BNI & The Power of One: Episode 797 - A Member With No Profession?

Release Date: March 17, 2025
Host: Tim Roberts
Podcast Focus: Success, Increased Referrals, Tips, Strategies, Elevating BNI Membership

Introduction

In Episode 797 of BNI & The Power of One, host Tim Roberts addresses a pressing and sensitive issue submitted by a listener. The episode delves into the complexities of handling BNI membership when a member is unexpectedly let go from their profession. Tim provides comprehensive guidance on BNI policies, ethical considerations, and practical steps to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of a BNI chapter.

Listener Submission: The Issue of Retaining BNI Seats After Job Loss

At the onset of the episode, Tim introduces a listener-submitted question that requires immediate attention. The listener, wishing to remain anonymous, poses a critical scenario:

“Hello, I really need to keep this anonymous. I run into this situation recently. How would you handle a situation where a BNI member is let go from their job in reference to them retaining their seat? Assume the person paid for the seat themselves. How long do they get to stay in the seat if they're unemployed in that profession? What if the person isn't telling anyone they've been let go? Thank you for your guidance.”
— Anonymous Listener [00:31]

This question highlights concerns about maintaining the professional representation within a BNI chapter and the potential repercussions of a member losing their job without notifying the group.

BNI Policies on Membership and Professional Representation

Tim begins by outlining the foundational policies of BNI regarding membership:

• Primary Professional Focus: Members are required to represent their primary professional focus, ensuring that each seat is occupied by someone actively engaged in their profession. This requirement has evolved from the previous stipulation of a full-time focus, allowing for flexibility with members who have side jobs.

“Every member should represent their primary professional focus... you need to have one, you need to have a profession.”
— Tim Roberts [05:15]

• Policy Updates and Governance: Any changes to BNI policies are overseen by the International Board of Advisors (IBOA), ensuring that modifications are carefully reviewed and implemented.

Ownership of BNI Seats and Time

A central theme of the episode is the distinction between ownership of the seat and ownership of the time associated with that seat:

• No Ownership of Seats: Seats are not owned by the individual or the paying entity. Instead, they are tied to the time for which they are paid.

“No one owns the seat, okay? There is no like real ownership of it. But what they do is they own the time.”
— Tim Roberts [08:40]

• Payment Responsibility:
  • Corporate-Paid Seats: If a company pays for a member's seat and the member leaves, the corporation retains the certificate of credit for the remaining time.
  • Personally-Paid Seats: Similarly, if the member personally finances their seat, they hold the certificate of credit, which can be used once they secure a new profession or representation.

“If the corporation or the company paid for the seat, they own the certificate of credit of time. If the member personally paid for the seat, they own the certificate of credit for the time.”
— Tim Roberts [10:05]

Ethical Considerations and Impact on Referrals

Tim emphasizes the ethical implications and the potential damage to professional relationships when a member's employment status changes without notification:

• Trust and Credibility: Referring a client to a member who is no longer active in their profession undermines trust and can harm the referrer’s reputation.

“It's super bad. It's a super bad look... you just referred somebody who got fired or got let go or left or whatever the reason is and I didn't know that.”
— Tim Roberts [14:20]

• Risk to Chapter Integrity: Such scenarios can lead to a loss of confidence within the chapter, causing strain on relationships and diminishing the overall effectiveness of the network.

Steps to Address the Situation within BNI

Tim provides a step-by-step approach to managing the situation:

1. Immediate Action:
   • Submit to Membership Committee: Report the member’s change in employment status directly to the membership committee.
   • Notification to Chapter Director: If resistance is encountered, escalate the issue to the chapter director for appropriate intervention.

“Submit it directly to the membership committee... or go directly to whoever your director of your chapter is.”
— Tim Roberts [12:50]

2. Freezing and Reassigning Seats:

   • Freeze Remaining Time: Utilize the certificate of credit to freeze the member’s remaining time, allowing them to return if they regain their professional standing.
   • Reassignment: Open the seat for a new member to ensure the chapter remains fully represented.

3. Maintaining Transparency and Communication:

   • Open Communication: Encourage members to maintain transparency about their professional status to prevent similar issues.
   • Support for Affected Members: While enforcing policies, BNI aims to support members facing employment challenges, balancing compassion with organizational integrity.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In concluding the episode, Tim reiterates the importance of maintaining professional representation within BNI chapters. He underscores that upholding these standards is essential for preserving trust, ensuring effective referrals, and fostering a supportive yet accountable networking environment.

“There isn't a membership there without something to represent... it's highly unethical to pretend otherwise.”
— Tim Roberts [16:00]

Tim encourages listeners to submit further questions and engage with the community to navigate similar challenges effectively. By addressing issues transparently and adhering to established policies, BNI chapters can continue to thrive and provide valuable networking opportunities for all members.

Key Takeaways

• Professional Representation: Ensuring each BNI seat is occupied by an active professional is crucial for maintaining the chapter’s integrity and effectiveness.
• Seat and Time Ownership: Understanding the distinction between seat ownership and the ownership of time through certificates of credit helps manage memberships ethically.
• Ethical Referrals: Transparent communication regarding a member’s professional status is essential to uphold trust and credibility within the network.
• Proactive Management: Addressing changes in membership proactively through the membership committee and chapter directors safeguards the chapter’s functionality and reputation.

For more insights and to submit your questions, visit bnipowerofone.com. Join Tim Roberts in future episodes as he continues to explore strategies for maximizing your BNI membership through the Power of One!