Dr. Misner joins us from Big Bear this week, where he and his co-authors are working on Business Networking and Sex—Not What You Think.
A few months ago Dr. Misner met someone at an event who asked him a question he wasn’t prepared for: “What’s the most amazing thing that has happened to you today?”
There are several good things about this question:
It invites a positive answer
It’s specific
It forces you to think
Readers of Dr. Misner’s Business Networking Blog had some other good suggestions for conversation-starting questions, such as “What’s the next thing you’re looking forward to?” or “If you hadn’t decided to come to this event, where would you be instead?”
What are your great questions? Post them in the comments.
Dr. Misner has just returned from BNI’s global conference in Malaysia to tell us about BNI’s traditions. In this episode, we hear about the first half of the chapter; the second have comes in Episode 59.
The Mission of BNI
Any discussion of BNI’s traditions has to begin with the mission: to help members increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional word-of-mouth program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals. It’s important to remember that because people often suggest that BNI should be doing other things, which are good things, but not part of the mission.
The Philosophy
BNI accomplishes its mission through the philosophy of “Givers Gain:” when you contribute to the success of others, that will contribute to you. That’s why every new member gets a copy of the book. Dr. Misner illustrates this with a story of a prize-winning Nebraska farmer who won the State Fair four years in a row by giving away his specially developed seed to his neighbor.
Training and Education
This is one of the most important traditions of BNI. BNI spends hundreds of thousands of person-hours a year training members, and that’s one of the main reasons BNI is the world’s most successful networking association. Participate in as many trainings as possible.
Keeping the Fun in the Fundamentals
Never forget about having fun. Chapters that have fun are always the strongest. Meeting stimulants can really help with this. Try the NAT Radio exercise, or the candy bar exercise. Talk to your leadership team if you’re not familiar with these.
A Meeting He Had With Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup For The Soul) Where They Talked About The Idea Of An “Act As If. . . ” Party That A BNI Group Was Interested In Conducting
The Blog On This Topic Can Be Found At This Entrepreneur URL: Act As If Party Blog
BNI Chapters Should Try This Idea At Their Meetings!
Listen To This Podcast For Information On How Your BNI Group Can Do An Act As If.. Party!
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