I believe BNI is a great place to make connections and to enjoy each other's company at a meal. It's wonderful to be able to speak to other business owners. But, when a business is having to make at least one referral every meeting, it's sort of difficult. And, I found that for someone to refer an order to me for a $50 gift, and me, in the company of realtors and insurance folks, for instance, having to refer a client to them sort of doesn't cut it. Yes, I would get a $50 gift order, but they get a prospective customer who will give them commission on the sale of a house (big bucks) or a long-term customer purchasing an insurance policy, (again big bucks.) I loved BNI for the social aspect of it, but it didn't turn out all that good for me in the business. That isn't even taking into consideration the cost to be a member.

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer here, but that's my take on BNI. As a side note, the $50 gift order is not all profit. There is the material and labor involved in creating that $50 gift. So, I believe that if a BNI group is fairly represented, then maybe it is an organization that would benefit all the members.