What is BNI®
BNI is a 41-year-old business and professional networking organization that allows only one person from each trade or profession to join a Chapter. BNI has over 355K+ Members worldwide, in 78 different countries, from over 300 different types of professions, all of whom have benefited from increased referral business as a result of BNI.
Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of salespeople working for you! Because every single company and entrepreneur out there needs more sales. BNI provides a structured referral networking system to help generate referrals by sharing business connections
The philosophy of this organization is built upon the idea of “Givers Gain® By giving business to others, you will get business in return. This is predicated on the age-old idea of “What goes around, comes around.”
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What Makes BNI Different from Traditional Networking?
Traditional networking events often focus on making as many connections as possible during a single event. BNI takes a different approach by creating structured Chapters where Members meet regularly, build trust over time, and actively support one another's business growth through referrals.
The goal is not simply to meet new people but to develop a reliable referral network that can create long-term business opportunities.
Global Members
Countries
GLOBAL ChapterS
REFERRALS PASSED
(last 12 months)
Our Mission
Our Core Values
BNI is built on a set of guiding principles which form the foundation on which Members interact, conduct themselves and fulfill their goals. At BNI, we’re Changing the Way the World does Business®.
Givers Gain®
Givers Gain is the underlying philosophy of BNI. We exemplify that by giving business to others; you will get business in return.
Lifelong Learning
We believe in the continuous improvement of personal and professional skills. BNI provides a variety of opportunities to support lifelong learning.
Traditions + Innovation
Tradition in an organization tells us where we come from and lays the foundation of who we are, but we must always be looking for ways to innovate.
Positive Attitude
BNI provides an environment that enables you to surround yourself with people who want to help you succeed.
Building Relationships
Networking is more about farming connections with new contacts than hunting for them. People want to do business with people they know and trust. It’s about cultivating those relationships.
Accountability
If you want to have a powerful personal network, you must have accountability. Otherwise, it becomes a social group.
Recognition
It’s important to recognize those who are contributing.
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The Givers Gain® Philosophy Explained
Givers Gain® is the foundational principle of BNI. The philosophy encourages Members to help others achieve success by making introductions, sharing opportunities, and supporting fellow Members. Over time, this collaborative approach helps create stronger business relationships and reciprocal referral activity.
Why Relationship-Based Marketing Works
Research consistently shows that buyers place greater trust in recommendations from people they know than in traditional advertising. Relationship-based marketing focuses on trust, credibility, and long-term professional connections, making referrals a highly effective source of new business opportunities.
FAQs
BNI stands for Business Network International, a global business networking and referral organization founded in 1985.
Givers Gain® is BNI's core philosophy that encourages Members to support one another through referrals, introductions, and business opportunities.
BNI has more than 355,000 Members across dozens of countries worldwide.
This policy reduces direct competition within a Chapter and helps Members become the primary referral partner for their professional category.
BNI's core values include Givers Gain®, Lifelong Learning, Traditions + Innovation, Positive Attitude, Building Relationships, Accountability, and Recognition.
Members gain access to training, mentorship opportunities, educational programs, and business development resources designed to improve networking and referral skills.
What You Should Know
Generate Business Weekly
Members of a Chapter meet every week & pass referrals.
Get the Edge Over Your Competition
Only one person from each professional specialty is accepted into a Chapter.
Tap Into a Global Network
Connect with over 355K+ Members around the globe through the BNI connect online network.
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