BNI Agenda

Leadership Team Version

Meeting begins punctually with 15 minutes of OPEN NETWORKING: Leadership Team (LT) and *Visitor Hosts should be there 10 - 15 minutes early to welcome visitors. Have Visitor Hosts introduce visitors to members. NOTE: You will make or break the quality of most meetings! Be positive and be in control.

7:00AM 1. OPEN NETWORKING

7:15AM 2. WELCOME VISITORS, INTRODUCE LT, MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE, VISITOR HOSTS, AND EDUCATIONAL COORDINATOR. (Call the meeting to order -- 0: 15 minutes into the meeting)

7:16AM 3. PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW OF BNI. See the attached "Suggested Opening Remarks." Be very brief if there are no visitors. (Approx. 0: 16 minutes into the meeting)

7:17AM 4. NETWORKING EDUCATION. The Educational Coordinator, or the person chosen for that week gives a 3-5 minute presentation on networking (the topic and presenter should be assigned by the Educational Coordinator). (Approx. 0: 17 minutes into the meeting)

ONCE A MONTH:
5. ANNOUNCE BNI LEADERS. Hand out certificates at the beginning of each month. Have MONTH recipients stand; don't pass certificates down the table
- # 1 in Referrals
- # 1 in Visitors
Remember: Your goal is RECOGNITION! Make members feel great about their efforts!

7:20AM 6. PASS BUSINESS CARDS TO THE LEFT. Remind members to keep extra cards on each member for their card file. Have visitors pass out business cards separately. (Approx. 0:20)

7:23AM *7. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TO THE ORGANIZATION. Give out New Member
Packets upon acceptance. Have them come to the front for a formal induction into the chapter.
- Have them place their right hand on the New Member Packet, raise their left hand and recite
the BNI Code of Ethics.
- Welcome them warmly into the chapter with a round of applause from everyone.
- Tell them to stay after the meeting for "New Member Orientation" (see the "New Member
Orientation" section of this manual). (Approx. 0:23)

7:25AM 8. MEMBERS INTRODUCE THEMSELVES AND GIVE 60-SECOND PRESENTATION. Ask members to utilize Memory Hooks and/or LCD's in their presentations. Let visitors know they will be introduced after all the members so that they will be able to see what is expected. (Approx. 0:25) When people exceed their time, you should:
- Stand
- Say "Thank You"

7:40AM 9. WELCOME VISITORS to BNI. and HAVE MEMBERS INTRODUCE THEM. Tell them they may give a 60-second overview of their business. Also, say to visitors: "We are very glad you are with us. We are going to ask you to make a decision today regarding joining. If you join today, you will lockout your competitor upon acceptance to this chapter!" Also, ask them to stay after the meeting for Visitor Orientation. (Approx. 0:40)

7:45AM 10. VICE PRESIDENT'S REPORT (Approx. 0:45) This should be no more than 2 minutes. It should address:
a. Average #of MONTHLY referrals
b. Average #of MONTHLY visitors 1st time only)

7:47AM 11. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT (as needed) no less than once a month to update members regarding professions still in needed in the chapter, pending applications, policies and the function of the Membership Committee. (Approx. 0:47)

7:49AM 12. SECRETARY/TREASURER (Approx. 0:49) Should announce:
a. Speakers for the next 6 weeks (remind them to bring door prize)
b. *Introduce that week's speaker(s) using the Bio-Sheet (i.e., years of experience years with company education, married, children, and hobbies)

7:50AM 13. SPEAKER(S) GIVES 10 - 12 MINUTE PRESENTATION, INCLUDING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
After each speaker, tell the members, "now that we know more about what this person does, let's do our best to bring him/her a referral next week." (Approx. 0:50)

8:15AM 14. REFERRALS: This is the most important part of the meeting. Make sure the members always
stand. Tell them to say one of the following things: (Approx. 1:15)
- *"I HAVE_______referrals today…."
- "I HAVE a *testimonial about (a.) business I've done with one member of this chapter…. OR
(b.) my experience in BNI…"
- Visitors, tell us what part of the BNI meeting impressed you the most.

8:25AM 15. SECRETARY/TREASURER'S REPORT (Approx. 1:25). It should address:
a. The investment to join (if there are no visitors, omit this), and
b. Who owes dues

8:28AM 16. ANNOUNCEMENTS, REMINDERS, SPECIAL REPORTS: General Announcements, Chamber Mixer Dates, Trade Shows (Approx. 1:28)

8:29AM 17. HAVE DOOR PRIZE DRAWING(S) FOR MEMBERS BRINGING VISITORS OR REFERRALS. Each speaker brings a door prize. (Approx. 1:29)

8:30AM 18. CLOSE MEETING, give a positive quote for the week or request that members focus on bringing in referrals or visitors for the next meeting. Remind visitors and new members to stay after for a brief orientation. (No later than 1:30 into the meeting)

*19. VISITOR HOSTS CONDUCT Visitor Orientation and PRESIDENT CONDUCTS New Member Orientation.

*20. VISITOR HOSTS FAX the Visitor Sign-In Sheet to the Director for additional follow-up.

Agenda items set off by * indicate hidden elements -things that are not obvious at first glance, but will make a real difference when done properly.