.
11. Referrals vs. Leads in BNI (00:15:40) Clarifying the difference between warm referrals and cold leads in BNI.
12. Attendance and Participation Expectations (00:16:17) Importance of consistent attendance, sending substitutes, and treating BNI as a sales meeting.
13. Preparing to Visit a BNI Group (00:17:40) Best practices for contacting the group, arriving early, and networking effectively.
14. Making a Good First Impression (00:19:13) Bring business cards,...