BNI & The Power of One: Episode 781 Summary – "One Person per Profession"

Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Tim Roberts

In Episode 781 of the BNI podcast series, titled "One Person per Profession," host Tim Roberts delves deep into a cornerstone policy of BNI—the "One Person per Profession" rule. This episode addresses the significance of this policy, its impact on member relationships and referrals, and the challenges posed by competing networking groups that violate this principle.

1. Introduction to the One Person per Profession Policy

Tim Roberts opens the discussion by highlighting a recurring issue that surfaces every January: BNI competition and adherence to the "One Person per Profession" policy. He emphasizes the necessity of revisiting this topic due to its increasing relevance across various regions.

"Forever BNI has had a policy around belonging to one person per profession groups. This is a policy that we hold ourselves accountable to."
— Tim Roberts [04:30]

2. Understanding the Policy

Roberts explains the essence of the policy, which restricts individual members from belonging to multiple BNI chapters. While companies can have multiple members across different chapters, individual participation is limited to one chapter to foster deeper relationships and trust.

"There is a level of trust that is established that we are going to focus on helping each other. That you are now part of my group and I'm committed to learning how I can best help you."
— Tim Roberts [05:50]

3. The Role of Trust and Referrals

At the heart of BNI's success is the trust and loyalty among members, primarily manifested through referrals. Roberts underscores that a referral is not just a business opportunity but a "handing over of one's reputation".

"A referral is me handing you my reputation. That's what a referral is. I have to trust you enough to risk my reputation on you."
— Tim Roberts [17:20]

He elaborates that this trust is nurtured within a single-profession chapter, ensuring that members are fully committed to each other's success without conflicting loyalties.

4. Consequences of Violating the Policy

Joining multiple BNI chapters or competing networking groups erodes the foundational trust of the main group. Roberts explains that such actions lead to diluted referrals and strained relationships, ultimately hindering individual and group success.

"When somebody joins another one person per profession group, it breaks that level of trust. It brings into question, well, who are you seeking to help?"
— Tim Roberts [12:45]

He warns that members who attempt to expand their network through multiple affiliations often find themselves hurting their own business and damaging existing relationships.

5. The Rise of Competing Networking Groups

Roberts sheds light on the emergence of competing one-person-per-profession networking groups that lure BNI members by promising greater exposure and lower costs. These groups typically do not enforce referral accountability, undermining the effectiveness of networking.

"These one person per profession groups will just build. We don't hold our members accountable to referrals."
— Tim Roberts [25:10]

He criticizes the lack of structure and accountability in these organizations, labeling their leaders as "charlatans" who prioritize personal gain over genuine networking.

6. Real-World Examples and Anecdotes

To illustrate the pitfalls of violating the policy, Roberts shares a case study involving a member named Laura in Northeast Florida. Laura’s attempt to juggle membership between BNI and a competing group led to conflicts, loss of trust, and even hijacking the chapter's Facebook page.

"She's now starting her own group, so much so that she hijacked the chapter's Facebook account, which to me is amazing because talk about trying to literally piss off a group of people."
— Tim Roberts [36:15]

Another anecdote involves the collapse of a competing group in New Hampshire, founded by former BNI members who failed to maintain accountability, resulting in disbandment within a few years.

"Wouldn't you know it, within a couple years, maybe two, the two people were fighting with each other. The whole thing fell apart. All disappeared."
— Tim Roberts [54:30]

7. Upholding the Integrity of BNI

Roberts passionately defends BNI’s policy, asserting that it is vital for maintaining the integrity and success of each chapter. He highlights that adherence to the policy ensures that members remain focused, accountable, and committed to mutual growth.

"It's vitally important to your success, which is why we do. And so stay focused."
— Tim Roberts [58:05]

He encourages members to leverage BNI's resources, including training, coaching, and the collective brand, to maximize their networking potential without succumbing to the allure of competing groups.

"One of the benefits, probably one of the biggest benefits of being in this organization is not the agenda, it's the access to the brand, it's the access to a dedicated team which is driven by this policy."
— Tim Roberts [48:40]

8. Conclusion and Call to Action

In wrapping up, Roberts reiterates the critical nature of the One Person per Profession policy. He urges members to remain loyal to their BNI chapters, focusing on building strong, trust-based relationships that drive referrals and business growth.

"Don't fall in the trap of thinking like, oh, if I give myself more exposure to these, I'll get more. You actually will hurt yourself. You'll get less."
— Tim Roberts [62:50]

He invites listeners to engage further by submitting questions and participating in weekly presentations, reinforcing the community-driven ethos of BNI.

Key Takeaways:

• One Person per Profession Policy: Essential for building trust and ensuring effective referrals within BNI chapters.

• Trust is Paramount: Referrals are a testament to the trust and reputation among members.

• Avoid Competing Groups: Joining multiple networking groups can dilute trust and hinder business growth.

• BNI's Strengths: Access to a strong brand, dedicated support, and structured accountability sets BNI apart.

• Focus and Commitment: Staying loyal to your BNI chapter maximizes networking success and sustains long-term relationships.

For those keen on enhancing their BNI experience and understanding the profound impacts of this policy, Episode 781 offers invaluable insights and actionable advice to navigate the networking landscape effectively.