I have not been a member but I had substituted for members quite frequently in the past when someone anticipated being out. In a word, it's accountability. You don't go to a BNI or Powercore meeting just to socialize. The best way to get the most out of BNI is to become involved with membership, assuming a role and promoting it. The 2nd best way is to be known for providing good quality referrals for as many members as possible. The 3rd way is to follow up immediately on all referrals and give them the highest quality of service possible. 4th, be on time. No one can build synergy with someone who is late all the time. 5th, arrive 15 minutes early. If a new person shows up before their inviter arrives, you can act like a liaison until their inviter comes and takes over. It's also a great opportunity, being early, to be able to meet and talk with other members before all the others arrive. Quality time! Good luck!