February 3rd, 2010
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Synopsis
It’s International Networking Week! Check out our YouTube video if you haven’t seen it.
In this episode, Dr. Misner looks into his crystal ball and makes some Business (Networking) Predictions for 2010.
- The economy will improve in most countries around the world. Focus on solutions and get out of the quagmire.
- Online social networks will continue to grow in prominence—and so will the frustration of trying to convert them into viable business opportunities. VCP will not go out of style.
- Companies small and large need to create a social media strategy.
- Victims of downsizing will become active in networking groups.
- We’ll see more integration between face-to-face and online networking, e.g. BNI Connect.
- More and more companies will create websites that operate in two directions.
- Face-to-face networks will continue to grow.
- Companies that succeed in 2010 will remain agile and will focus on relationships.
Brought to you by Networking Now.
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December 9th, 2009
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Synopsis
Not all networking is about referrals. Sometimes networking is about sharing knowledge. Of course BNI can be a knowledge network, but your “think tank” can go beyond BNI. To create a knowledge network, surround yourself with these groups of people:
- People like you. They’re not the best source of referrals, but they’ll help you learn your trade.
- People who used to be in your profession.
- Authors and experts (e.g. bloggers).
- Trainers and consultants.
- Members of professional organizations. (Not necessarily the same profession you’re in.)
- Regulators. They’re a great source of information, especially about pitfalls.
BNI is working on a new online social network, BNI Connect, to help create knowledge networks within BNI.
Brought to you by Networking Now.
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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
April 22nd, 2009
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Synopsis
Dr. Misner is joined today by Jan Vermeiren, the author of Let’s Connect: a Practical Guide for Highly Effective Professional Networking. Jan’s new book, How to Really Use LinkedIn, is perfect for BNI members. Here’s how BNI members can use LinkedIn:
- A social network is like a car: you use it to reach a destination. If you don’t have a goal, the tool is worthless.
- LinkedIn lets you find shared contacts: people you and your existing contacts both know.
- LinkedIn shows you who has connections to companies you want to reach—that you never suspected
- Keep the “Givers Gain” attitude in mind when you’re online. Take time to build relationships before asking for something.
- Make sure you connect with everyone in your own BNI chapter.
- The combination of online and offline networking groups is especially powerful because it expands your potential referral network.
- You can get to know your fellow BNI members better by reading their LinkedIn profiles.
- Translate your BNI testimonials into recommendations for your fellow BNI members.
- Save your LinkedIn searches and get updates e-mailed to you.
Download a free sample of Jan’s new book.
Brought to you by Networking Now. View the entire transcript of this episode
January 7th, 2009
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Every year BNI picks a theme to help all members focus on. (The theme for 2008 was “Changing the Way the World Does Business.”) Themes are chosen from submissions from BNI members and directors.
BNI’s theme for 2009 is “Raising the Bar.” While many people are retrenching right now, BNI aims to raise the bar—economy or no economy.
We have an opportunity to focus on what we do best.
For BNI as an organization, Raising the Bar means more growth. It means focusing on the fundamentals and what we do best.
What does Raising the Bar mean for BNI members and chapters? You’re the best person to answer that, but here are a few suggestions from Dr. Misner:
- Raising your game
- Remaining action-oriented
- Using the energy of the BNI group to exceed your own standards
- Inspiring your prospects and customers through your example.
In 2009, BNI is investing the most capital ever in a single project: BNI Connect, a comprehensive online social network for BNI members. This service will connect all our chapters and make BNI truly a global network of local businesses.
Brought to you by Networking Now.
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June 25th, 2008
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Synopsis
Dr. Misner is beginning to shift his conception of BNI from “Think Globally, Act Locally” to “Local Business, Global Network.” BNI is developing its own social network, and BNI members are traveling and meeting each other in distant locations. BNI has more than 100,000 members worldwide and chapters in 40 countries.
As you see conferences announced on BNI.com, make plans to attend as many as you can. You can get million-dollar referrals at conferences. A dentist from Malaysia connected BNI member Marcus Emery to MAS Cargo at the International Member Event in Kuala Lumpur. (Watch the video here.)
You never know who your fellow BNI members are going to meet. If you surround yourself with quality professionals, the sky is the the limit on the referrals you can get. Service-based businesses are particularly well suited to doing business internationally. The key is finding each other: reach out and participate in online networks, go visit BNI chapters when traveling, and go to conferences.
Brought to you by Networking Now.
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March 5th, 2008
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Synopsis
Dr. Misner looks into his crystal ball to see the future of networking.
- Online and face-to-face networking will both continue to flourish. Dr. Misner recommends the following two online networks: Ecademy and Fast Pitch Networking.
- College and universities still won’t teach classes on networking or word-of-mouth marketing, though they might include the topic in existing courses. That leaves more room for Buffini and the Referral Institute.
- Small companies will continue to have the edge over big businesses when it comes to networking. Big companies just don’t train their employees in referral marketing.
- Expect to see more online networking options for BNI members in the next few years.
Brought to you by Networking Now.
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