What’s the Best Way to Learn About BNI Arizona? Visit a Chapter.
If you are looking for a new way to broaden your network and grow your business, consider visiting a BNI Arizona chapter. You will meet other like-minded business owners and leaders who are looking to build profitable relationships and better their bottom line. There are more than 80 chapters around Metro Phoenix, as well as several more in Prescott and Flagstaff who would love for you to visit.
How Can I Find a BNI Chapter?
These are the three options to find the most convenient chapter for you.
- Use the Chapter List button for a searchable list – search by chapter name, city, even meeting day or time.
- Use the Advanced Search – Be specific and enter the city, day and time you’re looking for and it will give you the best matches.
- Use the Chapter Map – zoom in on your area of interest and click the icon for more information.
What’s Next?
Once you have found a chapter that suits your schedule, be sure to check the specific chapter page for more details – you can look up exactly where they meet and check out the membership list and leadership team. If you like the look of the member roster, and the timing and location suits your business, register to visit. Each chapter page has a “Visit this Chapter” button!
What to Expect at Your First Visit?
To help you get the most out of your first BNI visit, here are some things to know before you go:
- Be Prepared…to talk about your business. Members want to learn how connections with visitors can be mutually beneficial. Also, don't forget to bring a bunch of business cards!
- Listen and Learn…Be fully present in the meeting. Take the opportunity to get to know the chapter’s personality and the vibe of its members. Meetings are high energy and run according to a structured BNI agenda used all around the world.
- Arrive Early, Stay Late. Meetings last around 90 minutes with time for additional networking before and after each meeting. Arrive around 15 minutes early so you don't miss out on any opportunities for networking and be sure to sign in as a visitor. You can attend a chapter meeting twice as a visitor before deciding to put in an application.
- You're the Expert. Only one person from each professional specialty is allowed to join a BNI chapter. That means you have the chance to educate members in your field; by educating members as to who or what would be a good referral, they are better equipped to help you.
- Respect Your Craft and Others: The businesses our members represent are their full-time occupations, ensuring they are able to position themselves as resources and experts in their field.
One Person Per Profession Per Chapter
One of the key benefits of BNI is that only one person from each professional specialty is allowed in each chapter, eliminating the possibility of competition. There will only ever be one Realtor®, one plumber, one mortgage advisor, for example, so when you join a chapter, you will be the sole representative in your field. That enables you to develop relationships with other chapter members and become their go-to person for your services.
So, check out the membership list closely before you register to visit a chapter. There are some positions that almost every chapter will have filled - Real Estate professional, Financial Advisor, P&C Insurance, and Mortgage Advisor for example - so if you can’t find a meeting with availability for your profession, talk to us about starting your own chapter.
Starting a Chapter...First Step...Visit a Showcase Chapter
If you are interested in starting your own chapter – called a Core Group until there are enough committed new members to charter – we suggest you visit a Showcase chapter or two to see how they run their meetings. Even if your professional position is taken, you can still visit just to observe the dynamic and see how the meeting flows. We just ask that you don’t promote your own business at the meeting to respect the member who holds that seat in that chapter.
Questions?
Many of your questions will be answered when you attend your first BNI Arizona chapter meeting, but if you need help beforehand, please email us, or call our BNI Arizona office at 602-788-1606.
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