North Coast BNI
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BNI Membership Details

What is BNI?
BNI stands for Business Network Int'l (Business Network International). The bottom line purpose of BNI is to increase your business through a structured system of giving (and receiving) referrals. The philosophy of "Givers Gain" is evident in the number of referrals passed each week.

The San Diego region currently has 26 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 California. There are 3100 BNI Chapters in 17 countries with over 58,000 members. In 2002 members passed approximately 2.5 million referrals generating over $867 million dollars in business for members.

What are the benefits of joining the North Coast BNI chapter?
As a North Coast BNI member you receive these benefits:

  • A BNI orientation CD entitled the "Formula for Success"
  • Receive numerous chances to speak at length about your business during your assigned member speaker day
  • Place business contact data and a link from our chapter website to your businesses website
  • A custom BNI name badge and business card carrying case for all of your chapter members' cards for easy reference
  • Receive referrals/leads from verified businesses and participate in 49 networking meetings per year
  • Attend San Diego Region All-Chapter events
  • Join in free business expo trade show opportunities
  • Go to local chapter socials (parties, picnics and holiday receptions)
  • Access to dozens of professionals and their services
  • Hone your speaking and presentation skills - learn to explain your product/service succinctly and in an engaging manor
  • Get more business!

Can anyone join?
Well yes, BUT we only allow to join one business from each profession. So, for example, if you are a Florist and we already have one, we can refer you to another BNI chapter, or we may help you open another chapter, but that spot will be closed in our chapter. That being said, we are an equal opportunity networking group.

How is a BNI meeting structured?
The sole purpose of BNI is to increase your business through a structured system of giving referrals. One person per profession can be a member of a chapter. Breakfast meetings are held weekly on Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 am in Carlsbad. 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 30-second commercial relative to their business. Members actively pass referrals or give testimonials. Meetings feature a member speaker each week. Individuals are recognized for networking achievements where applicable.

Can I be a guest before I join?
Of course! You may attend as a visitor before deciding whether our group is for you. We invite you to attend a North Coast BNI meeting. Arrive early at 6:45 a.m. to network before the meeting start time. The meeting is free to you, but the breakfast has a fee. There are even special official Visitors Days!

How do I become a member of BNI North Coast?
We carefully check references of new members and are thus, confident referring our members to family, friends, peers, clients and associates. The process is easy. At the beginning of our Tuesday meeting, prospective members (visitors) will be given a membership packet which you fill out and return with your applicable membership fee. Once your references check out, and your spot is not already taken, you will be asked to join us.

Where does the chapter meet?
For further information, please visit our comprehensive Meeting section.

Who can I contact for further information?
For further information, visit our Contact section or contact one of our Members directly.

What does it cost?
Yearly dues and a one-time processing fee will be discussed at each meeting with interested visitors. Each breakfast is $13 (to cover the cost of the meal). So, for less than $1 per day you will have a sales force of over 20 working for you.

What are the member guidelines?

  • Only one person from each professional classification is permitted to join.
  • Meetings take place on a weekly basis and attendance is critical.
  • There is an initial registration fee and yearly dues.
  • Your references check out positive.
  • You will need ample business cards to hand out and add to our till.

Are there attendance requirements?
For this system to work, and to make sure that everyone benefits from the time they put in (which requires a member to be at the meetings) there are certain attendance requirements. Though we try to be flexible, we do enforce attendance though you my make arrangements in advance for a substitue or for a planned absence (i.e., vacation, conflicting schedule, etc.).

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