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The BNI UK Podcast
Episode 1 - Pure BNI: Structure, Values, and Getting ROI from Your Membership
In this episode of The BNI UK Podcast, Ed Nell turns the mic on national director Mike Holman to unpack what makes “pure BNI” work: a clear agenda, core values, and doing the basics beautifully so members see a real return on investment. Mike traces his 25-year journey from golf-club manager and BNI member to franchise owner and now national director, sharing how the system, structure and community fuel confidence, learning and growth for business.
Key Takeaways
Pure BNI = nothing added, nothing taken away. Chapters that run the standard agenda simply and well see the best results: focus, structure, and consistency are the differentiators in professional networking.
Set goals and measure ROI. Treat BNI as part of your marketing strategy: decide what “good” looks like for the first 12 months, then align your activity to hit those targets in lead generation, business development, and qualified leads.
VCP: visibility → credibility → profitability. Get to meetings early, network, and present well to build trust and open the door to warm introductions and strategic partnerships.
Do quality 1-2-1s using the GAINS profile. Structure your conversations around Goals, Accomplishments, Interests, Networks and Skills to find referral opportunities faster in b2b networking and local networking.
Dress for the referrals you want. Treat every chapter meeting like a client meeting; show up prepared and professional to inspire confidence when members introduce you.
Inviting visitors: think giving first. Start with people you can pass work to; generosity increases engagement and reciprocity in a referral-led community.
BNI is like a gym. Results come from consistent participation, meetings, 1-2-1s, and training, not from just joining.
Core values matter. “Givers Gain®,” traditions and innovation, and lifelong learning run from chapters to global leadership. This culture underpins effective community building.
Key Moments
“VCP: to be profitable, you need to be credible; to be credible, you must be visible.” (Show up early, present clearly, ask for specific introductions, create warm introductions.)
“Use the GAINS profile for better 1-2-1s.” (A practical framework for referral networking in b2b networking.)
“Invite by giving: think who you can pass business to first, people turn up when there’s potential work.”
About BNI
BNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format.
Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/index
The BNI UK Podcast is produced by The Media Insiders
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The BNI UK Podcast Trailer
01:09|Welcome to the BNI UK Podcast, the show for business networking, referral marketing and small business growth. If you’re an entrepreneur, SME owner, consultant or local business leader who wants more leads, better clients and stronger business relationships, you’re in the right place.BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest business networking organisation, built on one simple idea: relationships create opportunities. In BNI chapters across the UK, members meet regularly, build trust, and help one another grow through structured introductions and qualified business referrals. The philosophy is Givers Gain®: when you actively give, support and connect others, you earn credibility, and that credibility turns into measurable success.Hosted by Mike Holman, National Director of BNI UK, this series goes behind the scenes of what makes networking actually work. Each episode features conversations with top-performing BNI UK members sharing real success stories, practical networking tips, and the habits that drive consistent referral generation. You’ll learn how to ask for referrals without feeling pushy, how to pass high-value referrals that build your reputation, and how to create memorable weekly presentations and 1-2-1 meetings that lead to genuine opportunities.We’ll explore the core values that power BNI: Givers Gain®, Lifelong Learning and Recognition. Expect clear, actionable advice on lead generation through networking, building strategic partnerships, improving your business development skills, and turning a contact into a long-term customer. You’ll also hear how members invite visitors, grow their chapters, use training and accountability, and maximise the full range of BNI membership benefits.Whether you’re new to networking, returning to in-person meetings, or searching “how to get more clients” or “how to grow a small business”, this podcast will help you build a network you can rely on. If you’re considering joining BNI, you’ll get a straight-talking overview of how BNI works, what happens in a chapter meeting, and why trust, consistency and giving first are the fastest route to sustainable business growth.You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room. BNI is networking for introverts and extroverts alike because it’s a proven system: learn how to network, build visibility, and develop a referral mindset over time. Members track results, celebrate wins, and recognise the people who help others succeed. From trades and property to professional services, health, finance and tech, the focus is the same: show up, add value, and grow together.Hit play on this trailer to hear what to expect from the BNI UK Podcast.About BNIBNI is the world’s largest referral networking organisation. Local chapters meet weekly with a proven agenda based on Givers Gain®, helping members build credibility, share qualified referrals and grow revenue. With training, 1-2-1s and clear metrics, BNI turns business networking into predictable results for SMEs and professionals. Visit as a guest to experience the format.Find Out More: https://bni.co.uk/en-GB/index