Networking » The Official BNI Podcast

Episode 311: Why People Resist Networking

June 19th, 2013

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Synopsis

Though most of the people who listen to this podcast don’t resist networking, it’s important to understand why others might resist it, in spite of the fact that other forms of marketing and advertising can be cost-prohibitive. Dr. Misner asked BNI members why they thought people resisted the benefits of networking and got more than 100 replies. There were four main categories of response:

Lack of confidence/shyness.
Lack of time/need to give up another activity.
Want immediate results/impatient.
Don’t want to be sold to/don’t want to sell.

Do you know of other reasons to resist networking? Post them in the comments.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Networking
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Discussion: 2 Comments

Episode 310: Ask Your Own Questions (Rebroadcast)

June 12th, 2013

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This is a rebroadcast of Episode 83.

Synopsis

Dr. Misner recorded this episode from the International Directors’ Conference for BNI in Long Beach, California. It’s almost like being at a UN meeting: at least 39 countries are represented. All BNI members are welcome to attend.

Here are some questions you can ask when you’re meeting someone for the first time. Remember not to do this as an interrogation. Your goal is to get people to open up.

What do you do? How does that work?
Who’s in your target market?
What do you like most about what you do?
What’s new in your industry?
What sets you apart from your competition?
Why did you start your business?
Where is your business located?
What’s your most popular product or service?
How do you generate most of your business?
What’s a good referral for you?
What’s the biggest challenge for you in your business?

Suggested reading: Bob Burg’s Endless Referrals.

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

Published In: 29% Solution | Networking
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Episode 305: Networking Is Simple, but NOT Easy (Rebroadcast)

May 8th, 2013

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This is a rebroadcast of Episode 64.

Synopsis

This episode is based on a blog post Dr. Misner wrote. Successful networking isn’t about what you know, it’s about what you do.

Ignorance on fire is better than knowledge on ice. The only thing more powerful is knowledge on fire.

Networking is a skill that looks simple but takes constant effort to apply. Success is the uncommon application of common knowledge.

The assignment for everyone listening to this podcast is to think of one idea that you’ve read or heard over the past year that you wanted to apply to life but never got around to doing—and do it in the next seven days.

Then come back and post a comment about what it was and what you did.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

Podcast intro recorded by Tony Wolfe. View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Networking
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Discussion: 3 Comments

Episode 301: Capture Your Success Stories (Rebroadcast)

April 10th, 2013

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This is a rebroadcast of Episode 88.

Synopsis

Dr. Misner calls in from Hawaii to talk about how to share your success stories without bragging. Telling your success stories is vital to the growth of your business. Here are five ways to do this.

Ask for written testimonials. (Write samples to help clients get started.)
Write down two success stories that represent your preferred client and your strongest work.
Write a personal introduction for your network to use when making referrals.
Toot your own horn. Tell people about the good things your business does.
When someone gives you a testimonial at a BNI meeting, write it down and ask them for permission to use it.

Feel free to tell us which of these you’ve done, and how they worked.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

Podcast intro recorded by Tony Wolfe. View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Networking | Testimonials
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Discussion: 4 Comments

Episode 299: Connecting with a Top Executive

March 27th, 2013

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Synopsis

Dr. Misner received this question from a BNI member. (Keep those questions coming!)

“I’ve reached out to my group to make a connection with the CEO of a startup company that I know I can help. So far, my members don’t have a connection inside the company. Other than a cold call, what would you suggest is the best way to contact the CEO?”

Cold calls are definitely not recommended. Keep plugging away with your chapter and also connect with your own personal network and with BNI Connect.

Be laser specific about who you want to meet when you give your 30-second infomercial: “I am looking to meet Sam Smith at XYZ company. Does anyone know Sam? Does anyone know someone who works at XYZ company?”

Ask your leadership team about doing the Reciprocity Ring exercise.

This may take time. It took Dr. Misner the better part of a year to connect with Harvey Mackay. Finally one day a BNI member who was driving Dr. Misner to the airport said “I know Harvey. In fact, I know his assistant very well. I’d be glad to make an introduction.” That was all it took to get in the door.

Just a reminder that you never know who they know. Be specific and be persistent, and eventually you’ll succeed.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

Podcast intro recorded by Tony Wolfe.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Networking
SOLUTIONS FOCUSED COMMENTS ARE WELCOME
Discussion: 1 Comment - Post Your Comment

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