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BNI Policies

Effective/Last Updated: 20 January, 2026

BNI General Policies

Membership Committees of each chapter have final authority related to enforcement of the BNI Policies. Membership Committees may put a BNI member on probation or open a member’s classification for failure to comply with the Member Policies, the Code of Ethics or BNI Core Values.

  1. Only one person from each BNI classification can join a chapter of Each Member can only hold one BNI classification in a BNI Chapter.
  2. BNI Members must only represent the professional classification approved by the Membership Committee.
  3. BNI Members must arrive on time and stay for the entire published meeting
  4. An individual can only be a member of one BNI A Member cannot be in any other program that allows only one person per profession and / or where referral generation is a goal of membership.
  5. A BNI Member is allowed three absences within a continuous six-month period. If a Member cannot attend, they may send a substitute; this will not count as an
  6. Members are expected to be engaged in the BNI Chapter by bringing qualified referrals and/or visitors.
  7. Visitors may attend BNI Chapter meetings up to two
  8. Only BNI Members who have completed the Member Success Program, and BNI Directors/ Director Consultants can do Feature Presentations during the BNI Meetings.
  9. Leaves of absence are possible for certain extenuating circumstances (e.g., extended medical issue that prevents member from working) at the discretion of the Membership
  10. Members who wish to change their BNI classification must submit a new membership application for approval.
  11. All BNI membership lists are for the purpose of giving referrals and building relationships only. Before sending any marketing or business solicitation communications to BNI members outside your chapter or Director/Director Consultants, the recipient must give their consent. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous.
  12. Membership renewal is subject to approval by the Chapter Membership

Policies are subject to change. All proposed policy changes need to be reviewed first by the International Board of Advisors.

BNI® Code of Ethics

Upon acceptance to BNI®, I agree to abide by the following BNI Code of Ethics during the service of my participation in the organization:

  1. I will provide the quality of services at the price I have quoted.
  2. I will be truthful with the Members and their referrals.
  3. I will build goodwill and trust among Members and their referrals.
  4. I will take responsibility for following up on the referrals I receive.
  5. I will display a positive and supportive attitude.
  6. I will live up to the ethical standards of my profession.*

*Professional standards outlined in a formal code of conduct for any profession supersede the above standards.

BNI® Core Values

  1. Givers Gain®
    Be willing to give first, before you expect to gain. Like the farmer who must plant seeds before crops will grow, you must invest first. This is often difficult to follow if you grow up in a transactional culture; however, giving unconditionally yields the largest bounty.
  2. Building Relationships
    No one is successful by themselves. Becoming good at developing relationships, creating a network of support and always growing your network is the key to success in business and in life.
  3. Lifelong Learning
    Your value grows as you develop your knowledge and skills. Our world is in a constant state of change. Unless you are learning, you are falling behind. Create a curriculum based on the person you want to become and follow that curriculum to get yourself there.
  4. Traditions + Innovation
    Traditions are your foundation while innovations are your opportunities. Always keep your feet firmly planted with your traditions while you reach to the sky to create innovation. This keeps you from losing your place in the world while you continue to strive to create a better life for others and yourself.
  5. Positive Attitude
    A habit of finding the good in everything that happens to you propels your life beyond setbacks. Those who see the best in situations, others and themselves magnetically attract people, opportunities and wealth.
  6. Accountability
    The only way to build trust is to make promises and keep them. Rather than expect others to believe and accept your word, demonstrate who you are by accepting leadership roles, following through on your promises and be the one that follows through, even when it appears no one is looking.
  7. Recognition
    Tell the people around you that you appreciate what they’ve accomplished for themselves, you and the organisation. Recognition is the fuel that builds organisations and societies. The person who masters the art of recognition attracts a strong network.