Visitor information

We're so glad you're interested in visiting our chapter. Please take a moment and register online - this makes it easy to correspond with you and prepare for your visit. We've all been there before when we were a first time guest. Hopefully this page will give you the information you need to understand how our meetings are organized and what you can expect. We want you to feel comfortable when you are our guest! Click here to register and let us know you are coming.

Meeting Time and Place

We meet each week on Thursdays from 7:30 AM and adjourn at about 9:15 AM. We meet at Jennings Mill Country Club and start with open networking for the first 15 minutes of the meeting. A hot breakfast is served free of charge to our guests, including coffee and juice.

Athens BNI Group

Register

Let us know ahead of time you are coming, so we can welcome you to the meeting.  Click here to register.

When You Arrive

Our Visitor Host Team will greet you when you arrive so you can receive a name badge. We ask that each visitor signs in and share a business card. This is the information the President will use to introduce you to the chapter.

Meeting Agenda

Each BNI chapter uses a proven agenda to make the most of our time. The BNI Meeting Agenda is the core element that makes the BNI system work for each Member. Below is the general order of events.

  1. Our president will introduce the leadership team first.  You will get the chance to see who you should talk to for more information about our group.  
  2. Our education coordinator will give us an "educational moment."  This is a short discussion time giving us tips on networking. 
  3. Each member will get a chance to give a timed "commercial" about their business and what type of referral would suit them. The President will announce how much time is allotted for each commercial.
  4. Visitors and Guests will have a chance to give their commercial once all members have done so. Be succinct and descriptive so fully understand your business
  5. One member will give a 5-12 minute feature presentation with an opportunity for questions and answers.
  6. Members will then give their very brief referrals and testimonials. Visitors and guests will also have a chance to state what they liked about the meeting.

Tips and Suggestions

  1. Time Keeping - we have a large group of people each week, so we have to stick to a tight agenda if we want to get out on time.  So if anyone (member or guest) goes over their allotted time, they will hear a short bell ding.  If you hear this, please be seated.
  2. Business Cards - guests are encouraged to bring at least 60 business cards so each person can get one.  You are encouraged to pass the stack around the table to the right while the meeting is in progress.
  3. Promotional Materials - if you have brochures or flyers, we ask that you do not pass these around the table during the meeting.  There is a table at the sign in desk where can place them.  During your infomercial, you can tell the group you have more information on the back table.
  4. Mass Emailing - please do not grab business cards on our members for the purpose of mass emailing them after the meeting. 

After the Meeting

Please meet with anyone on our leadership team to ask questions or discuss membership.  Please plan to stay a few minutes after the meeting ends to let us get to know more about you and your business.  You are encouraged to introduce yourself, ask questions, and enjoy the networking!

See you Thursday!