BNI Traffic Lights

BNI is a marketing program. Like every marketing program, measurement of results is integral. At the chapter level we measure internal and external referrals, numbers of visitors and referral revenue. At the franchise level we are measured on number of members, average chapter size, number of new chapters, and retention.

The BNI traffic lights management assessment tool is the assessment tool used to measure Key Success Factors (KSFs) for BNI franchises around the world. The system categorizes franchises as Black, Red, Amber and Green.

So, it makes sense to apply the same assessment tool at the chapter level because all levels of BNI are tied directly to each other. What is, or has, happened in your chapter, just multiply it by 29 and that’s what’s happening in the region. And that’s what BNI Canada and BNI Headquarters in California assesses.

The BNI Golden Horseshoe region has been assessed as Green in the past, but mostly we’re in Amber and have been in Red a couple of times. This assessment is done quarterly on a global basis. (I enjoy the Green phase more than the Red.)

So let’s have a look at the traffic lights for chapters.

The number of referral partners is the first measure because everything follows from that. If there is no one in the room, then activity really doesn’t matter. Once there are people in the room, then the team emphasis becomes dependant on how many are in the room.

Like this:

I’d like to be very clear as we begin to use the Traffic Lights system - at fewer than 20 members BNI still works. BNI statistics show that $9,500 will be generated per member per year (a 21 times return on investment).

BUT at 25+ IT’S SO MUCH EASIER and YOU MAKE MORE MONEY ($31,000 per member per year on average). With more than 25 members on the team, there are many more people to refer to; there are many more people to get referrals from; there are many more people to manage and support; and there are enough people to get Power Teams active and profitable. It just works with much greater ease.

Over the next few months, we’ll continue to implement the BNI Traffic Lights Agenda with every chapter. I think this is the most significant concept we’re ever shared in BNI. The feedback already has been absolutely positive. The future is wide open.