1. What is BNI?

BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world.  We offer members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and more importantly, business referrals.  The BNI strategy relies on a business networking strategy that generates business referrals within many diverse networks. BNI relies on structured business groups wherein each member carries the other’s business cards.   There are more than 250 chapters across Canada.

2. Why get involved with formal networking groups?

These organizations have standards and procedures that help to ensure the success of their members. The level of standards maintained by a solid networking group is a protection not only for the customers you might recommend to the other members, but to your own reputation as well.

3. How is BNI different from Chamber of Commerce?

• Only one person from each professional specialty is permitted to join a chapter of BNI.
• All participants represent their primary occupation, not a part-time business.
• BNI members are required to participate in Business Building Interviews (BBI or "Dance Cards") with other members on a weekly basis.  These meetings help to ensure "top of mind" status among the members and ensure that members are aware of current business progress.
• Participation in the chapter by members is a key to the success of a group. Members can participate by bringing bona-fide referrals and/or visitors to their BNI chapter.

4. What makes the BNI Park Rangers chapter unique?

Our chapter is a collection of like-minded successful business people in the Sherwood Park community, many considered the best in their industry.  We are young and young at heart individuals with strong entrepreneurial spirits committed to the philosophy of "givers gain" where Park Rangers gain more than just great referrals.

5. Are there support mechanisms for members?

Each BNI chapter has a chapter mentor who meets regularly with members to guide them through their chapter orientation. The mentors advise new members on BNI policies and practices and assist them with forming their business brand and infomercials within the chapter.  The mentors also work with existing members meeting them on a regular basis to review member experiences and participation.

6. What occupations benefit the most from networking?

It is not the occupation, it is the individual. The occupation can be virtually anything. If you are in business you are focused, and you are willing to make a sacrifice, then you may be a good fit for our chapter.

7. Can anyone join the Park Rangers chapter?

We only take one person per professional specialty. So if you are a residential real estate associate and we already have one, we can refer you to another chapter. Of course, if you are a commercial real estate associate, you could be eligible to join our chapter.

8. Why join the Sherwood Park chapter?

Sherwood Park is well renowned for its small town feel while still housing close to 100,000 people. Bottom line is that residents of Sherwood Park often pay more for local products and services in support of their community.

9. Where and when do you meet?

We meet every Tuesday morning from 7 - 8:30 AM. Be prepared to introduce your business, and bring plenty of business cards!

10. Why 7:00 AM meetings?

All great business people know that successful businesses follow regime and process and attending a weekly morning meeting shows a level of commitment and accountability that breeds success in the group.  Starting at 7AM allows us to complete our meetings before the start of the business day; therefore doesn't interfere with daily business.

11. I've been to a few meetings, what next?

As a guest, you are invited to attend up to two chapter meetings after which, you are encouraged to submit an application.  Once an application has been submitted, guests are encouraged to continue attending the meetings while their application is being processed.