Benefits of Membership

Applying for membership in The Producers opens the possibility of joining a worldwide network of associates that can help you grow your business through referrals.

BNI is all about networking; it's not a pyramid scheme or network marketing ploy. It's a weekly get-together of individuals that are passionate about their professions. Each member actively promotes the businesses of others through referrals that arise in our everyday business activities. It's like having a whole room full of salespersons that know about your business, can talk about it with others, and generate opportunities every day.

Each chapter is composed of members that are exclusive representatives of their field - one person per professional specialty. This allows each member to gain the greatest benefit and make a maximum contribution with the group. If the chapter already has a member in your profession, we can refer you to another chapter.

BNI members find that this network begins to generate referrals on three levels. The first level involves direct referrals with chapter members. Then, a second level of referrals develops from business associates of members that learn of your business. Finally, those new business associates generate a third level of referrals from their associates. This "word-of mouth" marketing is the best form of promotion. No more cold calling!

Our breakfast meetings are a relaxed, informal way to learn more about business through the experiences of other members. We are not only representatives, we are also friends and mentors.

Each meeting features members who each make a "30-Second Speech" about their business. As a member, you'll hone your presentation skills and learn how to make the maximum impact in a single memorable minute.

New visitors, invited by current members, are welcome to attend our weekly meetings. Potential members complete an application that asks for references that are checked by the membership committee. Beyond the potential for substantially increased referrals, new members receive an orientation cassette tape giving the "Formula for Success" in BNI, a badge, a vinyl card holder to carry members' business cards, referral slips, marketing materials for your chapter, and access to quarterly newsletters with educational material on networking, public speaking, and business. Members are expected to attend each weekly meeting and maintain a high standard of professional ethics and performance.

Business Network International sponsors trainings and workshops that can help you become a better networker, improve your sales techniques, and learn more about successful marketing strategies. It offers the Successnet newsletter, books and other resources that can help you grow your business.

Now that you know the benefits, here's deal on costs: an application fee of $100, and yearly dues of $330. There is also a $15 per month room dues fee. If you compare the cost of a 4" x 4" ad that runs in all editions of the Detroit News for just one day, you'll get 8.2 years of BNI membership along with trusted business relationships that last a lifetime.