BNI is a business networking group that focuses on the sharing of referrals. Each week, BNI members meet at various locations around Utah Valley and generate business for each other. There are currently two official groups meeting in Utah Valley, with a third group beginning their meetings unofficially in anticipation of establishing a charter.

If you are interested, BNI welcomes visitors to meet with the group twice before requiring an application. There is a cost to join, however most members will tell you that the cost is negligible compared to the opportunity.

Small businesses have the most to gain from this networking platform, however larger organizations can not only glean important referrals, but can extend their own marketing through the network of associates.

BNI membership is exclusive; only one type of business is allowed to join each chapter. For instance, if a chapter already has a member who sells a specific type of insurance, a second person selling the same type of insurance is not allowed to join until the seat is vacated.

If you have a unique product or service, and are interested in developing a referral network of business associates, give BNI a try.

The ‘NetGain’ chapter meets in South Orem on Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Jim’s Family Restaurant, just South of the University Mall on State Street.

The North Utah County chapter meets on Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Jim’s Family Restaurant in American Fork.

The South Utah County ‘Core Group’ (…not yet official), meets on Tuesday mornings from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Country Market Restaurant in the Flying J plaza just off of the I-15 North Springville Exit.