{
  "id": 19885021,
  "title": "Even billionaires need human connections in AI age: Business Network International CEO",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/even-billionaires-need-human-connections-in-ai-age-business-network",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-13T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times Business",
    "slug": "straits-times-business",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/even-billionaires-will-need-human-connections-in-ai-age-business-network-international-ceo"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "While artificial intelligence’s potential to replace jobs worries many, a new view is emerging: AI-driven workforce disruption is sparking a rise in solo entrepreneurs, or \"solopreneurs.\" These one-person businesses could soon see a billionaire within five years, thanks to AI handling tasks like accounting and marketing that once required large organizations. However, even these tech-savvy solo operators will need human connections to thrive, according to Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of Business Network International (BNI), the world's largest business referral and networking organization. AI's increasing power and prevalence make human connections even more vital, as people tend to do business with those they know and trust, and face-to-face interactions build that trust. Thompson believes BNI can help AI-related companies establish credibility through human connections, as people will want proof points that organisations like BNI can provide. The organisation has noticed a younger demographic joining its ranks, with some chapters now consisting entirely of business owners aged 30 and below in locations like Singapore and the US. With its global reach spanning 78 countries, BNI's local chapters typically consist of around 35 business owners from various industries who meet weekly to share customer leads and network. Founded in 1985, the organisation has evolved from a financial and property-focused network to now encompass over 2,000 diverse industries in Singapore alone. BNI members benefit from an impressive return on investment, with an average of $71 (S$91) in closed business for every dollar spent on dues. The global BNI network generated over 17 million referrals and roughly $27 billion in member-to-member business over the past year. In addition to facilitating business development, BNI equips entrepreneurs with connection-building skills needed for successful company scaling, with weekly chapter meetings serving as regular practice for members to hone their storytelling abilities. During the Covid-19 pandemic, members in sectors like manufacturing and export of goods received crucial support from their chapters and the wider organisation in navigating tariffs imposed by the US government. Despite its secretive nature, BNI relies on word-of-mouth growth to expand its membership base.",
  "summary": "Workforce disruption is giving rise to more solopreneurs, says chief of business referral and networking organisation.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}