'Its not net-sit or net-eat its net-work' - Ivan Misner PhD Founder & CEO of BNI
The essence of BNI is that although the meeting takes place at breakfast the sole reason for coming is to net-work! Efficiency and timings are maintained because every BNI meeting follows a structured 20 point agenda.
If you attend a BNI meeting in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, the United States or anywhere else, you will find all meetings follow exactly the same format, using exactly the same agenda.
They are focussed on generating business for the participants and there are no secondary agendas.
The Meeting Agenda
You don't have to worry about having to think of the next thing to say at BNI meetings, as the whole meeting follows a planned agenda designed to result in the maximum benefit for all the group members.
Although there is a fixed format, and there is a serious focus on generating business, there is also plenty of scope for the members to enjoy themselves and have fun at the meetings as well. The meetings are often an exhilarating start to the day's business for most of the members!
The meeting starts at 7:00am sharp with 15 minutes of open networking, and breakfast is served.
| 1. | Open Networking |
| 2. | Welcome everyone, introduce Team Leaders |
| 3. | Purpose and Overview of BNI |
| 4. | Networking Education |
| 5. | Announce Business Network "Leaders" (beginning of each month) |
| 6. | Pass business cards |
| 7. | Welcome any new BNI members to the organisation (induct new members) |
| 8. | Members introduce themselves and give 60-second presentation |
| 9. | Welcome visitors to BNI and have members introduce them (visitors give 60-second presentation) |
| 10. | Membership Co-ordinator's Report |
| 11. | Membership Committee Report |
| 12. | Treasurer announces rota of speakers for next six weeks and introduces this week's speaker(s) |
| 13. | Speaker(s) gives 10-12 minute presentation |
| 14. | Pass referrals |
| 15. | Treasurer's Report |
| 16. | Announcements and reminders |
| 17. | Door prize draw: for members bringing visitors or referrals |
| 18. | Close meeting |
| 19. | Conduct new member orientation |
| 20. | Conduct visitor orientations |