BNI Connect - The Official BNI Podcast

Episode 224: The Value of BNI Connect

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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Published In: Online Networking | Special Guests
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Discussion: 6 Comments

Episode 193: “The BNI Connect Vision”

February 23rd, 2011

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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:

Database of members around the globe
Websites for chapters (you can point existing chapter domains there)
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.

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Published In: Online Networking
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Discussion: 12 Comments

Episode 154: “25 Years of BNI”

May 12th, 2010

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Synopsis

This year BNI celebrates its 25th anniversary. In 25 years, the organization has gone from a spare room in Ivan’s house to a multi-national with more than 1000 employees worldwide. Last year BNI members passed 6.2 million referrals and generated $2.6 billion in business.

BNI’s first employee and four of the original founding members are still with the organization.

BNI is now working on the single largest project in its history: BNI Connect, which not only integrates an online social network with the in-person networking, but connects chapters around the world to each other. Watch for the catchphrase “Local Business, Global Network,” which BNI has trademarked.

We believe BNI is the world’s largest business networking organization because we spend so much time on education and training. Take advantage of it.

Exercises:

Check in with your chapter and see who’s been there longest. Find out about the history of your group.
Keep an eye on SuccessNet for further developments with BNI Connect.
Read Givers Gain if you haven’t already.

Brought to you by Ask Ivan Misner.

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Published In: History of BNI
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Discussion: 6 Comments

Episode 134: “Building a Think Tank for Your Business”

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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Published In: Online Networking | Strategic Alliances
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Discussion: 4 Comments

Episode 103: “Face-to-Face vs. Online Networking”

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

Published In: Networking | Online Networking
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Discussion: 2 Comments

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