Podcast Summary: BNI 794 – Do Online Reviews Count?

Title: BNI & The Power of One
Episode: BNI 794: Do Online Reviews Count?
Host: Tim Roberts
Release Date: March 10, 2025

In episode 794 of the BNI & The Power of One podcast, host Tim Roberts delves into a pertinent question from a listener in Nashville, Tennessee: “Do online reviews, such as Google reviews or social media likes, count as referrals within BNI?” This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of what constitutes a referral in the BNI framework, the value of online engagements, and the implications of misclassifying these interactions.

Introduction

Tim Roberts opens the episode with his characteristic enthusiasm, expressing gratitude for listener submissions and highlighting the interactive nature of the show. He emphasizes the importance of community contributions, stating:

“It’s one of the things I think that makes the show a little bit different and makes it yours.”
[00:25]

Listener Question: Do Online Reviews Count as Referrals?

The central question originates from Mike in Nashville, who observes that his group members frequently request social media follows or Google reviews. Mike questions whether these actions should be considered referrals, noting:

“Sometimes I wouldn’t think that counts as a referral but if they're asking for it then why shouldn’t it? It seems like a conundrum.”
[00:30]

Defining a Referral in BNI

Roberts offers a clear definition of a referral within the BNI context:

“A referral is an opportunity to do business with somebody based on the fact that we know they're in the market, they have interest in the product and service. Somebody has spoken to them about that, they've spoken to them about you and they're making a connection.”
[01:20]

He distinguishes between transactional and relationship-based referrals, emphasizing that true referrals involve tangible business opportunities driven by direct connections and market interest.

Online Reviews vs. Traditional Referrals

Addressing Mike’s query, Roberts explains why online engagements like Google reviews and social media likes do not qualify as referrals:

“Page reviews, Google reviews, likes on social media, those kind of things are not that now they are sure valuable. They're ways to help each other... But it's not a referral.”
[02:10]

He underscores that while these online actions are beneficial for visibility and credibility, they lack the tangible business transactions that define a referral. Consequently, these activities should not be tracked as referrals in BNI’s tracking systems, such as the POMS report.

Implications of Misclassifying Online Engagements

Roberts warns of the potential pitfalls if online reviews and similar activities are erroneously classified as referrals:

“We’re hiking up the value in one column while there is no possibility to connect it to the thank you for closed business column... setting misguided expectations for new members and current members or how many referrals they should be getting, which is not true.”
[04:00]

He elaborates that misclassification can distort the understanding of a chapter’s performance, leading members to misjudge their actual business contributions and success rates. This can erode trust and set unrealistic benchmarks for both new and existing members.

Proper Utilization of Online Engagements

While Roberts advises against classifying these online activities as referrals, he encourages members to continue supporting each other through them:

“Should you be doing these things for each other? A hundred percent. Should you be asking for these in your weekly presentations? 100%. No, you should not.”
[07:15]

He advocates for maintaining these supportive actions as part of the chapter’s collaborative spirit but cautions against integrating them into the formal referral tracking processes. Instead, members should leverage these tools to enhance their business presence without conflating them with referrals.

Best Practices for BNI Members

Roberts outlines best practices to ensure clarity and effectiveness within BNI chapters:

1. Distinguish Between Supportive Actions and Referrals: Recognize the value of online engagements without categorizing them as referrals.

2. Focus on Tangible Referrals: Prioritize opportunities that lead to actual business transactions and connections.

3. Maintain Accurate Tracking: Ensure that referral tracking systems like POMS reflect genuine business contributions to avoid misleading data.

4. Encourage Genuine Networking: Promote authentic relationship-building over numerical metrics that do not translate to business outcomes.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Tim Roberts reiterates the significance of understanding the true nature of referrals within BNI. He appreciates Mike’s insightful question and underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in referral tracking to preserve the chapter’s effectiveness and trustworthiness.

“They are valuable, they’re great. We’re giving to somebody and we should be doing it.”
[09:30]

Roberts invites further listener engagement, encouraging submissions and emphasizing the ongoing value of community contributions to the podcast’s success.

Key Takeaways:

• Referrals Defined: Genuine referrals involve business opportunities based on direct connections and market needs.

• Online Engagements: While beneficial for visibility and credibility, online reviews and likes do not qualify as referrals.

• Accurate Tracking: Misclassifying online activities as referrals can distort performance metrics and set unrealistic expectations.

• Supportive Actions: Continue supporting each other through online engagements without conflating them with formal referrals.

This episode serves as a vital reminder for BNI members to maintain clear boundaries between supportive community actions and tangible business referrals, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of their networking efforts.