How to Become a BNI Executive Director

BNI stands for Business Network International. This refers to an organization for business professionals that has local chapters all across the country and throughout the world. The purpose of BNI groups is to help small and local business owners gain connections and grow their client base. Each member of a BNI group becomes your personal marketing department as they recommend your work and services to their own clients and business contacts. Some local chapters have an executive director that is responsible for facilitating the meetings and other business of the group.

• 1

  Find a local BNI chapter that you can join. You may want to visit a few groups to see which one will be most beneficial for you to join or which group might be looking for a new executive director. The BNI official website includes a chapter locator page, located in the resource section below.

• 2

  Apply to join the BNI chapter you chose. You will need to fill out an application detailing your professional experience and provide professional references. If accepted, you will need to pay membership fees, which can vary by chapter. If your references check out and the BNI chapter is in need of someone in your career field, you will likely be accepted.

• 3

  Show your BNI chapter members that you're a strong leader. The executive director in many ways leads the BNI chapter. You will be responsible for things like running meetings, organizing member responsibilities and evaluating potential new members for your chapter. You can show you're a strong leader by getting involved with the group. Volunteer to plan an event or to give a presentation about your group to another BNI chapter.

• 4

  Set a positive example for other members to show them that you're executive director material. Attend every meeting, don't show up late and always come prepared. When you invite guests, greet them at the beginning of the meeting and make sure they feel welcome.

• 5

  Visit other local BNI chapter meetings and attend community networking events. Part of the job of the executive director is to market the BNI group to local businesses and potential members. Start visiting other groups and inviting guests to your chapter's meetings. This will show your group that you're up for the challenge.

• 6

  Apply to be the new executive director when the position opens within your BNI chapter. This could take time, but when the position becomes available, you want to make sure you're a prime candidate. You will most likely need to fill out an application and supply references. An interview process may also be included in the process, especially if you have competitors.