August 2010 Archives - The Official BNI Podcast

Episode 169: “Need Advice? Your Network Can Help.”

August 25th, 2010

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Synopsis

When Dr. Misner started BNI, he didn’t really think of it as a “knowledge network,” but your fellow BNI members can be a great source of knowledge as well as referrals. Here are some tips for getting advice from your BNI network.

Ask about something they enjoy talking about, an area they have expertise in.
Listen carefully. Pay attention. Take it seriously. Write it down.
Direct your questions toward what your network member says in conversation.
Have a logical reason for wanting the information.
Don’t ask for advice that people would otherwise charge for.
Ask clarifying questions, but don’t debate or argue.

Priscilla’s chapter has a Yahoo! group where members share tips and information. Your group might benefit from a mailing list or forum, too.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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Episode 168: “Fast Tracking Your Way to Success”

August 18th, 2010

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Synopsis

This week Tom Fleming, Executive Director of BNI West Central Florida, joins Dr. Misner on the podcast. The average number of members per chapter in Tom’s region of 40 chapters is thirty-eight.

Tom initially hesitated to implement Fast Track in his region because he’s on the CDs and didn’t want to appear to be promoting himself. But he saw the results the program was getting in other regions, and decided that he couldn’t deprive Tampa Bay BNI members of improvements to their referrals and thank you for close of business.

Tom chose to sell Fast Track into their chapters through referrals, by starting with one chapter and letting its members recommend it to others.

Tom created a script for facilitators to use to roll the Fast Track program out to the membership, and advises all BNI directors to do the same. BNI members need to know—and to remember—why they’re participating in this program. This is about Members Making More Money.

Get the BNI Fast Track program (BNI Networking Secrets) from Del Fuego.

Brought to you by Ask Ivan Misner.

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Episode 167: “Ask the Right Questions”

August 11th, 2010

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Synopsis

August 11th is the BNI Staff Day at Dr. Misner’s house in Big Bear.

People like to talk about themselves; giving them the time to tell their own stories is more likely to result in a genuine connection. Here are five good questions to ask in your first conversation with a new person.

What do you like most about what you do?
What led you into that field?
Where else do you network?
What are some of your biggest challenges?
How can I help you?

Brought to you by Ask Ivan Misner.

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Published In: Networking
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Episode 166: “Competition? No Worries.”

August 4th, 2010

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Synopsis

People sometimes come to Dr. Misner and ask about how to deal with competitors. His philosophy is best summed up by Henry Ford: “The competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his own business better all the time.”

Everyone has competition, but it’s a waste of time to focus on it. Just go on making your own business the best.

Some people think this philosophy contradicts BNI’s policy of having only one member per profession in a BNI group, but it’s not an either-or scenario. BNI is supposed to be a safe environment where people can share openly, and that’s not likely to happen if a direct competitor is sitting next to you and taking notes.

When you encounter a competitor, look for opportunities to collaborate rather than competing. It will make both of you more successful. An example: Priscilla’s BNI group, No Ordinary Chapter, is a member of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce.

Read Dr. Misner’s blog post about competition on Entrepreneur.com.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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