Terms & Conditions, Policies and Information for BNI Members

Introduction

Welcome to Business Network International (BNI). The following Terms & Conditions contain important information relating to BNI membership. By submitting an application or continuing your membership, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

BNI Philosophy

BNI operates on the philosophy of Givers Gain® — by helping others, members create opportunities for mutual support and business growth. Success within BNI requires a long-term commitment, active participation, professionalism, and trust-based relationship building.

Mission

The mission of BNI is to help its members increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional referral marketing program that enables the development of long-term and meaningful business relationships.

General Membership Conditions

1. Only one person per professional classification may be accepted into a BNI group. In case of classification conflicts, the group leadership has the final decision.
2. Members must represent their primary profession, not a secondary or side activity.
3. Weekly meetings last approximately 90 minutes. Members are expected to arrive on time and stay for the full duration.
4. Members may not belong to another BNI group or any other referral organization that allows only one representative per profession, as this would reduce their commitment to the group.
5. Attendance is essential. A member may send a substitute (who is not a member of the same group). This does not count as an absence. A member may be absent a maximum of three times within six months. A former member whose membership ended due to resignation, non-renewal, or termination may not attend BNI meetings as a substitute for any member, for a period of twelve (12) months from the effective date of their departure.
6. Groups may set minimum activity requirements, including referrals given and visitors invited, as a condition of continued membership.
7. Visitors may attend a maximum of two meetings within a six-month period.
8. All new members must complete the Member Success Program in their region. Failure to do so in a timely manner may result in reopening the professional classification.
9. Non-attendance or misunderstanding of the rules does not constitute grounds for a refund.
10. Members wishing to transfer to another BNI group must submit a new application, subject to approval by the target group’s Membership Committee.

Code of Conduct

Each BNI member agrees to:

• Provide high-quality products and services at agreed terms.
• Act honestly and professionally toward other members and their referrals.
• Build goodwill and trust within the group.
• Properly follow up on received referrals.
• Comply with the ethical standards of their profession.
• Maintain a positive and supportive attitude toward other BNI members.

Accountability for Results

BNI provides a structured system for collaboration, education, and business relationship building. BNI does not guarantee any specific business results, number of referrals, or level of income for its members. Results depend directly on consistency and continuity of participation, active contribution to the group, and professional credibility and quality of work.

Responsibility for Services and Business Relationships

BNI does not guarantee the quality of services, products, or performance provided by individual members. Each member operates independently and at their own responsibility. All business relationships between BNI members are established solely between the members involved. Members are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations, conducting their own business, legal, and tax due diligence, and entering into appropriate contractual agreements in accordance with standard business practice. BNI is not a party to contracts between members and shall not be liable for any damages, losses, or disputes arising from such relationships.

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

Any conflict arising within the context of BNI membership should first be addressed directly and professionally between the involved parties. If a resolution cannot be reached, members are encouraged to seek mediation facilitated by the Membership Committee or Chapter Leadership. BNI does not act as an arbitrator in commercial disputes between members and does not assume responsibility for their outcome. Failure to engage constructively in conflict resolution may result in disciplinary action, including termination of membership.

Disciplinary Process and Probation

In cases of non-compliance with BNI policies, low engagement, or behavior inconsistent with BNI values, the following steps may be applied at the discretion of the Membership Committee or group leadership: informal or verbal notice, written notice specifying required corrective actions, a defined probation period with measurable improvement criteria, or termination of membership if required improvement is not achieved. Serious violations may result in immediate termination without prior probation.

Confidentiality, Data Use, and Non-Solicitation

Members may gain access to confidential information, including contact details of other members, visitors, referrals, and internal group information. Members agree to use BNI-related contact information solely for legitimate business follow-up connected to BNI activities, respect the confidentiality of referrals and internal discussions, refrain from mass communication or solicitation, and avoid any form of recruitment or poaching that undermines the integrity of the group. These obligations survive the termination or expiration of membership.

Protection of BNI Know-How and Leadership Materials

Members in leadership roles may receive access to BNI manuals, guides, procedures, training materials, and operational documentation. These Leadership Materials constitute proprietary and confidential know-how of BNI and remain the exclusive intellectual property of BNI or its licensors. Members agree to use these materials exclusively for internal BNI purposes and not to copy, distribute, share, publish, reproduce, or disclose them to any third party outside of the BNI organization.

Termination of Membership

A member may be subject to termination of membership by the group leadership or Membership Committee for failure to actively contribute, violation of the BNI Code of Conduct, repeated failure to follow up on referrals, providing products or services that consistently fail to meet professional standards, non-compliance with BNI policies, denial to complete required training programs within 90 days, non-payment of fees, or conduct that disrupts the stability, culture, or effective functioning of the group. Termination of membership does not entitle the member to any refund of fees paid. The decision of the Membership Committee or group leadership shall be final, subject to applicable BNI policies.

Administrative Conditions

• BNI is a marketing service of BNI Enterprises Inc. and is delivered by independent regional franchisees.
• BNI reserves the right to establish one or more groups within the same community where interest exists.
• The moment when a group or individual member is officially activated in the internal BNI Connect system marks the beginning of their membership and enables full access to BNI membership functions and the BNI environment.
• Membership fees may be adjusted from time to time.

Refund Policy

Active groups: Once membership is activated in BNI Connect, no refunds are possible.

Groups under development: The registration fee (7,000 CZK) is non-refundable. If an applicant withdraws before the group is activated in BNI Connect, the membership fee of 28,000 CZK will be refunded. Once the group is activated in BNI Connect, no refunds are possible.

Policy Updates

BNI Czechia reserves the right to amend or update these Terms of Service and related policies as necessary. Members will be informed of material changes through official BNI communication channels. Continued participation in BNI following such notification constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.