Changing the Way the World Does Business ™

BNI (Business Network International) is a 25 year old business and professional organisation that only allows person per trade or profession to join a chapter. With 5,576 chapters and 111,733 members, it is the most successful business referral organisation in the world.

BNI provides a structured, supportive business environment in which local business people get together to network, learn valuable new marketing skills and develop the strong personal relationships that lead to trust and the consequent generation of business for each other.

Being active BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you because your fellow members carry copies of your business cards. When they meet someone who could use your products or services, they personally recommend you, without you having to pay salaries or commission. Successful businesses depend on ‘word-of mouth’ marketing as the best form of promotion there is.

BNI is based on the concept of ‘Givers Gain’. If you give me business, I’ll want to give you business and we both benefit as a result. It really is as simple as that. Last year, members of BNI passed 6.2 million referrals generating €1.8 billion worth of business. In the UK and Ireland alone, there are 646 chapters and, in 2009, these passed 659,066 referrals, leading to business worth €257 million.

Until recently, BNI chapters met exclusively at 6.30am, finishing business at 8.30am, to allow members to continue their working day. Recognising that breakfast meetings don’t suit everyone, BNI introduced lunchtime meetings. BNI Acorn was the first lunchtime chapter to launch in North London and our members meet between 11.30am and 1.30pm every Wednesday.

About Dr Ivan Misner, Founder of BNI

BNI was founded by Dr Ivan Misner in 1985 in southern California and was launched in the UK in 1996. Dr Misner is an internationally-recognised expert in business networking and has published numerous management and networking related books and tapes, including the best-selling ‘The World’s Best Know Marketing Secret’.

Listen to Dr Misner explain the principles behind BNI.

Interested in BNI?

If you think that your business would benefit from belonging to BNI or you simply want to find out more, why not visit one of our Wednesday meetings? Take the first step by reading our Visit Acorn page or click on the button below to request an invitation to our next meeting.