Podcast Summary: BNI & The Power of One
Episode: 889 – "We Answer Multiple Questions"
Host: Tim Roberts
Date: March 30, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Tim Roberts takes a rapid-fire approach to answer several listener questions about optimizing the BNI experience. He explores topics including meeting structure, referral etiquette, featured presentation strategy, and the evolution of activity tracking metrics within BNI. Tim offers candid advice, clarifies common misconceptions, and sprinkles in practical, actionable tips for BNI members aiming to maximize value from their membership.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. BNI Meeting Structure and Use of "Meeting Stimulants"
[00:02 – 05:30]
- Listener Concern: Some chapters’ meetings feel more like “social clubs” due to frequent format changes, such as swapping 30-second presentations with another member.
- Tim’s Take:
- BNI is not intended to be a social club; structure should be preserved to sustain its networking purpose.
- "Meeting stimulants" (like having members give each other's weekly presentations) are legitimate tools, used to inject energy or reinforce one-to-ones and listening skills.
- However, they shouldn’t be routine:
“They're only supposed to be done like once in a great while, right? Not even monthly—should be like quarterly at most because then it can become a little silly and gets away from what we’re doing.”
— Tim Roberts [03:58] - Frequent use suggests underlying issues in chapter engagement or energy that need deeper attention.
Notable Quote:
“Perception is reality and that’s ultimately not the goal. ... If your chapter really needs to do a meeting stimulant every single month … because it needs the energy, there’s something else going on.”
— Tim Roberts [02:42]
2. Can You Ask for Referrals to Competing Professionals?
[05:30 – 10:48]
- Listener Question: Should members be discouraged from requesting introductions to realtors (or other professionals) when there’s already one in the chapter?
- Tim’s Response:
- It’s absolutely permissible (and wise) to request introductions to professionals outside the chapter, as long as it is not about bringing them into the same chapter as a competitor.
- Real estate agents often provide significant referral opportunities for allied professionals (e.g., mortgage brokers, home inspectors).
- The exclusivity of a chapter "seat" applies to direct business within the group, not referral relationships with external professionals.
“There are two types of referrals you look for in BNI: transactional—next customer, next client. Relational—those who are going to find you more of those transactions.”
— Tim Roberts [07:18] - Over-policing this creates unnecessary tension and reflects deeper issues about seat exclusivity.
Memorable Moment:
“If I was the real estate agent…I should have no concern that a mortgage broker wants more real estate agents to help feed [their] pipeline—because you’re not asking for an intro to someone selling their house to directly compete with me.”
— Tim Roberts [09:45]
3. Structuring a Five-Minute “Featured Presentation”
[10:48 – 15:15]
- Listener Question: Tips for structuring a 5-minute presentation as a web developer targeting construction clients.
- Tim’s Guidance:
- Dedicate about 1 minute total for introduction and recap, which leaves 4 minutes for content.
- Presentation should focus on training members how to refer—prioritize relational and transactional asks, be specific in examples (e.g., focus on a certain construction trade, not just "construction” generally).
- Strategies:
- Cover two asks in depth (2 minutes each).
- Or, cover three in less depth (roughly 1-1.5 minutes each).
- Tie referral partner asks directly to who provides good introductions (e.g., accountant, business coach, payroll company).
- Do not treat the presentation as a sales pitch for your services—you’re training your network, not selling to them.
“What these presentations are not is a chance for you to go and showcase all your products and services... They should follow the exact same focus as your weekly presentations.”
— Tim Roberts [14:17]
Notable Quote:
“Start with ‘What is my desired end-goal?’... This presentation is training people to help me achieve that desired end-goal.”
— Tim Roberts [13:50]
4. Power of One vs. Member Traffic Light (Activity Metrics)
[15:15 – 19:30]
- Listener Question: Thoughts on moving from the traditional “Power of One” tracking system to the “Member Traffic Light” (expanded metrics) system.
- Tim’s Perspective:
- Power of One focuses on what members have direct control over (attendance, referrals, one-to-ones, trainings, visitors)—keeps it simple and actionable.
- Member Traffic Light includes metrics like “Thank You for Closed Business” and “Sponsored” with adjusted weights, which reflects both activity and end results.
- Tim’s main reservations:
- Simplicity is key for adoption and effectiveness.
- Tracking some metrics (like “Thank You for Closed Business”) can unfairly penalize or over-credit members for outcomes beyond their control.
- Both models have merit but Power of One is more straightforward and ingrained in some regions.
“I am under the belief that if you’re doing those things and you’re doing them even halfway well, the results will come.”
— Tim Roberts [19:08] - Ultimately, choice of system is a regional or country-level decision.
Notable Quote:
“When you start changing scoring, it becomes a little bit more complicated just to understand. The more complicated you make it… it could add in resistance to adoption.”
— Tim Roberts [18:15]
Memorable Quotes & Speaker Attribution
- “Meeting stimulants like this are fine from time to time… But if it’s becoming too consistent where it feels a little silly, then it’s lost its purpose.”
— Tim Roberts [04:50] - “It’s not competition for what you’re looking to do. … I would work with your leadership team and chapters director to help you move forward.”
— Tim Roberts [10:35] - “You are a crazy person—No, I appreciate it! You’re probably sick of my voice.”
— Tim Roberts (in response to a listener saying they listened to 140 episodes) [11:58] - “With data in general… the sponsor one versus visitors, same kind of thing. I could bring a really good visitor, and the chapter meeting ran poorly… that doesn’t fall on me as the sponsor.”
— Tim Roberts [17:48]
Important Timestamps
- [00:02] – Episode start, overview, and first question on meeting structure
- [03:58] – On the appropriate frequency of “meeting stimulants”
- [07:18] – Explanation of transactional vs. relational referrals
- [09:45] – On requesting realtor introductions and seat exclusivity
- [11:58] – Listener feedback and “140 episodes” joke
- [13:50] – Framework for desired outcomes in featured presentations
- [17:48] – Repercussions and limitations of activity data tracking
- [19:08] – Key principle behind Power of One metric philosophy
Conclusion
Tim wraps up the episode by reflecting on the value of answering multiple listener questions in one show and encourages ongoing feedback on episode formats. He shares excitement around upcoming BNI conferences in the US and South Africa, inviting listeners to connect in person.
For those looking to maximize your BNI membership, this episode is filled with practical insights into meeting management, referral best practices, presentation strategy, and effective use of activity metrics. Tim’s direct and relatable style ensures these tips are both actionable and grounded in years of BNI experience.