• What To Expect
• When To Arrive
• What To Bring
• Where To Go
• Will I Be Asked To Join?
• Who Do I Contact If I Have Questions?

• Can Anyone Become A Member?
• Is There A Quota On Referrals Passed?
• How Often Do You Meet?
• Is This A Social Event?
• Are Members Reputable?
• What If A Member Does Poor Work?
• What Occupations Benefit Most?
• Why BNI?

So you're here because you are considering membership with Silver Cities BNI. That’s great! We’re excited you’re ready to take the next step in growing your business. Here’s what you need to know:

BNI’s Membership Application:

The BNI membership application is quite simple. The application consists of basic information about you and your business, and requires you to provide business references.

The Application Process:

Membership is not automatic. Though the Membership Committee works diligently to review your application, the complete process may take approximately two weeks. During this time, the membership committee will check your references, ensure there is no category overlap with existing members and determine if membership is a good fit for you and our chapter. The membership committee may also contact you directly to learn more about you and your business. We may even request that you meet with one or more of the BNI members before a decision is made on your application. Should you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the membership committee directly.

Silver Cities BNI is successful for many reasons beginning with the high expectations we hold for each of our members. Here are a few things that make us successful:

Attendance Policy:
Business Network International and our Silver Cities chapter adhere to a strict attendance policy, which is the cornerstone of our organization. Your success with BNI is directly related to your weekly involvement in our chapter. As the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” Building relationships is the key to success in BNI and you must be present to do so.

We do understand that life gets in the way sometimes, so if you do need to miss a meeting, each member is allowed 3 unexcused absences in a 6-month period. Periods run from October 1st to March 31st and from April 1st to September 30th.

If you are unable to make it to a meeting, it is recommended that you find a substitute to attend the meeting on your behalf. Sending a sub shows your commitment to the chapter and its members.

Sending A Substitute:
If you find yourself unable to attend a meeting, it is recommended that you send a substitute in your place. However, substitutes cannot build relationships on your behalf and therefore should only be sent when absolutely necessary. An ideal substitute is a client, employee, or complementary business that has experienced your work, product and customer service. As mentioned above, you must be present on a regular basis to build strong relationships and get the most value out of your membership.

One on One’s - “Dance Cards”:
A one on one is a meeting between two members for the specific purpose of learning about each other’s business and how you can generate referrals for each other. A good goal for each member is to schedule at least one meeting per week. Because of their intent, one on one’s are commonly referred to as “dance cards.”

It’s Not Just About Business:
Throughout the year, there are a variety of informal BNI gatherings. These events are a great opportunity to get to know your fellow members outside of business and help to foster the relationships you build in BNI each week. Attending social events is a great way to build trust and to further build your business. In addition, most of our members are heavily involved in community activities. For example, one of our favorite community activities is a toy drive to benefit the Connecticut Children’s Hospital. We have also raced for the cure with Susan Komen. We have walked for Best Buddies. We have danced for Relay for Life. We have gorged on pancake breakfasts and have relished in spaghetti dinners and have even enjoyed a Michael Jackson impersonator to benefit various local causes.

The point is, we’re more than just a business referral group. We’re deeply rooted in our communities.

Application/Facility Fees:

Application fees are due when you turn in your application. Though we do not process your payment until you are accepted a member, we do require a check or credit card with each application.

Of course, we have to house 30+ members every Friday morning. So we also pay yearly facility fees, which help us to defray the cost of our meeting space. These fees can be paid monthly, quarterly or yearly and are separate from the application fee.