Business Network Int'l. (BNI) is a networking organization founded by Dr. Ivan Misner in 1985. It is composed of more than 800 chapters across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and the U.K., boasting over 16,000 members. Each chapter meets weekly for the sole purpose of exchanging business referrals among members. It is one of the oldest and largest organizations of its kind in the country.

Members include business people and professionals from all walks of life, from attorneys to massage therapists, mortgage brokers, florists, interior decorators, hairdressers, accountants, computer consultants, dentists and others. Each chapter is composed of 20-40 members. No two members in a chapter may share the same profession so there is no competition between members.

Each chapter meets weekly usually at 7 am for 90 minutes at local restaurants across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.K. Attendance is strongly encouraged; members may only miss a few meetings per year.

Members meet for the express purpose of sharing business referrals with one another. They give and receive referrals weekly and cultivate relationships with one another. During meetings, each member gives a 60-second "infomercial" on himself or herself and their business, telling fellow members who they are, where they are located, what they do and what might be some good leads for them. Members then go around the room exchanging business leads with one another.

BNI is headquartered in San Dimas, California. For information on chapter locations, call 1-800-825-8286 (outside Southern California) or 909-305-1818 (inside Southern California). Visit their web site at http://www.bni.com/