BNI & The Power of One, Episode 870: Business Matters 134 - Updates on the New Opportunities!

Date: December 10, 2025
Host: Tim Roberts
Guest: Michael Martin

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers on significant updates about Tim Roberts’ professional journey, the expansion of his BNI (Business Network International) franchises, and lessons from navigating rapid growth, opportunity, and change. The conversation underscores the enduring power of networking, patience, giving without expectation, and methodical business growth—offering insights and inspiration for business owners and BNI members alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Major Professional Updates & Rapid Growth

• Expansion of BNI Franchises:

  • Tim has added a fourth BNI franchise: BNI Florida Northwest, covering the Florida panhandle—a completely new market for him ([02:29]).
  • This region was acquired in partnership with Karen Ellis, with Tim’s group holding the controlling share, signaling a shift in BNI policy that now enables new partnership opportunities ([02:46], [18:26]).
  • Announcement was made to the team, and operational changes are underway, including website updates and team realignment.

• Growth Beyond BNI:

  • Tim’s wife, Lindsay, has started her second Drybar location, with a third under construction and due to open in the first quarter of next year.
  • At the start of 2025, the couple had four franchises (three BNIs and one Drybar); by January 2026, they will have grown to 10 total franchises ([04:02]).
  • The process entails full build-outs, financing, hiring, and has required new management roles and team restructuring ([04:13]).

Notable Quote

“We started January 2025 with four franchises total… By January 2026, we will have 10.”
— Tim Roberts ([04:02])

2. Lessons from Growth: Networking, Opportunity, and Patience

• Networking as a Long Game (Marathon, Not a Sprint):
  • Success in franchise expansion is rooted in 13 years of consistent networking, mentoring, and giving within BNI—with no specific expectation of return.
  • Critical opportunities, like acquiring a new region, were built on years of trust and giving, not on transactional relationships ([11:25], [12:48]).

Notable Quote

“Networking’s a marathon, not a sprint… you give and eventually you don’t know how you’re going to gain from it.”
— Tim Roberts ([11:25]–[12:48])

• Patience and Focus:
  • Both Tim and Michael reflect on the importance of patience—waiting for the right opportunities rather than rushing or acting from urgency ([15:25], [16:02]).
  • A mentor’s advice: “Patience and focus”—which Michael shares with every direct report, highlighting patience (long-term) and focus (immediate tasks) ([16:02]).

Notable Quote

“Patience in yourself and in others… and focus—what do I got to get done now?”
— Michael Martin ([16:02])

3. Mindset, Methodology, and Decision-Making

• Consistency Over Novelty:
  • Tim credits methodical, consistent business practice for his growth. He advocates mastering a few things deeply in business, not chasing every new trend ([21:37], [23:12]).
  • His journey with BNI began in 2001, scaling from 90 members to over 4,400 by 2026 ([23:56], [24:09]) with persistent, steady improvement.

Notable Quote

“Don’t try to do a thousand things well, do like six things a thousand times.”
— Tim Roberts, referencing Ivan Misner ([23:12])

• Saying “No” and Practicing Discernment:
  • Tim was offered another region before acquiring BNI Northwest Florida but declined because it wasn’t the right fit—highlighting the value of selectivity even amid opportunity ([18:26]).
  • Not all opportunities should be rushed into; thoughtful decision-making prevents burnout and misalignment ([19:37]–[19:57]).

Notable Quote

“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should… being patient and your decision making, but methodical.”
— Michael Martin ([20:18])

4. Team & Operational Strategy

• Team Restructuring:
  • Growth required the creation of four new management roles and increased delegation.
  • Long-term team members are stepping into new roles, with Tim acknowledging Jamie Stein (17 years) and Stephanie Robinson (20 years with BNI) as key leaders for the next phase ([29:48]–[31:08]).
• Sustained Success and Recognition:
  • Tim emphasizes the importance of team recognition and engagement in driving business results ([28:36]).

5. Memorable, Practical Advice for Members

• Giving Without Expectation:
  • Avoid quid pro quo thinking—offer help genuinely without an ulterior motive ([17:13]).
• Taking Qualified Risks:
  • When opportunities arise, especially after preparation, step through the door despite fear.
  • If failure happens, treat it as a lesson, not as a defeat ([25:14], [26:37]).
• Stick to What Works:
  • Tim’s management model in BNI (developed 15 years ago) was initially unique, but he persisted with confidence it was scalable and eventually, it enabled growth ([27:09]).

Notable Quote

“If the door opens, step through. Take the risk. If you’ve done all the work to get to the opportunity, a lot of people are then going to get fearful.”
— Michael Martin ([25:14])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:27 – 02:29: Weather banter, holiday season, show context, BNI Florida Northwest announcement
• 02:43 – 07:12: Expansion details, Lindsay's Drybar updates, growth metrics, challenges, and logistics
• 09:27 – 15:25: BNI principles in action, networking culture, patience, and opportunity-building
• 16:02 – 17:31: Patience and focus as business principles
• 18:26 – 19:57: Changes in BNI philosophy and making strategic decisions about new opportunities
• 20:34 – 24:09: Tim’s methodical approach, historical growth, lessons from networking and franchise experience
• 25:14 – 26:37: Risk-taking, learning from failure, team delegation, new challenges ahead
• 27:09 – 29:48: Sticking to effective practices and models, the importance of long-term consistency and belief
• 29:48 – 31:24: Celebrating the team, looking ahead, closing thoughts

Memorable Quotes

• Tim Roberts ([04:02]): “We started January 2025 with four franchises total… By January 2026, we will have 10.”
• Tim Roberts ([11:25]–[12:48]): “Networking’s a marathon, not a sprint… you give and eventually you don’t know how you’re going to gain from it.”
• Michael Martin ([16:02]): “Patience in yourself and in others… and focus—what do I got to get done now?”
• Tim Roberts ([23:12]): “Don’t try to do a thousand things well, do like six things a thousand times.”
• Michael Martin ([20:18]): “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should… being patient and your decision making, but methodical.”
• Michael Martin ([25:14]): “If the door opens, step through. Take the risk. If you’ve done all the work to get to the opportunity, a lot of people are then going to get fearful.”

Tone & Atmosphere

Friendly, candid, and instructional, with the hosts sharing both their vulnerabilities and successes. The episode exudes practical optimism—encouraging listeners to persevere with foundational principles, foster genuine relationships, and embrace change with preparation and patience.