Synopsis

Dr. Misner first learned the expression “Perfect practice makes perfect” from his sensei when studying the martial arts. If you don’t do your best when you practice, you won’t improve your skill. A master pianist gives as much to his practice as to his concert performances.

You can’t expect to become a master networker if you don’t give your all every time you give your 60-second commercial or give a presentation. Be prepared and present yourself at your absolute best.

Perfect practice doesn’t have to be absolute perfection—only your best. A little bit of preparation can help you practice your networking.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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 BNI 069 Perfect Practice Makes Perfect [8:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Synopsis

Today’s podcast focuses on the theme “Taking the hard path often makes life easier, and taking the easy path often makes life harder.” When a BNI group takes the easy path and doesn’t hold members accountable, the chapter struggles. Groups that work hard to maintain attendance and quality referrals flourish. If you do the hard work up front, in the long run, it’s easier to keep your group going.

Ask yourself: Are you practicing hard/easy or easy/hard in your life? What about your BNI group? Share your experiences with taking the hard path or the easy path in the comments here.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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 BNI 068 The Hard Path Is Easier [8:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Synopsis

Dr. Misner reports from BNI’s executive retreat in Big Bear.

Today’s podcast is based on an article Dr. Misner published on Entrepreneur.com.

When you get a referral, sit down with the person who gave you the referral and ask a few questions. The more you can find about your prospect before you call them, the better your chances. The best referral you can get includes a testimonial or introduction from the referrer. Ask for that introduction. It will bring you a lot closer to that closed sale.

Follow up with the referral, but follow up with the referral source first.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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 BNI 067 Referral Doesn't Mean Closed Sale [10:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Synopsis

This week, Dr. Misner invites you to take the surveys at BNI.com, then print the results and bring them to your meeting. Here are a few results of the surveys:

• 75% of respondents network for new business, while only 8% chose education as their primary objective.
• Compare the results of “Where does most of your business come from?” with the results of “Have you ever taken a college course that covered networking or word-of-mouth marketing?”
• 54% of respondents got 3/4 or more of their business from referrals.

Go to BNI.com and add your vote.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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 BNI 066 Networking Surveys [10:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download