The Official BNI Podcast – Episode 925: Opportunity vs. Obligation

Date: August 27, 2025
Host: Priscilla Rice (guest hosting for Dr. Ivan Misner)
Guest: Tim Roberts

Overview

In this episode, guest co-host Tim Roberts explores the crucial mindset shift between viewing BNI chapter leadership roles as an obligation versus seeing them as an opportunity. With chapter leadership transitions occurring globally, Tim emphasizes how reframing these roles unlocks both personal and professional growth, increased visibility, and ultimately, greater business success through BNI. The episode urges members to embrace leadership as a means to stand out—rather than as a burdensome task—and offers actionable advice for current and incoming leaders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Leadership Transition Season in BNI

• Chapters worldwide are currently transitioning leadership roles, typically annually, sometimes biannually.
• Common roles include President, Vice President, Membership Committee, Visitor Host, and Education Coordinator.
• While many members see these transitions as extra work, Tim urges a change in perspective.

2. Obligation vs. Opportunity: The Mindset Shift

• Many members hesitantly accept or refuse roles, seeing them as obligations—something they “have to do.”

• Quote [02:05]:
  "It'll look like work. It'll look like this extra obligation in our life... Many, many, many members miss a massive opportunity because of that veil."
  — Tim Roberts

• Approaching these roles as opportunities transforms both member experience and results.

• Leadership roles are designed to:

  • Increase visibility and credibility within the chapter.
  • Enhance profitability by strengthening personal relationships and skills.
  • Serve as platforms to showcase skillsets, commitment, and professionalism.

3. Roles as Growth Vehicles

• Each BNI leadership position, even less sought-after ones (such as Visitor Host), offers the chance to:

  • Highlight and practice leadership.
  • Prepare properly and demonstrate commitment.
  • Form new connections and strengthen existing ones.

• Quote [03:35]:
  "All of these roles give us just an amazing opportunity to get more out of our membership... not just in tangible referrals, but an opportunity to learn, an opportunity to strengthen skill sets in leadership."
  — Tim Roberts

4. The Double-Edged Sword: Opportunity Can Go Both Ways

• Failing to engage fully in a leadership role damages credibility and visibility.

• Inadequate effort—such as not preparing, not attending, or skipping follow-up—reflects poorly on the member.

• Memorable Examples:

  • President arrives unprepared, as if “they’ve never seen the agenda before.”
  • Visitor Host fails to greet or follow up with guests.
  • Education Coordinator “completely winging” the educational moment.

• Quote [05:20]:
  "You also gain an opportunity to destroy both [visibility and credibility]. If you take a role and you don’t give it your full effort … you will showcase yourself in that chapter in a negative light."
  — Tim Roberts

5. Managing Time and Teamwork

• No BNI role should be overwhelming by itself; overwhelm typically indicates a lack of teamwork.

• Every member is busy—excuses such as “I’m too busy” often disguise a mistaken sense of obligation.

• The true challenge is mindset, not workload.

• Quote [06:45]:
  "Everybody in the chapter is busy. Everybody in the chapter has other things going on outside the room. And it’s missed again because it’s under the veil of an obligation.”
  — Tim Roberts

6. Best Practices for Leadership Selection and Training

• When recruiting, focus on benefits and skills—don’t “beg,” but explain the genuine opportunities.

• Existing leaders: Reflect on how you’ll leverage your role to its fullest.

• Use BNI’s online resources and training for better preparation.

• Seek mentorship with directors or executive directors for strategy and support.

• Quote [08:09]:
  "Make sure you are ultimately prepared with a strategy to take advantage of this opportunity and really grow, learn, and profit from it instead of just taking on another thing."
  — Tim Roberts

Memorable Moments & Listener Highlights

• Personal Experiences [08:55]:

  • Priscilla and Tim discuss favorite roles: President, Education Coordinator, Visitor Host.

  • Emphasize the unique opportunity each provides for connection and visibility.

  • Quote [09:06]:
    "Those are the most visible opportunities in front of your fellow members and then the Visitor Host... it gave me the opportunity to meet everybody."
    — Tim Roberts

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:29 – 01:00: Introduction of guest co-host Tim Roberts and episode theme
• 01:00 – 03:35: The obligation vs. opportunity mindset; the intent behind annual leadership transitions
• 03:35 – 05:20: Growth opportunities in different roles; the risk of damaging credibility
• 05:20 – 07:15: Examples of negative consequences and importance of preparation
• 07:15 – 08:09: Addressing excuses, how to approach members for leadership
• 08:09 – 08:55: Preparation, training recommendations, and maximizing the opportunity
• 08:55 – 09:24: Personal reflections on most valuable BNI roles
• 09:24 – End: Closing thanks and encouragement

Tone and Language

The conversation is upbeat, direct, and focused on practical leadership wisdom within the BNI framework. Tim Roberts is candid about common pitfalls, but ultimately positive and encouraging: members are urged to seek growth, visibility, and credibility, rather than additional burdens or chores.

Actionable Takeaways

• See BNI leadership as a launchpad for personal and business growth, not just a duty.
• Get prepared: leverage trainings, mentorship, and chapter support.
• When recruiting for roles, share the opportunity and benefit—not just the need.
• Use the leadership experience to build long-lasting visibility and strong relationships within BNI.