September 2009 Archives - The Official BNI Podcast

Episode 124: “People Are Talking About You. Are You in the Conversation?”

September 30th, 2009

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Synopsis

Word of mouth marketing is always working. It just may not be working in your favor.

Online networking makes it possible to stay more engaged and guide the conversation. Because of that, you have to participate.

Go to the search engines and set up alerts for your name, your company name, the title of your book or name of your products. That way you’ll know who’s talking about you and you can get in touch with them or respond on your own blog.

If you come across a complaint, a timely offer to fix the problem can turn it into an endorsement.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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Episode 123: “Your Support Network”

September 23rd, 2009

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Synopsis

In this episode, Dr. Misner wants to talk about learning to rely on the people who respect, admire, and love you. Who are these people? Members of your support network fall into 8 categories.

Your mentors
People you have mentored
People you have helped
Your co-workers, colleagues, associates, classmates
Your family and close friends
Other members of non-business groups
Your former managers, supervisors, and instructors
Spiritual leaders and advisors

Is there anyone you would add to this list? Share your experiences with your support network in the comments on the blog.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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Episode 122: “The Strength of Your Anchor”

September 16th, 2009

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Synopsis

It’s not the anchor that holds a ship in place during a storm, but the length of chain connecting it. The captain watches the first mate to see where he needs to lay the chain to counter the winds.

This is a metaphor for BNI. How many links are there in your chain of relationships? Can you extend your chain in times when the economic winds are blowing against you? Have a one-on-one meeting with everyone in your chapter at least once a year.

Your BNI director is like the first mate on the ship, watching to see which way the wind blows and signaling which adjustments need to be made for the welfare of the group.

What are you doing to lengthen and strengthen your chain? Leave your comments here.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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Episode 121: “Fast Track with Networking Secrets”

September 9th, 2009

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Synopsis

This week Melinda McNeely and Mary Alice Griffin from the Golden Triangle Referral Group in Texas join Dr. Misner to share their experiences with the BNI Fast Track Program from del Fuego.

Here are some of the results the Golden Triangle chapter got from the 12-week Fast Track Program:

Average number of referrals per week increased from 43 to 74
Before Fast Track, 10 members were making 65% of the referrals. Now 96% of the members make at least one referral per week.
Quality of referrals has increased.
Accountability has increased.
The number of members bringing visitors is increasing.
Member report cards were an important part of this process.
“VCP” and “Wind Sprints” are now staples in the chapter’s vocabulary.

To learn more about the BNI Fast Track program, listen to Episode 108: Quantum Chapter Growth. You can order the CDs for your own chapter at www.delfuego.com/bni or find a Fast Track coach.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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Episode 120: “Welcoming Visitors to BNI”

September 2nd, 2009

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Synopsis

Dr. Misner had an experience at a restaurant in Japan that inspired today’s podcast. The waitress and all the patrons greeted every new arrival with “Welcome to the restaurant.”

Shouldn’t a networking group be just as welcoming? If BNI chapters make visitors feel welcome, visitors will return.

Sometimes a BNI group’s members can get so connected that they forget to talk to visitors. If you see that happen, share this podcast with your group.

How does your group make visitors feel welcome? Share your tips here.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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