BNI was started in January 1985 by Ivan R. Misner, Ph.D. BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for business people to grow their businesses through word of mouth marketing. Since 1985 BNI members have exchanged millions of referrals which have resulted in excess of $13.6 Billion dollars in business. Being a member of BNI is like having sales people working for you every day who market your product or service. BNI's sole purpose is to provide a structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals. If referrals are an important part of your business, then BNI is the organization for you.