Frequently Asked Questions

BNI - The World’s Largest Referral Organization

Q1 : Can anyone join Summit chapter?

We only accept one person from each profession or trade. So if you are a real estate agent and Summit chapter already has one, you will be referred to another chapter with an open category, or referred to our Mentoring Director to start another chapter. Currently, we are looking for members from these professions.

Q2 : How do you know new members
        are reputable?

The application asks for references and we have a membership committee that checks them. It's word of mouth, so before they even come to a meeting they have to have spoken to someone or been invited by someone in the group. Everyone has to have a sponsor, and the membership committee interviews the sponsor.

Q3 : What if a member gets a referral and does         poor work?

The membership committee of a chapter looks into this concern, and it is imperative that anyone who gives a referral and finds out it was not satisfactorily handled must report that to the membership committee, who will investigate.

Q4 : How do I become a member?

Step 1

We strongly recommend that you visit our chapter meeting. Being there and seeing what goes on during the weekly meetings serves to give you a better idea of what it takes to be a member and whether participating would benefit you. We also suggest you speak to the members and ask questions about membership in BNI. It costs nothing to visit - only the cost of breakfast.

Step 2

Approach the officers on the Leadership Team for an application form. Complete the application, name two references, and submit the completed form with payment to any of the chapter officers. This is followed up by the membership committee who will look into your application. Once processed, you will be informed of the outcome of your application.

Q5 : How may times can I visit a chapter?

Twice. You are welcome to a third meeting as a member status. This means that you have submitted your application, and it is successful.

Q6 : Do we really have to meet every week and so         early in the morning?

Yes. Except for major BNI events or public holidays, BNI meetings are held weekly. This is to enhance the opportunity of members meeting each other as well as visitors for referrals. It is an excellent window for relationship-building and following up on previous sales leads.

We meet early in the morning so as not to disrupt the normal working hours of our members. It is a Great way to kickstart the Day!

Q7 : Is there anyone who is not suitable to
        join BNI?

As business people, we are all interested in the 3M - Make More Money.
In order to do so, we require the generating of more sales. BNI is a referral organization where members refer business to one another.
It is a consistent and systematic way of generating awareness and word-of-mouth marketing.

When you are in Summit Chapter, you are known intimately by your fellow members. The moment they (or their friends, colleagues, family members, neighbours & business associates) require something your business can provide, a referral is generated for you. Instead of surfing the net or flipping the yellow pages, your fellow members will recommend you as they trust you.

Even if you are an administrator or a civil staff, joining Summit Chapter will connect you with plenty of reputable business owners and service providers. You may not be able to generate sales and income for yourself, but you can definitely provide business for your fellow members. People around you will be surprised by your resourcefulness.

Q8 : How do I know if a BNI Summit Investment is         worth it?

When you do any form of advertising and marketing, the budget will normally run into the thousands. An ad the size of a name card in any publication will cost at least $500.

With BNI, you will get the chance to meet and network with 15 ~ 30 other business professionals every week. It is like hiring a group of sales managers for your business, all for less than $2 a day!