September 2011 Archives - The Official BNI Podcast

September 28th, 2011

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Synopsis

Kathryn Lodal from BNI San Diego joins Dr. Misner today to talk about her chapter’s use of BNI Connect. Members can share ideas and best processes, and can also use it for referrals.

People everywhere want to do business with BNI members. BNI Connect enables members from all over the world to refer business to you—but only if you fill out your profile with your contact information. Make sure that people looking for someone in your industry can find your address, phone number, website, and e-mail. You can also upload a photo of yourself and your business logo. The more complete your profile, the better your results will be.

If you don’t know how to fill out your BNI Connect profile, ask your local Executive Director.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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Episode 223: The Hard Path Is Easier (Rebroadcast)

September 21st, 2011

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Synopsis

This show was originally broadcast as Episode 68.

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.

Complete Transcription of BNI Podcast Episode 068 – View the entire transcript of this episode

Episode 222: Why Do People Leave?

September 14th, 2011

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Synopsis

If your chapter seems to lose a lot of members, start doing exit interviews, and don’t just take the first exit. Use semantic differentiation to get at the real reasons. There’s an exit interview sample in the BNI director binder.

One of the biggest reasons people leave is a personality conflict within the group. If several people have had problems with a particular member, get rid of the problem member rather than losing the members who contribute more.

20% of turnover across chapters is due to factors beyond the control of the chapters. People move, retire, experience health problems or family crises. Many associations, even of fanatically loyal members, experience 40% turnover annually.

So how do you keep people in? Create an environment where people want to be. Focus on accountability and referrals, and you’ll keep turnover low.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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Episode 221: Your Business 101

September 7th, 2011

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Synopsis

A BNI member recently asked Dr. Misner how to promote second tier (outside) referrals, because the other members of his chapter weren’t likely to use his services directly.

The truth is that if you only focus on the referrals that are sitting there in the room, you’re going to limit your success. The network beyond the network is what matters. Everyone needs the second tier referrals.

To get those referrals, you have to train members in how to refer you. Specific is terrific for “Your Business 101.” Pick topics for your 30-second pitch at the meeting each week, the way you would create a training curriculum. Bring photos, testimonials, brochures.

Think about how this applies to your business. Sit down and think of four topics, then break each of those four down into 2-3 sub-topics. Post your topics here—and use them at your meetings. You’ll get many more referrals.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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