Play the BNI Game to Grow Your Business and Have Fun!

Is your Chapter in need of a boost? Need to focus on a few key elements to spark your network? Play the BNI Game — a competitive and fun initiative that not only promotes participation among Members but also rewards those who put in the greatest effort.

Understanding the BNI Game

The BNI Game is a competition held over a predetermined period, where teams within a Chapter earn points based on various performance indicators.

These indicators may include:

• Referrals generated
• Visitors brought
• Attendance at Chapter meetings
• Participation in Chapter activities

The culmination of the game sees the team with the highest points declared the winner, making the BNI Game an exciting way to encourage Members to actively contribute to their Chapters and facilitate the growth of their businesses.

The Power of the BNI Game

The BNI Game offers a range of benefits that enhances the experience of every Member, such as:

• Increased Participation: The competitive nature of the game drives Members to actively engage in Chapter meetings and activities, fostering a more dynamic and lively community.
• More Referrals: As Members collaborate to help each other expand their businesses, the likelihood of referring each other’s clients increases, leading to a substantial rise in business prospects for everyone.
• Enhanced Motivation: The point-based system of the BNI Game fosters an atmosphere of motivation, pushing Members to strive for excellence. This often results in more referrals, Visitors, and 1-2-1s.
• Added Excitement: Beyond its practical benefits, the BNI Game brings an element of fun to the Chapter, ensuring Members remain engaged and enthusiastic.

Checklist for Starting the BNI Game

To kick off the BNI Game in your Chapter, follow these simple steps:

1. Form Teams: Divide the Chapter into teams. You could either assign Members randomly or create teams based on shared industries or interests. The key is balance. Give each team an equal shot at winning. The BNI Game works best with 5-8 Members per team, but you can get creative depending on how many people are in your Chapter.
2. Prepare a Scoresheet: The scoresheet should capture the points each team earns across categories such as referrals generated, new Members recruited, meeting attendance, and activity participation. Here’s one you can download.
3. Track Points: Keep a record of the points earned by each team throughout the game. It is best to choose a team captain for each team.
4. Announce the Winners: Once the game ends, announce the team with the highest points as the winners. Prizes are optional but can be a nice incentive. It is a common prize for the winning team to be served a meal by the losing teams.

Tips for Winning the BNI Game

To effectively navigate the BNI Game, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Set Clear Goals: Define specific objectives for yourself and your team at the onset of the game to maintain focus and motivation.
• Consistency is Key: Regular attendance at Chapter meetings and active participation in activities could be the deciding factor in your success.
• Be a Team Player: Aim to assist your fellow Members wherever possible, as this mutual support will likely result in more referrals for your business.
• Maintain a Positive Attitude: A cheerful and enthusiastic demeanor can impact your team positively and aid in achieving your targets.

Remember to ensure even distribution of skill sets among teams for a fair competition and encourage teamwork as the path to victory. Most importantly, keep the spirit of the game alive and have fun while growing your business with the BNI Game.