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Let’s make sure you’re eligible!
We are so excited that you are thinking of applying to the Dream Team! There are a few eligibility requirements to make sure you’re a good fit:
FAQs
We know, it can be a lot to take in! Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. And of course, if there’s something you still aren’t sure about, just fill out the form and contact us!
You can absolutely visit us without being a member! Visitors are allowed to visit up to 2 times every 6 months. The reason we limit visitors, is because there is a cost to membership and our chapter is exclusive. While visitors have received referrals simply by visiting, most of the referrals passed are within chapter members.
You will have 30 seconds to tell us about your business. We recommend practicing or writing down your commercial ahead of time so that you make the most out of your time window!
If it’s a zoom meeting, we recommend business-casual from the waist up. If it’s in-person, we recommend business-casual head to toe. But really, whatever you are comfortable wearing! Dress for your industry, dress to impress.
The short answer? BNI probably isn’t for you. We expect our members to come to every meeting – and that’s for their benefit and for the benefit of the rest of the chapter. If you are missing frequent meetings, then you won’t be top of mind and you won’t receive referrals. That said, our attendance policy allows for up to 3 absences and 3 substitutes in a rolling 6-month period. So we understand if you have to miss an occasional meeting or if there is an emergency.
For all new applicants there is a one-time application fee of $299. There is also a yearly membership of $750, or you can pay for two years up front for $1,375. We also collect $140/year room dues.
We meet every Wednesday. On the first Wednesday of the month we meet in person in midtown, Manhattan from 6:30-8pm. On all other Wednesdays we meet on zoom. You must be pre-registered for our meetings, whether in-person or on zoom.
It depends on the industry. It depends on how active you are in the chapter. It depends on how many referrals you GIVE. We like to think of it as a “pay it forward” scenario, rather than a reciprocal scenario. If you give a referral to a member, they will be more energized to give a referral as well, possibly back to you, but possibly to someone else in the chapter. In the end, the more you give, the more you get. Some chapter members get referrals their very first day of being a member. For others, it can take up to a year! The bottom line is that BNI works, but it’s not a magic solution. It’s about forming relationships and trust among members so that everyone is more likely to refer you to their networks.
