About us
22 years of Wednesday mornings
BNI Eastern launched on 2 November 2004 and has been meeting in Melbourne's east ever since. We are part of BNI Melbourne East, one of thousands of BNI chapters worldwide running the same proven model.
Givers Gain
The principle the whole thing runs on
What makes BNI different
Give first
If I give you business, you will want to give me business. That is the entire philosophy, and it is why the room feels different to a networking drinks event.
Exclusivity makes it work
Only one member per profession. There is no competitive tension, so members share contacts freely instead of guarding them.
Relationships, then referrals
Members meet one to one between meetings. You cannot recommend someone you do not understand, so the chapter invests the time.
Measured, not vague
Referrals given, visitors brought, business closed and attendance are all tracked. Members are accountable to each other for showing up and contributing.
How the chapter is run
Chapters are run by their members, with support from BNI.
A president, vice president and secretary treasurer are elected from the membership and rotate. They run the meeting, manage membership and keep the chapter accountable to its numbers.
Patricia Callinan supports the chapter on behalf of BNI Melbourne East, coaching the leadership team and helping the chapter grow.
Reviews every application, checks references and protects the standard of the chapter. Membership is by application and vote, not by turning up with a cheque.
Looks after guests on the morning so nobody stands around not knowing anyone. If you visit, someone will be expecting you.
Chapter details
- Chapter name
- BNI Eastern
- Region
- BNI Melbourne East (Melbourne East, Victoria)
- Launched
- 2 November 2004
- Members
- 25
- Meeting day
- Every Wednesday
- Meeting time
- Doors 6:30am, meeting 6:45am to 8:30am
- Meeting type
- In person
- Venue
- Canterbury International Hotel, 326 Canterbury Rd, Forest Hill VIC 3131
- Feature presentations
- 2 per meeting
- Director consultant
- Patricia Callinan
- Language
- English (Australia)
About BNI
BNI (Business Network International) was founded in 1985 and is the world's largest business referral organisation, with chapters across more than 70 countries. Members meet weekly, hold one seat per profession, and pass each other qualified referrals. BNI Eastern is one chapter within BNI Melbourne East.
See it for yourself
Nothing on this page beats sitting in the room on a Wednesday morning.