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Before joining, we suggest that you visit a chapter to experience the BNI system firsthand and ensure that it is something you feel will add value to your business. You are welcome to visit up to two chapters in our region before joining BNI.
We recommend that you use our regional website (www.bni-ocn.com) as a resource to research this opportunity further. You can run a category or keyword search through our online Trade Directory to find out who else from your profession is an active member of BNI --- you may be surprised at just how many of your competitors are already leveraging the BNI system for business success! We suggest you also check out the Testimonials section to get a sense of what members are saying about their involvement in BNI.
All of our chapters are listed on this regional site, with the business categories that are currently registered in each, as well as on the BNI Canada website: www.bnicanada.ca. However, because we only permit one person per trade or profession in a chapter, prior to visiting, we ask that you contact the BNI Director for the chapter you are interested in to ensure that there is a vacancy for you, as an application for your category may already be in process.
If there is an opening, you can then arrange a visit. When you go to a BNI meeting, be sure to bring lots of business cards and be prepared to introduce yourself and your business to the group in attendance with an Infomercial (typically 30 to 60 seconds long), sharing your name, your business name, a description of what you offer and the type of referrals you’re looking for, along with a Memory Hook or tag line. Don’t worry, if you still need to develop a catchy slogan for your business; you’ll learn how to do so once you join. Be sure to connect with the Visitor Host after the meeting for a brief orientation about joining the chapter. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the chapter or application form.
Following your visit, if you decide you would like to apply to join that chapter, you will need to submit your completed application with payment to the chapter’s Leadership Team and Membership Committee for review. You must be sponsored by an existing member and are required to provide two business/client references that the Membership Committee will contact as part of the application review process.
In the event that there is not a vacancy for you at the present time, please contact Deborah Foster-Stahle at 705-730-6648 or deborah@bni-ocn.com and ask to be placed on the region’s waiting list. You will be contacted as soon as a seat becomes available. If you’re interested in building a new BNI chapter in your area, please be sure to explore this option with us.
We hope you find a good fit with one of our chapters, and wish you great success in your business!
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