May 2009 Archives - The Official BNI Podcast

May 27th, 2009

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Synopsis

Dr. Misner wants to ask listeners “What’s your BNI story?” His own favorite story is that he met his wife through BNI; that was the best referral he ever got. So today he’s sharing some stories from other BNI members. You can read more of them in BNI SuccessNet.

Tim Seitz says that BNI took his business from the verge of collapse to new heights of success in seven months.
Patty Chakales reports that 51% of her new business in Q1 2009 came from BNI referrals.
Paul Williams prevented layoffs at his company by infusing his office with the BNI mentality and refusing to participate in the recession.
Carl Frazier credits $6000/month of his income to BNI referrals.
Carolin Bennett is a second-generation BNI member; her mother was on the original BNI Board of Advisors.
Javier Unzueta has increased his income 723% as a result of joining BNI.
David Lewis got a $4.9 million referral.
Ian Holligan from Barbados says his 3 years in BNI have improved his leadership and public speaking skills.
Richard Swan wrote a BNI Song. Watch it on YouTube!

What’s your BNI story? How has BNI helped you? Post your comments here and share your story.

Brought to you by Networking Now.
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Episode 105: “Did I Miss the Memo?”

May 20th, 2009

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Synopsis

Until recently, Dr. Misner assumed that if he made an appointment with someone, he was going to be there, but there seems to be an emerging trend requiring people to confirm the appointment closer to the actual day. People have been saying “When I didn’t hear from you, I assumed it was off.”

Dr. Misner wants to state for the record that if you make an appointment with him, it’s firm, unless you hear otherwise. And he believes that should go for any BNI member: if you make an appointment, people should be able to count on you to show up.

BNI members who treat the BNI meeting like an appointment with prospects and business associates are much more likely to be successful. You don’t want to miss an appointment with your best referral partners. The chapters that understand this are the strongest.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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Episode 104: “The Networking Trick to Increase Business”

May 13th, 2009

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Synopsis

Dr. Misner developed this technique for getting referrals in the earliest days of BNI. He realized that he needed to be the “go-to” guy whenever anyone needed a referral—to anyone. He started sending the following letter to his clients three or four times a year:

“Dear _____,

I really believe in the process of referrals, so part of the service I provide is to be sure to refer my clients and associates to other qualified businesspeople in the community.

Attached is a list of areas in which I know very credible, ethical and outstanding professionals. If you’re looking for a professional in a specific area I’ve listed, please feel free to contact me. I will be glad to put you in touch with the people I know who provide these services.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ivan Misner

He didn’t include direct contact information for the professionals, because he wanted to make sure people came to him first. It worked like a charm, and people really appreciate the service.

Read Dr. Misner’s article on Entrepreneur.com.

Brought to you by Networking Now.
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Published In: Networking | Referrals
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Discussion: 4 Comments

Episode 103: “Face-to-Face vs. Online Networking”

May 6th, 2009

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Synopsis

A newspaper reporter in Stockholm put Dr. Misner on the spot about online networking, insisting that it would replace face-to-face networking. So Dr. Misner turned the tables on the reporter and asked “So why did you drive all the way out here to do this interview in person?”

Some things are better in person. Networking is one of them. Online networking is a powerful tool, but it shouldn’t be the only one we use. To build a strong personal network, you should use both online and and in-person networking. Dr. Misner is active on many online networks, but nothing beats that face-to-face process.

Even the younger people coming into business realize that face-to-face connections are important. In-person networking is not going to disappear—at least not until we can be present by holographic projection. BNI and the service it provides are here to stay.

Brought to you by Networking Now. View the entire transcript of this episode