It's Never Been Easier To Launch A New Chapter
"Trust In The BNI Process"
Need Support? No problem.
Launching a BNI Chapter is an exciting and extremely rewarding process. Sometimes we need a little help thinking outside the box. Using the links below, you'll find a collection of resources proven to help you launch your chapter and grow your sales team. Feel free to reach out to your Chapter Launch Director at any time for support.
Growing your Chapter = Growing your Business
BNI - VCP
Visibility. Credibility. Profitability
These three terms are used to describe the stages of building and nurturing relationships within your BNI Chapter. When members keep this acronym at the front and centre of their networking activities, they achieve maximum success.
Keep the simple suggestions that are listed below in mind as you build and become a part of an amazing referral chapter.
You'll be richer for it.
Visibility
The first step to profitability is being seen
Visibility: In the initial stage, it's important to increase your visibility among fellow BNI members and the broader business community. This involves actively attending meetings, participating in discussions, and sharing information about your business, products, or services. The goal is to make yourself known and raise awareness of what you offer.
Pro Tip:
Show up weekly. Send a substitute on your behalf if you are unable to attend the meeting. Not showing up, or cancelling at the last minute will impact your credibility with your referral partners.
Successful BNI members enter meetings into their calendars as recurring events to avoid double bookings.
Credibilty
Once your referral partners see you regularly, the key is to maximize their perception of how you do business
Credibility: As you continue to engage with other members and demonstrate your expertise, you aim to establish credibility within the group. Building trust and credibility involves delivering on promises, providing quality products or services, and developing a reputation for reliability and professionalism. As you gain credibility, other members are more likely to refer you to their contacts.
Pro Tips:
Show up to your meetings on time. Stay for the duration of the meetings. Prepare your sales pitch in advance and dress for the business you're looking for
Profitability
Showing your team your committed to their success as well as yours will maximize your profitability with your referral partners
Profitability: The ultimate goal of networking within BNI is to generate business referrals and increase profitability. Once you have gained visibility and credibility, you have a higher chance of receiving qualified referrals from fellow members. These referrals can lead to new clients, customers, or business opportunities, ultimately resulting in increased profitability for your business.
Pro Tip:
Be as engaged with your chapter as you can, after all this is your sales team.
You'll be richer for it.
Invite To Introduce.
Start with grabbing a pen and paper and write down the name of 1 member of your team.
When we talk about BNI to other people, and we try to invite someone to a networking event, we may get so passionate that others may feel it’s a little bit too pushy. And then there are times when people explain things WAY too much, making the simple invitation much more complicated than it needs to be.
Instead - try to be a match maker
Being a matchmaker is a strategy that works well with inviting for specific categories and making introductions to a specific meeting. Instead of asking someone to visit or join a whole group of people, which some might be a little hesitant of, you can ask them if you can introduce them to a specific chapter member.
This can be a very effective method of connecting someone when you may not have a hard referral to a members services, or to fulfil an immediate need, but a connection you can make to set someone up for the future. And making that a personal connection can be that seed you plant for the future.
Put the focus on THEM by clearly sharing your genuine intention to connect them to a particular person that is going to benefit THEIR business.
The next step is to have them register for an upcoming meeting. On the day of the meeting, when they arrive, you can take them right over to the member you wanted them to meet and make the personal introduction.
If you want to learn more, feel free to download the pdf document that elaborates on this amazing strategy.
Phone Call scripts
These two scripts have been used with a great level of success.
Hi [Person's Name], this is [Your Name] calling. How are you today?
The reason I'm calling is that I'm putting together an exclusive network of successful business owners who believe in helping each other grow their businesses. We are looking for a reliable person who is an expert in XXX field to add to our network. Immediately I thought of you. Are you available on Thursday at 12pm to visit with us?
OR
I am starting an exclusive group consisting of successful entrepreneurs and business owners that believe in helping each other grow our businesses.
When this group is formed, we will have 25+ members generating in excess of $1mil/ year for each other.
Are you available on Thursday at 12pm to come meet the team? There are a few people I'd love to introduce you to.
Text Message scripts
A recommended strategy for close contacts
Hi [Friend's Name],
Hope all is well. I wanted to reach out and invite you to an upcoming BNI Startup Chapter meeting. BNI is a professional networking organization that helps businesses grow through referrals. The local startup chapter is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas and potentially form new business partnerships.
The meeting is on [Date and Time] at [Location]. You'll have the chance to network, learn about BNI, and hear from guest speakers. I think you'd really benefit from the connections and resources available through BNI.
Let me know if you're interested, I'd be happy to provide more details.
[Your Name]
Whatsapp scripts
Are you a heavy Whatsapp user? Here are some sample messages to send to contacts you already know.
Hi [Friend's Name],
Hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out and invite you to an upcoming BNI Startup Chapter meeting. BNI is a professional networking organization that helps businesses grow through referrals. Our local startup chapter is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and potentially form new business partnerships.
The meeting is on [Date and Time] at [Location]. You'll have the chance to network, learn about BNI, and hear from guest speakers. I think you'd really benefit from the connections and resources available through BNI.
Let me know if you're interested, I'd be happy to provide more details.
[Your Name]
Instant Messaging Scripts.
When inviting potential referral partners to your startup meeting, we always recommend picking up the phone to call them. Of 4,267 BNI members that successfully sponsored a new member, 72% said they invited in person, and 13% used the phone.
In some cases an instant message is easier. In that situation, we do recommend using these strategies only for those people that you know fairly well.
Phone Call scripts
These two scripts have been used with a great level of success.
Hi [Person's Name], this is [Your Name] calling. How are you today?
The reason I'm calling is that I'm putting together an exclusive network of successful business owners who believe in helping each other grow their businesses. We are looking for a reliable person who is an expert in XXX field to add to our network. Immediately I thought of you. Are you available on Thursday at 12pm to visit with us?
OR
I am starting an exclusive group consisting of successful entrepreneurs and business owners that believe in helping each other grow our businesses.
When this group is formed, we will have 25+ members generating in excess of $1mil/ year for each other.
Are you available on Thursday at 12pm to come meet the team? There are a few people I'd love to introduce you to.
Text Message scripts
A recommended strategy for close contacts
Hi [Friend's Name],
Hope all is well. I wanted to reach out and invite you to an upcoming BNI Startup Chapter meeting. BNI is a professional networking organization that helps businesses grow through referrals. The local startup chapter is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas and potentially form new business partnerships.
The meeting is on [Date and Time] at [Location]. You'll have the chance to network, learn about BNI, and hear from guest speakers. I think you'd really benefit from the connections and resources available through BNI.
Let me know if you're interested, I'd be happy to provide more details.
[Your Name]
Whatsapp scripts
Are you a heavy Whatsapp user? Here are some sample messages to send to contacts you already know.
Hi [Friend's Name],
Hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out and invite you to an upcoming BNI Startup Chapter meeting. BNI is a professional networking organization that helps businesses grow through referrals. Our local startup chapter is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and potentially form new business partnerships.
The meeting is on [Date and Time] at [Location]. You'll have the chance to network, learn about BNI, and hear from guest speakers. I think you'd really benefit from the connections and resources available through BNI.
Let me know if you're interested, I'd be happy to provide more details.
[Your Name]
Email scripts.
Inviting someone who you know well, someone you just met, or someone you have never met, can change the trajectory of their business forever. BNI is truly that powerful.
If Email is your preferred form of contact, it's best to start off with inviting those people who already know, like and trust you. They are more likely to respond to your email, and also more likely to answer your call when you follow up on the initial email.
When looking to invite via email, think of those people you already do business with, and who you like well enough to want to work with on a weekly basis. Perhaps you have a contact that you send regularly send business to but don't get much business back from - that's a key person to invite!
They'll hold you in even higher regards once they come on board and their sales pipeline is getting filled from their BNI Chapter (their sales team).
Feel free to use the scripts below and make them your own using your own touch.
Email Sample 1
Inviting someone you know well.
Subject: Invitation to Upcoming BNI Startup Chapter Meeting
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to extend an invitation to you for an upcoming BNI Startup Chapter meeting. BNI (Business Network International) is a professional networking organization that helps businesses grow through referrals. Our local startup chapter is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas and potentially form new business partnerships.
The meeting will be held on [Date and Time] at [Location]. During the meeting, you'll have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals, learn about BNI and how it can help grow your business, and hear from guest speakers on various business-related topics.
I believe you would be a valuable addition to our group and would greatly benefit from the connections and resources available through BNI. Please let me know if you are interested in attending, and I would be happy to provide you with more details.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email Sample 2
Inviting someone you've met once or twice.
Subject: Invitation to Upcoming BNI Startup Chapter Meeting
Dear [Person's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to follow up on our recent conversation at [Place or event where you met]. I was impressed by your [Insert a brief comment or compliment about what impressed you about the person].
I'd like to invite you to an upcoming BNI Startup Chapter meeting. BNI (Business Network International) is a professional networking organization that helps businesses grow through referrals. Our local startup chapter is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas and potentially form new business partnerships.
The meeting will be held on [Date and Time] at [Location]. During the meeting, you'll have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals, learn about BNI and how it can help grow your business, and hear from guest speakers on various business-related topics.
I believe you would be a valuable addition to our group and would greatly benefit from the connections and resources available through BNI. Please let me know if you are interested in attending, and I would be happy to provide you with more details.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email Sample 3
Inviting someone you've never met.
Subject: Invitation to Upcoming BNI Startup Chapter Meeting
Dear [Person's Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a member of the BNI Startup Chapter. I came across your [Insert a brief explanation of how you found this person, e.g. LinkedIn profile, company website, etc.] and was impressed by [Insert a brief comment or compliment about the person's background or accomplishments].
I would like to extend an invitation to you for an upcoming BNI Startup Chapter meeting. BNI (Business Network International) is a professional networking organization that helps businesses grow through referrals. Our local startup chapter is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and potentially form new business partnerships.
The meeting will be held on [Date and Time] at [Location]. During the meeting, you'll have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals, learn about BNI and how it can help grow your business, and hear from guest speakers on various business-related topics.
I believe your background and expertise would be a valuable addition to our group and that you would greatly benefit from the connections and resources available through BNI. If you are interested in attending, please let me know, and I would be happy to provide you with more details.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Replicate results. Not work.
We've found the best results for finding quality referral partners is to reach out to people you already work with. Entrepreneurs and business professionals that you know, like and trust.
Our results show that websites like the ones listed below are a great resource to prospect for your chapter. Done correctly, you'll build your personal network and quite likely your chapter.
When business owners are paying to be listed on industry sites, it usually indicates they've been vetted to a degree and want to network and grow. These are quality potential candidates for your chapter.
01
Follow The Money!
Our initial thoughts can often be, "I can't think of anyone!" And that's OK, we get it.
An exercise we often find beneficial is what we call "Follow Your Money". Think of the sizeable investments you've made over the past day, week, month or several months.
Do you have:
- Home or Automobile Insurance?
- A Mortgage?
- Have you visited the Chiropractor, RMT or other Health Practitioner lately?
- Who does your taxes?
- Is your Financial Advisor someone you trust? (We sure hope so!)
- Often looking back at where you've spent your money recently can help you think of trusted referral partners. Personally, I spent a bit of money on my haircut this week and also had my car serviced at a local facility, both are businesses that I could invite out to meet my team.
- Work through this exercise, we're sure you'll come up with two names.
02
Positive "AFIRM-ations"
There are appropriately 5,000 BNI Members in Canada, and based on our stats some professions are found in almost every chapter across this Country.
If you have trusted referral partners in the following professions, their BNI Categories are amongst the most sought after.
Invite them out to meet the team, they'll forever be thankful to you for the opportunity, it could likely change the trajectory of their business.
A - Accountants
F - Financial Advisors
I - Insurance - Life Insurance AND Home/Auto Insurance AND Commercial Ins.
R - Realtor
M - Mortgage Agent
03
Chamber of Commerce Sites
This is not a templated approach. We know every single buisness and client is unique. We’ll work with you to explore, research and understand your business.
Cambridge Chamber - https://www.cambridgechamber.com/Business-Directory-Online.htm
Guelph Chamber - https://www.guelphchamber.com/business-directory
KW Chamber - http://greaterkwchamber.com/membership-programs/member-directory/
Woodstock Chamber - https://woodstockchamber.ca/membership-directory/
04
Business Coaches
05
06
Financial Advisor
07
Insurance Brokers
08
Interior Designers, Architects, Contractors
09
Chiropractors
10
2023 - BNI ONTARIO SOUTHWEST
Social Media scripts.
If communication via social media is your preferred method of contact, you'll find some sample scripting below. As always, feel free to keep the overall structure of the script if you'd like, and swap out the words to make it flow like your own.
If you'd like to look into the sales side of LinkedIn some more (Sales Navigator), feel free to reach out to your Director consultant to work with you on that phenomenal sales tool.
LinkedIn
Inviting an existing connection
Subject: Invitation to Upcoming BNI Startup Chapter Meeting
Hi [Connection's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to reach out and extend an invitation to you for an upcoming BNI Startup Chapter meeting. BNI is a professional networking organization that helps businesses grow through referrals. Our local startup chapter is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and potentially form new business partnerships.
The meeting will be held on [Date and Time] at [Location]. During the meeting, you'll have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals, learn about BNI and how it can help grow your business, and hear from guest speakers on various business-related topics.
I think your background and expertise would be a valuable addition to our group, and you would greatly benefit from the connections and resources available through BNI. If you are available, I would love for you to attend.
Let me know if you're interested, and I would be happy to provide more details.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
LinkedIn / Sales Navigator
Prospecting with infrequent connections or cold market
Our recommended strategy is to truly focus on building a long lasting reciprocal relationship. Immediate sales pitches come across clearly and can be immediately close people off to conversations. We recommend keeping "Givers Gain" at top of mind when initiating conversations.
Our team calls this strategy the 1,3,7 day strategy. Feel free to make it your own, but here is our recommendation.
Day 1:
Connect with those prospects who you'd like to forge a relationship with. Sending a note with "Hi {Name}, I look forward to connecting and learning more about your business - (your name)"
Day 3:
"Hi {Name}, thanks for accepting my connection request this week. (your name)"
Day 7:
"Hi {Name}, I noticed you're in xyz profession. If I am able to connect you to anyone on my connection list, please feel free to let me know. I'd also be happy to more about your business. Look forward to connecting. (your name)"
Be sure to add your name at the end of each message to remind them at a glance as to who you are.
Facebook
Inviting an existing connection
Hi [Connection's Name],
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out and extend an invitation to you for an upcoming BNI Startup Chapter meeting. BNI is a professional networking organization that helps businesses grow through referrals. Our local startup chapter is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and potentially form new business partnerships.
The meeting will be held on [Date and Time] at [Location]. During the meeting, you'll have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals, learn about BNI and how it can help grow your business, and hear from guest speakers on various business-related topics.
I think your background and expertise would be a valuable addition to our group, and you would greatly benefit from the connections and resources available through BNI. If you are available, I would love for you to attend.
Let me know if you're interested, and I would be happy to provide more details.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
LinkedIn / Sales Navigator
Prospecting with infrequent connections or cold market
Some of our members have had success simply sending out an invite to attend a BNI Startup info session.
This is a little different from sending a single message that contains a sales pitch.
Yes, the invitation is basically a sales pitch, to attend a meeting but we know that a business owner can change the course of their entire business by attending just one BNI meeting.
Feel free to make the messaging your own, but a sample message could be as follows:
Hi [Name],
Hope you're well. Our BNI [City] Referral Group met [approx date of last meeting] and expressed a desire to get connected to a local [profession of prospect]. As I searched LinkedIn, I came across your profile - we have some amazing mutual connections, Our [City] chapter also has a fantastic [members they could be introduced to and exchange business with] in the group so I thought it would make sense to reach out to you to see if you have anyone on your team that would like to visit us. Yesterday, we had [approx # of attendees] wonderful [City] based business owners that met via zoom. All representing different professions. I'd be happy to have you meet them as my guest if you're available next Thursday from 1130-1230 via zoom. Would an upcoming Wednesday work for you? - [your name]
Instagram
Inviting an existing contact
Hi [Connection's Name],
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out and extend an invitation to you for an upcoming BNI Startup Chapter meeting. BNI is a professional networking organization that helps businesses grow through referrals. Our local startup chapter is a great opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and potentially form new business partnerships.
The meeting will be held on [Date and Time] at [Location]. During the meeting, you'll have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals, learn about BNI and how it can help grow your business, and hear from guest speakers on various business-related topics.
I think your background and expertise would be a valuable addition to our group, and you would greatly benefit from the connections and resources available through BNI. If you are available, I would love for you to attend.
Please let me know if you're interested, and I would be happy to provide more details.
Best regards,
[Your Name]