The Importance of Having a Substitute

Good morning, everyone! Today I want to talk about something that often gets overlooked, but plays a big role in the health of our chapter—having a substitute when you can’t make a meeting.

Why it’s important:
Life happens. Vacations, client meetings, family responsibilities—we all have times when we can’t attend. But in BNI, our seat is valuable real estate. When we miss a meeting, we lose visibility and the opportunity to build trust. Having a substitute ensures that your business stays top of mind, your seat stays warm, and your chapter continues to see you as reliable and engaged.

Another reason to have a substitute is to show respect for the featured speaker. When a member is giving their 5-minute presentation, they’ve put time and effort into preparing it. Having an empty seat in the room is distracting and, frankly, a little disrespectful to their hard work. A substitute helps maintain the full, engaged energy of the chapter so the featured speaker has the audience they deserve.

Who makes a good substitute:
Your sub doesn’t have to be a business owner—just someone who can represent you well. Think of colleagues, employees, clients who love your work, networking partners, or even friends or family who can confidently speak on your behalf. A great substitute doesn’t need to sell your product or service; they simply need to share a few words about what you do, why people should refer you, and keep your seat visible. 

Our attendance policy:
BNI allows 3 substitutes and 3 absences within a rolling 6-month period. Beyond that, attendance can affect your membership standing. Using a sub is always better than an absence—it keeps your attendance credit intact and shows that you value your chapter.

How to register a substitute:
It’s quick and easy! Just log into BNI Connect on your mobile device, click on Visitors. Enter your sub’s contact information and make sure to check the box marked “substitute”. This way, the leadership team knows who to expect, and your attendance credit is recorded. 

Final thought:
Having a substitute is more than covering your absence—it’s a sign of respect for your chapter, for the featured speaker, and for your own business. It shows that you value your seat, your relationships, and the Givers Gain culture we’re all here to support.

Author:
Emma Tang
Website and Graphic Design
585-703-1256
design@emmatang.com
https://emmatang.com