In this BNI Education Slot, Jarek Borgul delivers a clear and important reminder to members: renewal in BNI is not automatic. Simply paying the invoice does not guarantee that a membership will continue. Renewal is a formal process, and it exists to ensure that every member remains aligned with the standards, contribution levels and culture of their chapter.

https://youtu.be/2ZRdQCw00h8

Jarek explains that the renewal process is designed to keep performance transparent and consistent across the chapter. It gives both the leadership team and the membership committee the opportunity to review how each member is progressing and whether their membership is working not only for themselves, but also for the wider group.

Seven months into a membership term, a review takes place. A member of the leadership team or membership committee arranges a meeting to go through the member’s PALMS report. Attendance, referrals given and received, overall participation, absences and sickness are all considered. Education is also reviewed, including podcast engagement and training hours completed. Central to the discussion is the Givers Gain® ratio, ensuring there is balance between what a member contributes and what they receive. The philosophy is simple: a strong chapter is built on contribution.

Renewal approval depends on whether a member is considered to be in good standing. Attendance plays a significant role, with four absences acting as a trigger for further review within the leadership and membership teams. Referral activity is another major factor, as active contribution to fellow members is fundamental to the BNI model. Cultural contribution is also considered, including how involved a member is and whether they positively influence the growth and spirit of the chapter.

A key message in the talk is the importance of timing. Members must apply for renewal at least 30 days before their membership expires. This allows sufficient time for review and avoids unnecessary risk. However, Jarek strongly recommends applying 45 days before expiry, describing it as the golden window. Applying early ensures that any questions can be resolved smoothly and prevents last-minute issues.

If a renewal application is submitted late, a member’s category may be opened, meaning their seat is no longer protected. Another professional could potentially apply for that position within the chapter. Approval is not guaranteed, and the process is deliberate.

Jarek’s overall message is proactive responsibility. Renewal is not simply about payment; it is about performance, participation and contribution. Members who understand the process and prepare early put themselves in the strongest possible position to continue their BNI journey without disruption.

Full Transcript

(00:15) Today I’d like to refresh your memory on the renewal process for your membership. I’m going to hand out a sheet for you just to act as maybe a kind of leaflet. Can you pass them on please for me?

(00:43) So this will tell you roughly what the process is, but in a nutshell, like everywhere else, if you’re holding your seat in BNI, periodically it needs renewing. It’s a process that allows everybody to be up to date with their performance. It allows the membership committee and the leadership team to assess how we’re all doing, how we’re getting on, and where we’re at.

(01:10) In our case, seven months into your membership, one of the members from either the leadership team or the membership committee will arrange an appointment with you to look at your PALMS report — how many meetings you’ve attended, how many referrals you’ve given and received, and how your overall performance is. They will also look at any absences or sickness.

(01:42) We’re also going to be looking at your education within BNI specifically. So how many podcasts you’ve listened to or how many hours of training you’ve completed. Another important element in your review is going to be the Givers Gain® ratio — how many referrals you’ve given and how many referrals you’ve received. This is to make sure the sheets are balanced, to make sure that what you give is also received, and to encourage you to give as much as you can. Obviously, your membership needs to be working for you, but it also needs to work for the chapter.

(02:05) So that’s the seven-month review. Seven months into your membership, someone will meet with you and discuss all of this. Another important thing to mention is your renewal isn’t automatic. The fact you pay the invoice for your membership in BNI doesn’t mean automatic renewal. You will only be accepted to renew if you are a good member of the chapter.

(02:32) That means you have to have good attendance. As we all know, four absences typically trigger, in our case, an attendance review and potentially a vote within the leadership team and membership committee. Another factor that will be looked at during your application is whether you bring referrals into the chapter. Obviously, being a good member means bringing referrals in as well as receiving them.

(03:00) That’s going to be another element looked at during the application process. And lastly, contributing to the chapter culture. What kind of member are you? Are you someone who is involved in the chapter? Are you someone who helps the chapter grow?

(03:25) In order to renew, you have to apply for renewal at least 30 days beforehand — 30 days before your membership expires. This gives everybody a chance to review your application and make sure it’s completed properly. If you’re late with your renewal application, technically your category could be opened and your seat would no longer be protected.

(03:54) So if your category is opened, anybody could apply. We could have a visitor, we could have a guest, we could have a friend of a member of the chapter who’s keen to get in, and your category might be open. Also, the 30 days are important because the leadership team and membership committee need to review the application.

(04:13) Because, like I mentioned, application approval isn’t automatic. You need to give them — you need to give us — a chance to review the application and approve it if that’s going to be the case.

(04:38) So I handed out the sheets for you which give you the process in brief, as well as a list of the boxes that should be helpful for you to look at before your renewal process. One of them says check when your renewal is due. The other one is important to remind you to apply for your renewal about 45 days before the due date to give everybody a chance to review the application and maybe get in touch with you to make sure everything is correct and everything is working for you.

(05:00) So 45 days would be a golden time. Thirty days is the minimum before you need to apply and give us a chance to come back to you with any questions if there were any. So thank you. Hopefully that’s helpful.