Here are a few Answers we have compiled to some of your Frequently Asked Questions. We will update this page as we figure out more answers.

Q: What does BNI stand for?
A: Business Networking International.
BNI offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. Being a member of BNI is like having sales people working for you every day who market your product or service. BNI’s sole purpose is to provide a structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals. If referrals are an important part of your business, then BNI is the organization for you.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: An individual may be a member of one chapter only. A company may have individuals representing them in several chapters. Applications are available at chapter meetings, and members of the chapter will assist with their completion. A new member application is reviewed by the chapter’s Membership Committee and the prospective member notified of the application status as soon as possible. The investment to join BNI consists of a registration fee, plus a participation fee as is shown below:

Registration Fee: $100.
Participation Fee:
Option 1. $330 for a one year membership
Option 2. $510 for a two-year membership.

Therefore, the initial investment to join BNI is $430 for one year or, $610 for two years. Chapters may charge an additional fee to pay for the space in which the meeting is conducted. These charges are separate, and in addition to the investment to join BNI, and are at the discretion of individual chapter management teams. More information may be found at; http://www.bnisanfrancisco.com

Q: What does that pay for?
A: Regional and chapter administrative costs, member materials, venue and meals every Wednesday.

Q: Does it work?
A: In a word, Yes.

“In just our first 3 months, I’ve recouped my entire investment; annual and monthly dues.” – Ian Blei, President – Optimized Results

BNI is the world’s largest business referral organization.
In 2007, BNI’s 100,000+ members located in 37 countries, passed over 5.5 million referrals resulting in more than $2.2 billion U.S. dollars worth of business!
BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for business people to grow their businesses through word of mouth marketing. Since 1985 BNI members have exchanged millions of referrals, which have resulted in excess of $2.5 Billion dollars in business. Being a member of BNI is like having sales people working for you every day who market your product or service. BNI’s sole purpose is to provide a structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals. If referrals are an important part of your business, then BNI is the organization for you.