The Official BNI Podcast

Episode 241: Online Networks Lag Behind

February 1st, 2012

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Synopsis

According to one of the surveys conducted for Business Networking and Sex—Not What You Think, referral networks have an 82.8% success rate in terms of generating business, while online networks only have a 27.4% success rate. (See graph below.)

Types of Organizations by Success in Networking

One reason for this might be that many entrepreneurs don’t have a plan for their online networking. If you’re not sure how to use networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and BNI Connect to your advantage, ask one of the many social media experts in BNI.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Online Networking
SOLUTIONS FOCUSED COMMENTS ARE WELCOME
Discussion: 4 Comments

Back to top

Episode 225: Five Tips for Using LinkedIn

October 5th, 2011

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Synopsis

LinkedIn is the top site for online business networking. There’s an official BNI group there, where members can share ideas with each other.

Here are some ways you can get more out of LinkedIn.

  1. Connect with more people through your second and third level connections.
  2. Participate in groups, which allow you to communicate with people you aren’t directly connected to.
  3. Capitalize on the search engine optimization value of LinkedIn in your profile
  4. Connect LinkedIn with Twitter for cross-promotion.
  5. Build and enhance your credibility with recommendations, publications, and work history.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Online Networking
SOLUTIONS FOCUSED COMMENTS ARE WELCOME
Discussion: 6 Comments

Back to top

Episode 224: The Value of BNI Connect

September 28th, 2011

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

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.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Online Networking | Special Guests
SOLUTIONS FOCUSED COMMENTS ARE WELCOME
Discussion: 6 Comments

Back to top

Episode 213: “Networking with Social Media”

July 13th, 2011

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Synopsis

Social media expert Gail Nott of Nott Limited joins Dr. Misner today to talk about networking with social media. The three main topics are Setting Boundaries, Connecting with Your Top 3 Referral Partners, and Asking for Introductions.

Setting Boundaries

Gail recommends a 90/10 split between business and personal information posted to social networks that you use for business. And remember that anything that you post online is part of a public record and can affect your business reputation.

Connect with Your Top 3 Referral Partners

It’s easy to get overwhelmed and spend too much time on social media. Concentrate on your top three referral sources. Comment on their pages and keep up with their profiles. You can move on to your top three clients and top three prospects.

Ask for Introductions

Don’t forget the VCP process when you’re networking online. Let relationships grow and then ask your closest referral partners to introduce you to new groups or prospects.

Chances are, you have a social media-savvy member in your BNI chapter, but if not, get in touch with Gail at GailNott.com.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Online Networking | Special Guests
SOLUTIONS FOCUSED COMMENTS ARE WELCOME
Discussion: 10 Comments

Back to top

Episode 193: “The BNI Connect Vision”

February 23rd, 2011

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Synopsis

Note: The podcast refers to www.bniconnect.com.  However, currently the website to go to is www.bniconnectglobal.com.

As of January 2011 51% of BNI members are members of Gen X and Gen Y: people born after 1965. This is a connected, tech-savvy population. Hence BNI has made a decision to combine online and face-to-face networking.

Here are some of the benefits to the new BNI Connect system:

  • A uniform database system worldwide
  • A uniformity of brand worldwide
  • Increase member retention
  • Increase results for chapters

The basic business model of BNI will not change. BNI chapters will continue to meet face to face on a weekly basis. BNI Connect makes it possible for local businesses to have a true global  network. There are three legs to this stool:

  1. Database of members around the globe
  2. Websites for chapters (you can point existing chapter domains there)
  3. Social network with free “My BNI” page for members

Ask your local executive director to find out when your chapter is scheduled for transition to BNI Connect.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Online Networking
SOLUTIONS FOCUSED COMMENTS ARE WELCOME
Discussion: 12 Comments

Back to top

Older Articles
Read Dr. Ivan Misner's Bio

Podcast Email Alerts

Sign up to receive weekly announcements of upcoming podcast topics.

constant contact button

Subscribe Here

Subscribe for free to the The Official BNI Podcast Feed, sponsored by NetworkingNow.com.

Learn How To Subscribe Free

Subscribe with iTunes

Subscribe to this Podcast with SlapDashRadio.

Categories

Past Episodes

Ivan Misner on Twitter

BNI Products

Home | Contact
Back to top

The Official BNI Podcast is produced by Live Oak Studio, a BNI Member, in conjuction with the Podcast Asylum.

Copyright © 2012 BNI. All Rights Reserved. | Visit BNI.com
Legal Notices | Privacy Policy