Please start by telling us your Name, Business Name, and Profession. Which BNI Chapter are you applying for? And WHO introduced you to BNI? (We call this person your sponsor, and it is very important that we give recognition to the correct person.)
BNI® meetings start with 15+ minutes of Open Networking and end with 15+ minutes of Open Networking and the actual meeting lasts for 90 minutes. Will this pose any problem with your schedule? Your meeting day and start time will depend upon the Chapter you are accepted into.
BNI® has a clearly defined attendance policy. You are allowed up to three absences within a rolling six-month period. If you have a substitute, you are not considered absent. A substitute does not have to be from your office/business. They could be a client, friend, family member, or co-worker willing to attend the meeting and speak on your behalf at the meeting. Do you have questions about this attendance policy? Are you willing and able to commit to this?
Inviting visitors to your Chapter is vital to the growth and success of both your Chapter and your business. Are you willing to share and invite others to attend?
In reviewing your application, we want to make sure we understand what niche you will be representing in our Chapter. What specific products and services do you offer in your industry? Is there an area in which you specialize?
Is a license required to practice your profession in Florida? Are you also bonded and insured, if required for your profession?
What do you like most about what you do regarding your profession? And what strengths do you bring to BNI?
Do you belong to other networking organizations where referrals are the goal?
All New Members are required to complete the Member Success Program within the first 60 days of membership. BNI Tampa allows you to attend virtually at any time during the day or night, or an in-person 3-hour training held in 3 different locations around the bay. Will you be able to complete the 3-hour program in 60 days?
All Members participate in our Passport to Success Mentor Program. Are you willing to dedicate time outside the weekly meeting to conduct One-to-Ones with your fellow Members as part of this business-building activity?
BNI® Chapters have dues that differ depending on the meeting location. Are you able to pay your Chapter dues once you are accepted into a Chapter?
Once approved your membership fees are non-refundable without exception. Do you understand this policy?
BNI® is more than a 90 Minute Meeting; there is a minimum expectation of time and engagement. BNI® is a Marketing arm of your business. - Calendaring 2 hours for your weekly Chapter Meeting - Committing time to build relationships with effective 1:1s with BNI® Members - Committing time to Lifelong Learning by engaging in Networking Education - Committing time to generate referrals and bringing visitors to the Chapter. Do you have any questions about BNI® and/or your membership?
Research Resource List
To maintain a high standard regarding which applications are accepted into a BNI® Chapter, we have provided a list of resources for the Membership Committee to conduct additional research regarding certain professions, as well as general resources for all businesses.
Member’s Business Website
Member’s Business Website
Is it professional?
Is it accurate and up-to-date?
Is it a good representation of their business?
Professional?
Google, www.google.com
What kudos, awards, or achievements have they accomplished?
What other organizations are they involved in?
If negative information is found, please confirm with photo identification.
Social Media Networks
What image is the applicant portraying on various social media networks?
Facebook, www.facebook.com; Instagram, www.instagram.com
LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com
Twitter, www.twitter.com
Better Business Bureau, http://www.bbb.org/
Chambers of Commerce
Secretary of State
Licenses, Permits & Registrations
Florida State Business search, sunbiz.org
Industry Specific Resources
Attorneys
Select the Directory of Lawyer Disciplinary Agencies
Building Contractors, General Contractors, Sub Contractors, or Search for local, state, and national licenses
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
Financial Planners
Insurance
Search for local, state, and national license
Medical/Health ProfessionalsSearch for local, state, and national licenses
Mortgage
Real Estate Agents
Search for a local license
Contractors:
Supplemental Resources
Department of Motor Vehicles
It may be used to verify licensing for industries that require a specific type of driver’s license.
National Sex Offenders Public Registry
Lists registered sexual offenders by zip code; search by name http://www.nsopw.gov.
Notes
All information and research are done at the Membership Committee’s discretion.
If you find negative information regarding an applicant, you MUST verify the relevancy with photo identification.
Any fees incurred as a course of your research are the responsibility of the Chapter.
You must use your judgment on what research you believe to be true and reasonable.