UPDATING YOUR SPECILALTY

1. Log into www.bniconnectglobal.com (this can't be done in the mobile app currently)
2. Click on your name in the upper right then MY ACCOUNT
3. Click on EDIT under the PROFESSIONAL DETAILS section
4. Update the REQUESTED SPECIALTY FIELD
5. Click Update

The Specialty field is an additional profile field designed to help members further describe their business focus. It is important to note that this field does not replace or modify a member’s official Industry or Classification, nor does it bypass any existing approval processes, including those for Strategic Allies.

What the Specialty Field Is

• A third, separate field alongside Industry and Classification
• A short, descriptive label that provides additional context about a member’s work
• Similar in purpose to the “My Business” description, but more concise and visible directly on the profile

Why This Feature Was Introduced

BNI receives a high volume of requests to create, split, or refine classifications. As industries evolve, maintaining a detailed and globally standardized list of subcategories is not scalable.

This challenge is especially common in larger chapters, where members often specialize within broad classifications. For example:

• Residential Real Estate may vary by geography, property type, or transaction focus
• AI Consulting may include a wide range of distinct services and specialties

These distinctions are often highly specific and not well-suited for a fixed dropdown structure.

How the Specialty Field Helps

The Specialty field provides flexibility for members and chapters to reflect these nuances without formally changing classifications. It allows members to:

• Clarify their specific focus within a broader category
• Improve visibility of their expertise to other members
• Reduce friction around category definitions and overlaps

In many cases, this added clarity can help reinforce—not blur—category boundaries.

Oversight and Notifications

• The Specialty field has been pre-populated with each member’s current classification
• If a member updates this field, the Membership Committee is automatically notified
• This ensures committees remain informed without needing to actively monitor profile changes