Podcast Summary: BNI & The Power of One

Episode: BNI 873: It Is All About Having a Strategy
Host: Tim Roberts
Date: January 12, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tim Roberts kicks off 2026 with an emphasis on the importance of having a strategy in every aspect of BNI membership. With BNI’s global theme for the year being "accelerate," Tim argues that acceleration is only possible through clear, intentional strategies—whether for member retention, business growth, or effective weekly presentations. The episode centers on a pressing member question about rebuilding a shrinking chapter, using this scenario as a case study in strategic thinking and urgent action.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

BNI’s Growth and Strategic Focus for 2026

• Tim shares BNI’s recent expansion, operating seven franchises, 186 chapters, and over 4,300 members.
• The podcast’s recurring message for 2026: strategy in every action, with “accelerate” as the year’s overarching BNI theme.
• Quote (01:35):
  “In order to capture the opportunity that BNI presents to us in our membership, that we have very clear strategies in everything that we’re doing, that we take some time to really think through and plan and be strategic with every little activity we’re doing.” – Tim Roberts

Addressing Member Retention and its Root Cause

• Host identifies member retention as an ongoing issue.
• Many attribute leaving to not seeing results, but the real underlying issue is lack of strategy.
• Quote (02:30):
  “The real question is: Why didn’t they get results? And it’s often because there was no strategy in place. We just kind of go through the motions.” – Tim Roberts

Listener Question: How to Recruit into a Small Chapter (From Zach in Florida)

Timestamp: 04:35

• Zach’s chapter dropped from 15 to 6 active members in six weeks.

• He asks: “How do we bring in recruits who might feel like our chapter size would not be worth their time?”

  • Tim reframes the concern as mental anxiety rather than a real barrier.
  • Important to own and champion what you have—even a small group is a unique value proposition.

• Quote (05:40):
  “Your major concern is in your own head. You’re worried that the recruits will think it’s not worth their time. Thus it’s slowing people from inviting.” – Tim Roberts

Overcoming Small Chapter Stigma

• People invited likely do not have a group of six advocates elsewhere.

• Confidence in the value you offer is key to successful invites.

• Start-up chapters always begin small—even smaller than six—and grow quickly by following the right process.

• Quote (06:45):
  “If you’re inviting people to your chapter, most times they’re not going to know there are other options... It comes down to how do you invite?” – Tim Roberts
  Recommendation: Check out episode 566, “the inviting episode”, for detailed strategy (07:25).

The Strategic Growth Formula for Small Chapters

Timestamp: 09:10

• Growing the chapter must be deliberate and rapid—the goal: 18–24 members by March 1st for maximum 2026 benefits.

• Don’t focus on replacing one member at a time; move in clusters for real momentum.

• Tactical Steps (09:55):

  • The six current members each select one specific profession they need most.
  • Each member invites 15–20 prospects from their chosen profession for a targeted Visitor Day.
  • A collective Visitor Day amplifies energy and conversion rate:
    • Each member gets ~8 yeses, ~4–5 show up, ~2–3 apply to join.
    • Result: potentially double the chapter size in a single event.
  • Repeat the process with the same core group for rapid scaling (11:30).

• Quote (10:23):
  “If you try to do this one at a time, it’s going to be far more difficult... If each of you focuses on one profession, you invite 20 people, you’re probably going to get like eight yeses... six of you getting four visitors each is 24 visitors in the room, plus you... There’s competition in the room. You should get six applicants, if not more.” – Tim Roberts

The Importance of Momentum and Commitment

• Growth is about cumulative energy and commitment—random, individual efforts don’t bring scale.

• Without rapid action, morale and numbers can decline further (12:50).

• Strong recommendation: the six must have a serious, strategic conversation about commitment (13:40):

  • If not all are willing, it’s better to move on than waste time.
  • For committed teams, success is not only possible, but highly feasible.

• Quote (14:20):
  “But if the 6 is serious, it’s not only possible, it’s highly feasible that you can do that... Our startup groups do that and they don’t even run a BNI meeting.” – Tim Roberts

Urgency and the Power of a Fresh Start

• Seize the opportunity now to reshape the chapter and reputation for the future.
• Quote (15:00):
  “You still have a massive opportunity in front of you. I don’t care that there’s only six members. Still a massive opportunity. Go capture it. Make 2026 the year everybody talks about your chapter as being incredible and award winning and all these things, because that’s what’s in front of you if you capture it.” – Tim Roberts

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “Strategy needs to be at the core of everything you do.” (Throughout)
• “If the 6 is serious, it’s not only possible, it’s highly feasible... Our startup groups do that and they don’t even run a BNI meeting.” (14:20)
• “Don’t focus on the loss of the nine people... If you focus on that, it’s just going to bring you down further.” (14:35)
• Strong call-to-action: have a strategic conversation NOW about real commitment and next steps.

Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:35 — Introduction of 2026’s “strategy” theme and BNI’s “accelerate” message
• 02:30 — Root cause of retention issues: lack of strategy
• 04:35 — Listener question: How to rebuild a small chapter
• 05:40 — Dispelling worries about small group size
• 07:25 — Reference to episode 566 on strategic inviting
• 09:55 — Crunch-time tactical plan: the “visitor day” strategy
• 13:40 — Importance of serious, strategic commitment from all members
• 15:00 — Final motivational push: seize opportunity and make 2026 an outstanding year

Final Takeaways

• Growth requires urgency, strategy, and full-team commitment—not passive optimism.
• Small chapters can thrive rapidly by executing coordinated, high-energy Visitor Days and focusing on professions they need most.
• Overcoming self-doubt and internalizing confidence in your group’s value are essential.
• Strategic action beats passive hope every time.

For members facing similar challenges, this episode serves as both practical playbook and motivational rally—reminding all BNI participants that with the right approach, any chapter, no matter its size, can accelerate towards success.