FAQ
Q: WHAT is BNI?
A: A business networking program that allows one person from each profession to join a chapter. The sole purpose of the chapter is to increase business through a structure system of giving referrals.
Q: WHERE does BNI Olathe 4 meet?
A: The Perkin’s Restaurant in Olathe, Kansas (just east of I-35 on Sante Fe)
Q: WHEN does BNI Olathe 4 meet?
A: 7:15 to 8:45 every Thursday morning
Q: WHY visit and join BNI?
A: Because “what goes around comes around!” people that GIVE business referrals GET business referrals! Visit and see BNI in action!
Q: Can anyone join a chapter?
A: We only take one person per professional specialty. So if you are a residential real estate person and we already have one, we can refer you to another chapter, or allow you to open another chapter. Of course, if you are a commercial real estate person, you could be eligible to join this chapter.
Q: What occupations benefit the most from networking?
A: It is not the occupation, it is the individual. The occupation can be anything. If you’re focused and you have a dream and you’re willing to make a sacrifice, you are the person we want in the group.
Q: How many members are in a “typical” BNI chapter?
A: A good mature chapter has around 25 members. Some BNI chapters have as many as 45 members.
Q: Are members supposed to bring visitors?
A: You’re encouraged to bring visitors for those occupations that are open, after the visitor has been prescreened, if they’re a viable candidate. It’s pretty much a closed meeting except for potential members.
Q: If all of the current chapters have someone in my profession, what do I do?
A: Contact the local director. In Kansas it is Frank LaPlaca, (913)221-4696. You will then be given the option of being put on a waiting list or starting up your own chapter.
Q: How do you know new members are reputable?
A: The application asks for references and we have a membership committee that checks them. It’s word of mouth, so before they even come to a meeting they have to have spoken to someone or been invited by someone in the group. Everyone has to have a sponsor, or one is assigned to them, and they interview them.
Q: What if a member gets a referral and does poor work?
A: We have an ethics committee and it is imperative that anyone who gives a lead and finds out it was not satisfactorily handled must report that to the membership committee, who will investigate.
Q: How much does it cost to join BNI?
A: The true investment to considering BNI is not the money, but your time. You are expected to attend the meetings, meet and develop relationships with your fellow members outside of the meeting and this all takes a time commitment on your part. BNI is a networking organization and you are responsible to work your new network. The annual monetary investment is just a dollar per day.