Visitor Questions Answered: What It Costs, What to Bring, What to Expect

Most people who visit a BNI chapter for the first time have the same handful of questions. Some of them feel a little awkward to ask, especially the ones about money. So here are plain answers to the questions we hear most often.

Does it cost anything to visit?

No. Visiting BNI A1 Networkers is free, and there is no obligation to join. You are simply our guest for the morning. Since we meet at a restaurant, the visitor host can let you know how breakfast works when you plan your visit.

What does membership cost?

BNI membership includes an annual fee, and like any investment in your business, it is worth understanding before you decide. Fees can change, so rather than quote a number here, we would rather walk you through the current details in person. Just ask a visitor host after the meeting.

The bigger investment is usually time. Members commit to attending weekly, meeting with fellow members one-to-one and looking out for referrals for the people in the room. That commitment is what makes the referrals flow.

Do I need to be invited?

It helps, but it is not required. Many visitors come because a member invited them. Others find us online. Either way, you are welcome. Using our visit page lets us know you are coming so someone can greet you at the door.

What should I bring?

Keep it simple:

Business cards. Bring a good stack. People will ask for them.
A short introduction. Your name, your business and the kind of customer you love working with. Aim for about 10 to 15 seconds.
Something to take notes on. You will hear members describe exactly who they are looking to meet, and you may realize you know some of those people.
An open mind. BNI meetings follow a structure that can feel different from a mixer. Give it the full morning before deciding what you think.

What should I wear?

Wear what you would wear to meet a client. In the West Valley summer, that usually means business casual. Nobody expects a suit and tie when it is already in the 90s at 7:00 AM.

What happens at the meeting?

We meet every Thursday at 7:00 AM at Brothers Family Restaurant in Peoria. A typical meeting includes:

Open networking before the meeting starts
Short member presentations, where each member shares what they do and the referral they are looking for
Visitor introductions, where you get a moment to introduce yourself
A featured presentation from one member, giving the room a deeper look at their business
Referrals and thank-yous, where members pass business to one another

The meeting follows a set agenda and runs on time, so you can plan your morning around it.

Will I be put on the spot?

Not in an uncomfortable way. You will be asked to introduce yourself briefly, and that is it. Nobody will pressure you to sign anything during the meeting.

Is my profession available?

BNI chapters hold only one seat per profession, so the referrals for your line of work go to one member. If your category is open, you have a chance to claim it. If it is taken, the visitor host can talk with you about how specialties are defined or point you toward other options. Ask early in the conversation.

How do I know if BNI is right for me?

BNI tends to work best for people who:

Get much of their business through word of mouth
Enjoy building long-term relationships
Are willing to help other businesses as much as they want help themselves
Can make a weekly morning meeting a priority

That last point connects to our core philosophy, Givers Gain®. The idea is simple: when you help others grow their business, they want to help you grow yours.

What happens after my visit?

You can visit more than once before making a decision. Many people come two or three times to get a feel for the room. If you are interested in joining, the visitor host will walk you through the application and next steps.

Still have questions? The best way to get answers is to see a meeting for yourself. Plan your visit and join us on Thursday morning.