FAQs

BNI Brisbane Southside is a professional networking organization that helps local business owners grow through trusted referrals. With four chapters and close to 90 members, we provide a supportive space where you can build strong business relationships, generate quality leads, and access training and exclusive resources. Our proven system has helped members pass over $4.7 million in referrals in the past year alone./p>

Our meetings are structured and efficient, lasting about 90 minutes with extra time for networking before and after. Each member gets the chance to present their business, share updates, and exchange referrals with others. You can join meetings in-person, online, or in a hybrid format to suit your schedule. Visitors are welcome to attend up to two meetings before deciding if they’d like to join, so you can experience the value firsthand. Our members are committed, with a 93% attendance rate.

When you join BNI Brisbane Southside, you invest in your business growth. There’s an $847 onboarding and training fee, plus a $1,452 annual membership fee, and each chapter has a venue fee that varies. This covers access to our Member Success Program, networking events, and tools for tracking your referrals and return on investment. Many members see a significant return, with over two-thirds reporting a strong ROI and some achieving more than 20 times what they invested.

BNI works best for business owners and professionals who want to grow through relationship-based networking. If you’re committed to helping others and want to receive regular, qualified referrals, you’ll fit right in. Our members come from a wide range of industries, and we have opportunities available in areas like general insurance, digital marketing, HR, and more. If your specialty isn’t already represented in a chapter, there’s a good chance we have a spot for you.

If you’re interested in joining, the application process is straightforward and takes about two to four weeks. You’ll submit an application with business references, we’ll verify any required licenses, and our Membership Committee will review your application. Each chapter only allows one person per professional specialty, so you’ll have exclusive access to referrals in your field.

As a member, you’ll gain access to a network of professionals who are committed to helping you succeed. You’ll take part in our Member Success Program, ongoing training, and regular networking events. You can track your referrals and business growth through our online platform. Many members see significant increases in business, and the personal connections you make often lead to long-term partnerships.

BNI is more than just a weekly meeting. Members are expected to attend regularly, participate in training, and build relationships with other members. You’re encouraged to give and receive referrals and to dedicate time outside of meetings to support your fellow members. Consistent participation is key to getting the most out of your membership.

If you can’t make it to a meeting, you can send a substitute—such as a colleague or trusted business contact—to represent you. This keeps your business visible in the group and maintains your attendance record.

Members use BNI Connect, our online platform, to log referrals, track one-to-one meetings, and record the value of closed business. This helps you measure your return on investment and stay organized.

The Member Success Program, or MSP, is a structured training course for new members. It covers everything from BNI’s core values and effective networking strategies to building great presentations and maximizing your referral potential. Completing the MSP within your first 60 days helps set you up for long-term success.

Yes, we offer workshops, webinars, and leadership training throughout the year. Members who take advantage of these opportunities often see faster growth and greater returns from their membership. Leadership roles are available if you’re interested in building your skills and visibility.

We welcome business owners and professionals from a wide range of industries, as long as your professional category isn’t already filled in your chosen chapter. If your field is underrepresented—like general insurance, digital marketing, property inspection, electricians, or HR—we’re especially interested in hearing from you.

The best way to get started is to visit a chapter meeting as a guest. You can experience the BNI culture firsthand, meet our members, and see how the referral process works. If you like what you see, you can submit your application and begin your journey with us.

No, visitors can attend up to two meetings for free to see if BNI is the right fit for them.

If you know someone who would benefit from BNI, simply invite them to visit your chapter. Share your experience and explain how the group has helped your business grow. Visitors are always welcome, and we encourage members to bring guests.

If you’re finding it tough to generate referrals, you’re not alone. BNI offers mentoring, education, and plenty of support to help you succeed. Take advantage of workshops, ask for guidance from experienced members, and stay engaged with your chapter.

Each chapter allows only one person per professional classification, so you won’t compete with anyone else in your field. If you have outside relationships that overlap, discuss this openly with your chapter leadership to find the best way forward. If the chapter doesn’t have a vacancy for your professional classification, reach out to our Regional Office so they can assist you in finding a vacancy.

If you’re ready to grow your business through referrals, contact us to schedule a visit. After you’ve experienced a meeting, you can apply for membership and start building your network.