BNI, which refers to itself as “the world’s largest referral organization,” hosted a networking reception last Wednesday at HSBC in Rego Park. The event was co-hosted by two local chapters, BNI Advantages and BNI Dream Team, and many curious non-members showed up to find out if BNI is the right group for them.

“It doesn’t matter what part of the world you live in. Everyone in the business world speaks the same language: business referrals,” said Tim Houston, BNI area director for the NYC Outer Boroughs Region. “And that’s what BNI is all about.”

According to Houston, BNI has over 123,000 members in 43 countries around the world.

He added, “What’s great about BNI is you have blue-collar professionals working with white-collar professionals working with no-collar professionals.” He described the latter as those individuals who hold unconventional jobs like artists and yoga instructors.

There’s one catch—only one person per professional specialty can join each chapter. The reason, Houston said, is to prevent internal competition. There are five existing Queens chapters, but several others are in the formation process.

Dion Morant, president of the newly formed BNI Dream Team, said the group met for about a year before it officially became a chapter. In that short time, however, networking proved extremely valuable to Morant, who works for Liberty Mutual. He estimated about 10 to 15%percent of his business comes from BNI referrals.

Another example of networking at work: BNI was able to book the reception space at no cost because Bernard Dolington, a member of BNI Dream Team, is branch manager of the Rego Park HSBC.

“I wanted to surround myself with business professionals. I have gotten qualified business referrals that have resulted in booked business,” said Dolington. “And why not? I have the space.”

Houston cited BNI’s philosophy as words to live by: givers gain. He explained it as individuals giving business freely in hopes of receiving business.

“We have to trust each other and trust takes time. That’s what we see here within this organization,” said Houston. “BNI is one of the world’s best kept secrets in business development.”