BNI Business Builder

Alright, I have to ask—how many times have you gone to a networking event and thought, “Is this even working for me?” If you’re in BNI (yep, Business Network International), you know networking isn’t just about passing out business cards or shaking hands. It’s about building real, valuable connections. And the not-so-secret sauce to making all of this work for you? It’s called BNI Business Builder.

Honestly, if you haven’t used BNI Business Builder yet, you’re missing out. I felt the same when I first joined—I mean, another app? Another password? But trust me, once you know what it can actually do, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. So here’s me, walking you through this thing like a friend over coffee, sharing the shortcuts and best bits I’ve found.

What Even Is BNI Business Builder?

If you’ve heard someone mention “BNI University,” this is the same thing, just with a better name now. BNI Business Builder feels like the brain of your whole BNI experience. I use it to keep track of all my activity: when I set up a meeting with another member, when I pass or get a referral, and, honestly, when I just need a reminder about how this networking thing works best.

It’s all online (yep, there’s an app too), and it’s not just some boring tracking tool. This platform is packed with training materials, so every time I watch a quick video or listen to a podcast, I actually get better at this whole networking game.

And look, I get it—it can seem like overkill, but think of it this way: It’s like joining the gym and then actually learning how to use every machine instead of just staring at the treadmill.

How the Heck Do You Log In?

Okay, raising my hand, I totally blanked on how to log in the first couple times. So, to save you the confusion, here’s what I do:

1. Go to the site: bnibusinessbuilder.com. Simple.
2. Type in your email: Use the one you gave BNI when you signed up.
3. Can’t remember your password? Hit “Forgot Password.” Seriously, it works—I’ve done it more than once.

Once you’re in, you’ll see a dashboard. If it feels overwhelming or you’re not sure what all the buttons do, don’t stress. You don’t have to learn everything on day one. Just poke around and, trust me, you’ll figure out what you need pretty quickly.

My Favorite BNI Business Builder Features

Wondering what’s actually worth your time on here? I’ll give it to you straight—the platform does a lot, but these are my go-to spots:

1. Tracking All My Activity (The PALMS Report)

This one’s a game changer. The platform keeps a record of:

• Referrals you’ve given or received
• TYFCB (Thank You For Closed Business) stats—that’s how fellow members see your impact
• Chapter Education Units (CEUs)—I’ll talk about these in a sec
• 1-2-1 meetings you’re having

I make it a habit to log everything in after each meeting. Otherwise, you’re that person with a sad zero in the report because you forgot to log stuff—it’s just not a good look.

2. Training Library That’s Actually Practical

Maybe it’s me, but I love the training section. There’s everything from fast videos on being a great networker to full podcast episodes with industry experts. Some are by Dr. Ivan Misner himself (yup, the guy who started BNI).

So if you’re ever like, “How do I get better at my 60-second pitch?” or “What’s the best way to invite visitors?”—there’s a video for that. And here’s a pro tip: watching these actually gives you CEU credit, so your chapter sees you’re serious about self-improvement.

3. The Global Directory

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used this. If you need a contact in another state or country, plug their info into the directory and see if a BNI member can help. It’s saved me during more than one client referral situation, and you’ll look like a superhero for making things happen across the globe.

App vs. Desktop: Which Do I Use?

I’ve tried both and I’ll be honest: I use the app when I’m running between meetings, but when I want to watch training videos or really look over stats, I’ll fire up my laptop. The app is stupid-easy for logging activities—literally takes me less than a minute.

I recommend using both. Log referrals right after your meeting, then, maybe when you’re winding down in the evening, hit up a quick training session on your computer.

Boosting Your “Traffic Lights” Score

You know that “traffic lights” thing your chapter leadership talks about? It’s basically your member report card. Best way to keep your score up? Use BNI Business Builder for:

• Logging your attendance (don’t miss meetings!)
• Reporting your referrals
• Checking off some training modules—seriously, you can just listen to a podcast on your commute and rack up points

When you’re on top of these things, people start to see you as reliable, and that’s when real referrals (and closed business) start rolling in.

My Final Thoughts

Honestly, BNI Business Builder isn’t just another thing on your to-do list. Once you get into it—even for just 10–15 minutes a week—it pays you back. You’ll network smarter, give and get better referrals, and people will remember you for all the right reasons.

So do yourself (and your chapter) a favor—log in, explore, and start tracking your progress. You might just find that networking finally starts to feel easy.