BNI Education Moments are more than a weekly routine—they’re a chance to sharpen skills, strengthen relationships, and increase referrals. The most impactful Education Moments are short, practical, and immediately usable. Below are proven ideas you can rotate throughout the year to keep meetings fresh and valuable.

1. How to Ask for Better Referrals

Key message: Specific referrals beat general ones.

Teach this:
Instead of saying “I’m looking for anyone who needs my service,” teach members to say:

“I’m looking for a business owner with 5–20 employees who is struggling with ___.”

Quick activity:
Have 2–3 members rephrase their referral ask on the spot.

Why it works:
Clarity activates memory. Members remember specifics during the week.

2. The Power of the One-to-One (1-2-1)

Key message: Relationships create referrals.

Teach this:
Explain the 3 purposes of a great 1-2-1:

1. Learn what triggers referrals

2. Understand who not to refer

3. Discover how to introduce them confidently

Tip to share:
Always end a 1-2-1 with: “Who should I listen for this week?”

3. Elevator Pitches That Stick

Key message: If people don’t remember you, they can’t refer you.

Teach this simple structure:

• Who you help

• The problem you solve

• The result you create

Example:

“I help small businesses who feel invisible online get found and trusted.”

Quick activity:
Ask the chapter to vote (by show of hands) on which of two sample pitches they remember better.

4. Giving Referrals Before Expecting Them

Key message: Givers gain—when giving is intentional.

Teach this:
Referrals aren’t luck; they’re a habit.
Encourage members to set a weekly referral intention:

• Who will I listen for?

• What conversation will I start?

Mini challenge:
Ask everyone to commit to one referral action this week.

5. Follow-Up: Where Referrals Are Won or Lost

Key message: Speed + professionalism = trust.

Teach this rule:

• Contact a referral within 24 hours

• Mention the referrer’s name early

• Update the referrer afterward

Phrase to share:

“Thank you for trusting me with this referral—I’ll take great care of them.”

6. Using Testimonials to Increase Referrals

Key message: Stories sell better than features.

Teach this:
Encourage members to share one-sentence success stories during their weekly presentation.

Example:

“Last month, I helped a client save 20% in costs within 30 days.”

7. The Referral Mindset Shift

Key message: You’re not selling—you’re solving.

Teach this idea:
When members see themselves as problem-solvers instead of salespeople, referrals feel natural.

Reflection question:

“What problem do you LOVE solving for people?”

Closing Tip for Leaders

Rotate Education Moments between:

• Skills (asking, presenting, following up)

• Mindset (confidence, generosity, consistency)

• Systems (BNI tools, metrics, habits)

The best Education Moments don’t impress—they improve behavior.