Podcast Summary: The Official BNI Podcast

Episode 930: Why Even Have Substitutes?
Date: October 1, 2025
Host: Priscilla Rice (Guest Host: Tim Roberts, standing in for Dr. Ivan Misner)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the purpose and proper use of substitutes at BNI meetings. Guest host Tim Roberts tackles common misconceptions, establishes what makes a substitute valuable, and urges chapters to revisit their approach for the collective benefit of BNI members.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Real Reason for the Substitute Program

• Common Misconceptions:
  Many BNI members believe substitutes are meant to avoid being marked absent or to ensure their weekly presentation happens in their absence.

  • "We tend to think very internally, kind of selfishly about why the substitute program is in place, which is the complete opposite reason why we have a substitute program at all." (01:22)

• Truth About Substitutes:
  The program isn't about the absent member, but about maintaining value for present chapter members when someone is gone.

  • "Your members are not super excited you brought a sub so that they can hear your weekly presentation when you're not there." (01:49)

2. What Makes a Substitute Valuable? (02:31)

• Two Criteria:

  1. Can potentially do business with chapter members—the sub might need a service or provide a referral.
  2. Could be a prospective member—someone who might join the chapter, leading to greater ongoing value.

• Effort Required:
  Often, the need for a substitute is known in advance (e.g., vacations, conferences), so members are encouraged to thoughtfully select someone who adds value, not just anyone for convenience.

3. What Is Not a Valuable Substitute? (03:34)

• Problems Identified:
  • The same person subs for everyone.
    • "This person is taking advantage of your chapter more often than not. They're there just to pitch the one. They're not paying attention..." (03:53)
    • This promotes mediocrity and easy solutions instead of focusing on chapter value.
  • Using another BNI member from a different chapter.
    • They usually can't do business with your chapter's members or join your chapter due to policy.

4. Culture & Habit—Monkey See, Monkey Do (05:17)

• The substitute program's misuse is perpetuated by new members copying what they see, assuming subbing practices by regulars are the standard.

  • "If I'm a new member... I see these people all using the same two or three people to sub for them, I assume that that's what we do." (05:29)

• Changing the Culture:
  Education and communication are essential. Establish a chapter standard for what counts as an appropriate substitute and why it matters.

5. Setting Standards and Accountability (06:13)

• Making it Too Easy:
  The easier it is to get a substitute, the less accountability exists, and members may over-rely on subs rather than attend meetings.

  • Use absences strategically; that's what the limited absence allowance is for.

• Half Credit for Substitutes (07:00):
  In the "Power of One" report, members only get half credit for having a sub, none for an absence.

  • Full credit is reserved for direct attendance because a substitute can never be as valuable as the actual member, due to lack of relationship and understanding.

6. Re-centering on the True "Why" (07:58)

• The substitute program is misunderstood because of a lack of training and communication at the chapter level.
• Members should stop thinking of subs as an absence avoidance tool and instead, ask:
  "How are you going to help me when you're not here?" (08:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"The substitute program is about bringing value to a meeting when you're not there. How do you bring value to your fellow members when you can't be at the meeting yourself?"
– Tim Roberts, 01:38

"Most often when we need a sub, it's something that we know is coming up. It just takes a little bit of time and a little bit of effort to think about who could be a really valuable sub to my chapter when I'm not there so that I'm giving back to my fellow members when I can't."
– Tim Roberts, 02:52

"If we can educate our, our fellow members and set a standard of what is an appropriate substitute and the why behind it, we can change that culture. And when we change that culture, we will produce more results."
– Tim Roberts, 05:53

"Nobody can ever network for you effectively, so that's part of it. But you know, again, there's no members like, oh, thank God the sub was here so they could read that to me. That's never going to enter your fellow members mind."
– Tim Roberts, 08:54

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:22: Common misconceptions about the substitute program
• 01:49: The real purpose behind having substitutes
• 02:31: What makes a valuable substitute
• 03:34: What causes the substitute program to fail
• 05:17: The copycat culture and its effects
• 06:13: Setting standards and holding members accountable
• 07:00: Credits and attendance reporting for substitutes
• 07:58: The need for re-centering and better communication
• 08:54: No substitute can network on your behalf as effectively as you can

Episode Tone

Tim Roberts is candid, direct, but constructive—providing real-world examples, gentle corrections, and a call for heightened chapter standards.

Conclusion

This episode underscores that the BNI substitute program is not a convenience for the absent member, but a structured means of maximizing value for those present. Choose substitutes who contribute to the chapter, not just fill a seat. Commit to standards and communication to cultivate a culture of value-driven participation.