If you are a new member to the Saratoga Country Club Chapter of BNI. Welcome!

We’ve put together this section of the website especially for you. Within this section you will find all the basic information you will need in order to become a successful member of our chapter. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact one of the members of the Membership committee so we can address your concerns.



1. Attend MSP:
As a new member it is crucial that you attend the Member Success Program ( MSP) as soon as possible. View upcoming MSP training dates


2. Meeting time:
Our meetings run from 7:00am-8:30am. We encourage you to arrive early (6:45am) so you can network with other members. Our Vice President takes attendance roll at 7:15. If you arrive at 7:15 or later you are marked as “late/absent”.


3. 30 sec Infomercials:
Each week you will have the opportunity to EDUCATE the members on how to identify prospects, ask relevant questions from their clients on how to open the door for a referral for you. The members can most effectively do this if they understand WHAT you have to offer and WHY the prospect would want to consider doing business with YOU in preference to a competitor. Below are some tips to help you prepare your 30sec Infomercials

*Try to focus on a specific type of referral that you are looking for rather than a general one*

For example:
- This week I’m looking for people you know that have recently relocated to the Bay Area and looking to purchase a home

- This week I’m looking to book a speaking engagement with the American Institute of Architects, does anyone have contacts in this association?

*Tell a Success Story or Client Testimonial, Everyone REMEMBERS stories*

For example:
- What was their problem and how did you help fix it?

- Give a Case Study on how you helped a client


4. Attendance:
Attendance is critical to your success in our chapter. If you cannot attend a weekly meeting, you may send a substitute and/or visitor. This will not count as an absence. Participants are allowed 3 absences every 6 months . More than this and they are subject to their classification being re-opened. If you arrive late to the meeting (after 7:15 when attendance roll is taken you are marked as Late, a Late is considered the same as absent) Click here to see our substitute list.


5. One on Ones:
One on ones are a great way to get to know each member outside of the weekly meeting! The better rapport you have with each member in your chapter, the more referrals you wil be able to give to all the members of your chapter. By systematically developing your relationship with each other, you will develop your referrals in future meetings.

One on Ones can be at your office, or at restaurant, coffee shop etc. The purpose of the one on one is to learn about each other business and how you can give more qualified referrals to each other.


6. Your 10 minute presentation:
Each week 2 of our members give a 10 minute presentation. It is important for you to make the best use of this time… don’t talk about how you got into the business or what is going on in your personal life..talk about your business and how you the members can find you more referrals. Here are some tips for your presentation:

• Educate the members about the products and services you offer and their benefits.
• Tell a short story about a client who had a problem and how you solved it.
• Tell the members what differentiates you from your competition.
• Give examples of what qualified referrals for you would be.
• Give examples of Referrals that are NOT good for your type of business.
• Doing tests or a type of game/quiz about your business can be fun and interactive.

It is the responsibility of the person giving the presentation to bring a door prize valued at ~$20.


7. Quarterly dues:
Chapter dues are fees we pay for the use of our wonderful facility at the Saratoga Country Club.

The dues are $150 each quarter, payable to “Saratoga Country Club Chapter”, please send all checks to our Secretary.

Michael Catalano
408-873-2100
mike@rec-rentals.com

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