Two of the most important factors in how you look in a virtual meeting are positioning your camera and lighting yourself.

Inviting a visitor who can't join your BNI chapter strengthens BNI as a whole and builds social capital for your chapter.

Dr. Misner returns with a new Special Episode to address BNI's plan for transitioning back to holding in-person meetings.

Hope plus action leaves fear in the dust. We can choose to make the most of this situation and come out better and stronger.

Jason Avery shares the format his 33-member Trades Power Team follows to grow each other's contracting businesses through referrals.

A small interaction can have big effects down the line. Never hesitate to make new connections. They can take you places you never imagined.

Mark Applebaum shares five money-making activities you can engage in to improve your results in BNI.

Debby Peters, founder of Connext Nation, joins Dr. Misner on the podcast this week to talk about her new book, Tell Me Exactly What to Say.

Dr. Misner shares different ways that BNI members, education coordinators, and BNI regional directors can make use of the Official BNI Podcast.

There's solid scientific evidence to support the positive impact gratitude has on our lives and our businesses. Start your practice of gratitude today.

In this third special episode, Dr. Misner shares comments from BNI members around the world about the new BNI Online platform.

Today, people need BNI more than ever and BNI Online allows you to keep your network strong.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, BNI has created a powerful new meeting platform called BNI Online. Your chapter president or BNI Director will be reaching out to you.

Remember the 12 x 12 x 12 rule before you head to a networking event. Look professional, focus on the other person, and be memorable.

Synopsis Jack Canfield returns to the BNI Podcast to share some material from The Success Principles Workbook, which is coming out at the end of March. The Success Principles is a best seller, but a lot of people would read the book but not do what it says. The workbook takes you through 17 of […]

In addition to sending you referrals, BNI has positive "side effects" like teaching you how to run a business.

Note: This is a rebroadcast of Episode 382. Synopsis Chances are your network is both deep and shallow. All networking connections start out shallow, and you often don’t know more about the people you meet at networking events than the superficial things you hear about them there. BNI is an opportunity to deepen your network, […]

This week, Dr. Misner shares nine ways that great networkers demonstrate their humility.

Graham Weihmiller joins Dr. Misner on the podcast this week to talk about how to transform your organization with top talent.

Jack Canfield joins Dr. Misner on the podcast this week to talk about his book The Success Principles and his proven system of success.

If you're going to succeed at networking, you need to play well with others. You don't have to like everybody in BNI. Jerks are not a reason to leave. Don't let other people control your success.

Dr. Misner shares 12 lessons he learned taking BNI from Garage to Global®

Dr. Ivan Misner shares the story of how and why he started BNI 35 years ago.

Madeline Dechy shares her top tips for getting more visitors to BNI and more members in your BNI chapter.

It's fine to have strong political or religious views--but keep them out of your BNI meeting.

In The Networking Mentor, Dr. Misner shows how mentoring a new BNI member takes the idea of Givers Gain to a whole new level.

Giving the door prize at your BNI meeting is an opportunity for you and your business to shine. Choose something memorable and personal.

Steve Farber joins Dr. Misner to explain why love is the key to great leaders, great businesses, and great BNI chapters.

Involvement in service organization expands the depth and breadth of your networking. Volunteering is a serious commitment and increases your Visibility.

Can't think of anyone to invite to your BNI meeting? Go through your email contacts and your check register name by name to find potential visitors.

Tia Young joins Dr. Misner to explain how your Dress, Behavior, and Attitudes affect your professional image. Treat BNI like your best client.

Graham Southwell of BNI New Zealand introduces the 72 Education Moments now available to education coordinators on BNI University.

Synopsis An elevator pitch is not the same thing as your weekly presentation. Your weekly presentation should be laser-specific and focus on a different product or service every week. An elevator pitch needs to tell people who you are and what you do in more general terms. If you’re doing an elevator pitch in your […]

Instead of assuming that people in certain kinds of businesses won't be able to refer any business to you, have 1-2-1s with everyone in your chapter and teach them what to listen for. You might be surprised where your best referrals come from.

Listener Shout-Out Carl Hackney in Austin sent this photo to Ivan. He listens to the BNI Podcast in the car. When he hears something he wants to go back to, he writes the episode number on the windshield. Synopsis On today’s podcast, Dr. Misner answers three “Ask Ivan” questions. The first question comes from a […]

To succeed at networking, you need to be self-aware, selfless, and selfish. Ask "How can I help you?" but also "How can I help you refer business to me?"

If you don't make a meaningful connection, you might as well still be cold calling, no matter how many business cards you collect.

Beth Misner explains how cause networking allows BNI members to help their local communities and create a heightened awareness of BNI at the same time.

Synopsis Daniel Haverman from the Palm Beach Business Exchange chapter joins Dr. Misner on the podcast this week to explain what a referral is and isn’t–and how to increase your chances of turning referrals into business. In baseball, an “at bat” is the opportunity to get a hit. It’s not a guarantee of a home […]

The 24/7/30 Follow-up System provides a proven method for developing relationships with new contacts you meet at networking events.

If you don't follow up on referrals, you'll never get business--or new referrals. Here are 3 tips to help you follow up faster.

Jared Yellin shares his annual marketing formula: webinars, workshops, appreciation experiences, referral initiatives, and online challenges.

Jennie Edwards shares her tips for bringing imagination and storytelling to education moments in BNI. A must-listen for Education Coordinators.

Excellence is not a single act. It's a habit. Persistence pays off. Be a dog with a bone if you want to achieve success.

Next time you're at a networking event, introduce yourself to the wallflower. You could meet the next Bill Gates or Burt Rutan.

Mark Appelbaum shares tips for increasing your credibility with fellow BNI members when giving and receiving referrals.

Cross-chapter TYFCB is now part of BNI Connect. You can pass referrals anywhere in BNI--and receive credit for them.

Introducing Ivan's Inner Circle, which combines 22+ in-depth webinars, a private Facebook community, and live Q&A calls into the best networking and business education available.

Whether you call it Nash's Equilibrium, Reciprocal Altruism, Enlightened Self-Interest, or Givers Gain, reciprocity is about serving others.

Visitors pass referrals to BNI members, whether or not they join. If everyone in every BNI chapter brought one visitor per month, the average chapter would experience a bump in thank-you-for-closed-business of $330,480.

If you have an idea that you think is going to change the BNI meeting, talk to your BNI director. Work out a system where it gets tested. Change for the sake of change is not innovation. It's just bad business.

David Kauffman of BNI Delaware Valley joins Dr. Misner on the podcast this week to talk about the Referral Confidence Curve. It isn’t just your behavior in BNI meetings that affects your referrability. Your behavior in every arena affects your credibility with referral partners and prospective customers. Little details can make a big difference in […]

Synopsis Rick Sapio, one of the co-authors of Who’s in Your Room?, joins Dr. Misner on the podcast this week to talk about making business decisions. Rick uses a decision-making lens to help him get the desired results. Yes/no decisions come faster when you use a lens. To use the lens effectively, you have to […]

Christina asks how nonprofits can use BNI to support their mission. Dr. Misner shares ten benefits of BNI membership for nonprofits, even if they don't have products or services.

If you want to grow your business, create an org chart for all the roles the company needs--and start replacing yourself in those roles.

Dr. Misner shares 7 tips for saying no without sounding like a jerk.

Synopsis This question comes up at least once or twice every year. A BNI director passed it on from the president of a BNI chapter. How about once a quarter we move our normal meeting from 7 am to an evening meeting so we can invite more visitors? We’ll do the same meeting, take the […]

"Givers Gain" is a philosophy based on the law of reciprocity. It's a great standard to apply to ourselves. But it shouldn't be used to judge others.

Thanks to BNI Connect, it's now possible to pass referrals to BNI members anywhere in the world.

Synopsis Mike Macedonio joins Dr. Misner this week to talk about how to handle it when members say they’re too busy for BNI and are thinking of leaving. Leaving BNI because it brings you too much business is forfeiting an asset. Don’t stop going to the gym just because you’re in shape. Instead, increase your […]

Dr. Misner shares questions from "Who's in Your Room?" to help you create your ideal BNI chapter.

If you assume you know better than the people who have the experience, you’re going to make a lot of mistakes, and some of them will be painful. Don’t dismiss ideas just because they seem too simple.

Ask each member of your chapter to tell you one thing that's working for them to find out how far beyond referrals the benefits of BNI go.

Generic requests yield disappointing results. If you want better referrals, ask for introductions to specific people by name.

Today’s podcast is based on Dr. Misner’s new book, Who’s in Your Room? There is no one rule to achieving balance in your life, but there is one truth about creating harmony: the quality of your life depends on the people in your life. If everyone who came into your life was going to be […]

If you do not learn to execute the fundamentals flawlessly, if you do not engage in the conditioning necessary, you will never be a champion on or off the field.

BNI members average 5 times as many referrals after 200 hours in a chapter as when they started.

How do you end a conversation at a networking event? Keep it simple. Thank them for the conversation, get their contact info, and make an introduction if you can.

An effective doorman for your personal room (or BNI chapter) lets people in based on how well they fit with your core values.

Strengthen and balance your BNI chapter's contact spheres to offer all members an equal opportunity for success and increase member retention.

Synopsis This episode is a rebroadcast of Episode 522, originally released on August 30th, 2017. David Clegg joins Dr. Misner this week to talk about the value of visitors in BNI. Visitors pass referrals to BNI members, whether or not they join. The average Thank You for Closed Business for a visitor in BNI is […]

Cindy Mount explains the difference between self-employed and entrepreneur and how you can use BNI to build your business into an asset.

Synopsis Today’s theme is activity vs. results, the conversation Dr. Misner has had since he started BNI 34 years ago this week. Meaghan Chitwood, Director of Global Training for BNI explains that your activities have to change as you become busier, because you need to get more results from the same amount of time. An […]

Why do people pay $1 million+ to invest in a McDonald's franchise? It's a proven system. If you follow the system, you're guaranteed results. When you join BNI, you're investing in a system. If you follow the system, you're guaranteed results.

To give your networking contacts the tools to find you referrals, tell the story from the client's point of view. Facts tell; stories sell.

The quality of your life depends on the people in your room--and anyone who enters will be there forever. The new edition of Who's in Your Room is an action-oriented guide to moving your relationships from dissonance to resonance.

Graphic communicator Colin Horner joins Dr. Misner on the BNI Podcast today to talk about how the Power of 1 drives chapter performance in BNI. There are four tasks to complete each week and one task to complete each month, and when the members of a chapter do them and measure them, referrals and closed business skyrocket.

A supposedly no-win situation can turn into a big win for everyone when you exercise persistence and creativity, the way Ivan Misner did as an undergraduate in search of a non-math lab class.

On this week's Official BNI Podcast, Rod Kuncaitis of BNI Grand Rapids talks about how ethics and etiquette affect BNI. If you set out to be number one, remember that it matters how you win.

Hazel Walker joins Dr. Misner to talk about why it's important to show up for your BNI meeting on time. Being late undermines your credibility and causes you to miss out on referrals.

Education is a leaky bucket. Making training part of a replicable system is the best way to prevent leaks. Never accept anyone onto your chapter's leadership team who isn't willing to go to the training.

The most important communication lesson Dr. Misner ever learned was to include an executive summary with every report. Busy people don't have time to read all the details just to find out the main point.

Dawn Lyons has created a process to make sure you progress from Visibility through Credibility and on to Profitability. Learn how to keep your referral relationships ALIVE.

Low effective attendance (too many substitutes at a BNI meeting) results in many fewer referrals. If you have to miss a meeting, make sure your substitute is prepared with your referrals and TYCB as well as your weekly presentation.

Referrals to prospects are great--but referrals to referral sources can be even more valuable in the long run. Tiffanie Kellog joins Dr. Misner to talk about contact spheres in BNI.

Meaghan Chitwood joins Dr. Misner to talk about how being open to feedback makes you more referrable, and how to give feedback to help your fellow BNI members become more referrable.

Vickie Wacek, opera singer and executive director of BNI Vermont, joins Dr. Misner on the show this week to talk about why the first year is the hardest year of BNI membership.

Kevin Harrington joins Dr. Misner to share his secrets for becoming the go-to person in his industry and building billion-dollar businesses.

Divide your presentation into thirds for better referral generation. Remember, you don't want to sell to your fellow members: you want to sell through them.

Dr. Misner shares a story from his youth about how important networking is--even (or maybe especially) in rough neighborhoods. If you have a story about a real-life networking lesson you learned, share it in the comments.

A focused invite day is a day each month where the whole chapter invites visitors who are in the featured presenter's contact sphere. That means every member gets a day where the entire chapter is focused on bringing the most likely referral partners for that member to the meeting.

Kevin Barber joins Dr. Misner on the podcast this week to talk about why the BNI Foundation is relevant to the average BNI member. You can't have an organization with the philosophy "Givers Gain" without wanting to support social causes.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 472. Synopsis Because you give away a little bit of your reputation when you make a referral, trust is very important to the referral process. BNI can accelerate the process of developing trust between BNI members through regular 1-2-1s. To be effective, a 1-2-1 needs to be both structured and […]

Body language can be a powerful attractant--or deterrent--in networking. Here are Dr. Misners answers to four questions that the media have asked over the years about body language and networking.

Dr. Misner shares more tips for "networking up." The most important thing to remember when making connections with people who are more successful than you are is "Don't sell to them!"

Keep the "wow" in the referral part of your weekly BNI meeting. remember to tell the group the names of the people you're passing business to and add details to help visitors get excited about how much business is passed in BNI.

BNI Connect is an incredible resource. Not completing your BNI Connect profile is like taking out a full-page ad in the newspaper...and leaving it blank.

If you can break your business down to its smallest components and focus on just one aspect of your business in your weekly presentations, it works much better than providing a laundry list of things you do, or a vague and meaningless term like "full-service."

Successful people know how to focus on a roadblock and turn it into an overpass. The secret is to take the thing that's in the way and channel your efforts in a manner that makes that problem part of the solution.

The referral part of a BNI meeting is the reason BNI was created. It's not the "slips" part of the meeting. It's not the "I have" part of the meeting. It's the referral part of the meeting. If you don't have a referral, give a heartfelt and meaningful testimonial to another member.

Tiffanie Kellog shares a specific, proactive referral-generation strategy. Once you've established credibility with the other members of your BNI chapter, you can accelerate the referral process by sharing your databases during a one-to-one and developing a strategy for introducing each other.

Dr. Misner believes a Facebook "Like" is an endorsement, but not a referral. Your group can ask members to "Like" each other's pages and recognize them for doing so without counting them as referrals.

You can only help people who are ready and willing to be helped. When you meet a prospect, find out whether they want a ladder before you offer to help them out of the hole they're in. And never stop looking for ladders to take you to the next level. There's no reason to accept mediocrity when excellence is an option.

The referral part of a BNI meeting is meant for referrals and testimonials. This is your chance to tell your chapter you've been passing business to other BNI members. Let the chapter president thank the speaker at the end of the feature presentation, and keep this time for referrals and testimonials.

Vickie Wacek joins Dr. Misner on the podcast today to talk about how everyone can use BNI, even those who aren't members. Why trust an algorithm to refer you to a service provider? BNI is the relationship version of Angie's List, the ultimate referral source for everyone.

In honor of the 400th episode of The Official BNI Podcast, Dr. Misner chose to discuss BNI's 5 core values and 2 additions: Accountability & Recognition. They're still relevant now that we're at Episode 557.

How do you avoid dueling monologue syndrome? Don't show off, show interest. Nothing expedites a relationship faster than helping someone you've met by referring another person.

Great influencers attract people to their ideas through their focus on bringing value to others. In this episode, Bob Burg shares 3 of the 5 secrets of genuine influence from his new book, The Go-Giver Influencer.

Dr. Misner talks to Matthew Pollard, author of The Introvert's Edge, about why introverts have an advantage in sales--and networking.

This week Glenn Warner from the Referral Paradise Chapter of BNI in Northern Kentucky joins Dr. Misner to share a story about coach Vince Lombardi, who got frustrated one day and said to his team "This is a football. This is a yard line. You're the players. I'm the coach."

Dr. Misner offers suggestions about how to get your fellow BNI members to turn into their Thank You for Closed Business (TYCB) forms and why they are important to the success of the whole chapter, not just the individual member.

Adding One to Ones to the "I Have" portion of a BNI meeting is the poster child for feature creep. It minimizes the power and the focus of giving. Instead, mention your One to Ones after you've given a successful referral to that person, or during a testimonial.

What do you do when you schedule a one to one with another BNI member and the other person does all of the talking? Take control of the agenda with the GAINS Exchange.

Here are ten questions you should ask potential members of your power team to strengthen your connections and make it easier to pass referrals.

Dr. Misner breaks down the 5 levels of a referral on BNI referral slips, from sharing contact information to making in-person introductions.

Dr. Misner provides sample questions to ask when interviewing prospective BNI members. If you follow this procedure with visitors, you'll build an incredibly successful BNI chapter.

People who are successful keep track of their business activities. The Networking Scorecard is a tool for keeping track of the things you do in the course of your week to build the effectiveness of your referral network.

In week two of BNI Fundamentals, Dr. Misner addresses "Full Participation in BNI." Be there every week, network before the meeting, participate 100% in the meeting, and embrace BNI's culture of learning.

The easiest way to be seen as a bore is to talk about yourself. Your goal at a networking event is to make yourself memorable by not talking about yourself. In honor of International Networking Week, Dr. Misner shares 5 good questions to ask at a networking event.

Dr. Misner shares different ways that BNI members, education coordinators, and BNI regional directors can make use of the Official BNI Podcast.

Michael Maher joins Dr. Misner to talk about how he netted $1 million per year in referrals with the networking stack, home court advantage, and the generosity generation.

Dr. Misner shares his favorite technique for inviting visitors to BNI: tell them you're interviewing members of their profession.

Thanks to BNI Connect, it's possible to make--and receive--country-wide referrals in BNI. Jeremy Walsh joins Dr. Ivan Misner to explain.

Jeremy Walsh joins Dr. Misner to talk about the BNI Connect mobile app. See your stats, pass referrals, invite visitors, earn CEUs, and more.

Chapters that embrace an abundance mentality, support their fellow chapters and support each other's members build business and build the BNI brand.

Dr. Misner leads an exercise to demonstrate how important it is to be specific in referral marketing. You need to tell people precisely how to refer you.

If you want a powerful personal network, you have to go where your connections are instead of expecting them to come to where you are.

Josh Perry joins Dr. Misner to talk about how the people in your BNI chapter who "step on your toes" can be your best referral sources.

Think you're too busy for BNI? Tiffanie Kellog shares four ways you can maximimze your BNI membership.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 386. Synopsis Steve Tannuzzo joins Dr. Misner this week for what they expect will be one of the most unpopular podcasts in BNI history. It’s important to understand the appropriate use of the substitute program in BNI. Massachusetts BNI piloted a substitute program in 4 chapters, two very successful, two […]

One of the big reasons for not getting referrals in BNI is not doing good weekly and featured presentations. Tiffanie Kellog shares common mistakes and how to fix them.

Norm Dominguez joins Dr. Misner to talk about the Law of Positivity: "When you have and practice a Positive Attitude, you will become more excellent in whatever you do. Be Positive and you will be Happy."

"Networking Up" means connecting with people who are more successful than we are. Mike Macedonio joins Dr. Misner to show you how.

Dr. Misner has used the expression "Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast" a number of times, but he's never gone into detail about how. Today's podcast focuses on the importance of culture in business success.

How many networks should you belong to, and how much time do you need to spend on them in order to achieve visibility and credibility? Dr. Misner explains in this week's episode.

For most businesses, social media generates far less business than face-to-face networking. Find out where your business is coming from and put your efforts into the activities that provide the best results.

If you're going to succeed at networking, you need to play well with others. You don't have to like everybody in BNI. "Jerks" are not a reason to leave. Don't let other people control your success.

Desperation is not referrable. When people demonstrate these kinds of behaviors, it's a telltale sign of desperation. Here are four types of desperate networker that you don't want to emulate.

This week John Meyer joins Dr. Misner to talk about the Thank You for Closed Business (TYCB) system, which measures the business passed between BNI members.

Mickey Griffith joins Dr. Misner today to share his tips for making connections when you're new to an area and don't have an established network: trust in the system, network, and aim high.

Visitors pass referrals to BNI members, whether or not they join. If everyone in every BNI chapter brought one visitor per month, the average chapter would experience a bump in thank-you-for-closed-business of $330,480.

Dr. Misner discusses his new book, Healing Begins in the Kitchen: Get Well and Stay There with the Misner Plan, because you can't get business and you can't do business if you're not healthy.

Tim Paulin from BNI Louisiana Mississipi joins Dr. Misner this week to discuss the four pillars of a successful BNI group: visitors, well-run meetings, follow-up, and accountability.

Networking is more than just a numbers game. The quantity of your connections is important, but it's the quality of your connections that makes them valuable. BNI works by building deep connections among small groups of people.

By decreasing absences, BNI chapters dramatically increase membership and referrals. If your chapter is lax on attendance, it's going to affect your pocketbook. If you want more referrals, show up!

Graphic communicator Colin Horner joins Dr. Misner on the BNI Podcast today to talk about the Power of 1 drives chapter performance in BNI. There are four tasks to complete each week and one task to complete each month, and when the members of a chapter do them and measure them, referrals and closed business skyrocket.

Bob Burg joins Dr. Misner to share about keeping your business focused on providing value to your customers. Your business is not about you: it's about everyone whose lives you choose to benefit and add value to.

Sue in British Columbia asks about the daily routine of successful business people. Dr. Misner shares his own routine.

Have you had trouble growing your BNI chapter beyond 20 members? Listen for the recipe for BNI chapter success.

This week's Ask Ivan question asks how to create a great culture in your BNI chapter. BNI's core values show you the way to create a great chapter culture.

Should networking be transactional or relational? People who focus first on relationship and then on business score much higher in success than those who focus first on business and then on the relationship.

Christina asks how nonprofits can use BNI to support their mission. Dr. Misner shares ten benefits of BNI membership for nonprofits, even if they don't have products or services.

Education is a leaky bucket. Making training part of a replicable system is the best way to prevent leaks. Never accept anyone onto your chapter's leadership team who isn't willing to go to the training.

Visitor orientations have been proven to work since the mid-1980s. They're important because visitors don't know what BNI is about or how it works. Your chapter needs to follow BNI's tried-and-true methods to be successful.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 111. Synopsis This is a follow-up to last week’s episode about asking for testimonials. There are three keys to using written testimonials successfully. Ask for written testimonials at every opportunity—but not too soon! Guide the content of your testimonials. The easier you make it for your client, the more […]

One of the reasons for Dr. Misner's success is his persistence. If you want to be successful, pursue your objectives like a dog with a bone and don't give up.

Referrals to prospects are great--but referrals to referral sources can be even more valuable in the long run. Tiffanie Kellog joins Dr. Misner to talk about contact spheres in BNI.

Nate Dominguez from BNI Arizona joins Dr. Misner to share 5 things your BNI chapter needs to do for a great Visitors Day. Preparation, teamwork, and fun are key ingredients for success.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 46. Synopsis In this episode, Dr. Misner talks about strategic alliances and the need to gradually enhance relationships. Each member of a BNI group will contribute to your success. No one person in your chapter is likely to turn your business around, but together, over a long time, they […]

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 46. Synopsis In this episode, Dr. Misner talks about strategic alliances and the need to gradually enhance relationships. Each member of a BNI group will contribute to your success. No one person in your chapter is likely to turn your business around, but together, over a long time, they […]

Making visitors and new members feel welcome makes a big difference to their experience of BNI. A person who doesn't feel welcome won't join. Don't leave welcoming people to your BNI chapter up to the visitor host.

Making visitors and new members feel welcome makes a big difference to their experience of BNI. A person who doesn't feel welcome won't join. Don't leave welcoming people to your BNI chapter up to the visitor host.

What's the least important characteristic for a great networker? The answer that 3400 businesspeople gave in Dr. Misner's survey might surprise you.

What's the least important characteristic for a great networker? The answer that 3400 businesspeople gave in Dr. Misner's survey might surprise you.

Want to be a better networker? Dr. Misner recently surveyed 3400 business people about the top behaviors they'd like to see in a great networker. Here are the top 7 results.

Want to be a better networker? Dr. Misner recently surveyed 3400 business people about the top behaviors they'd like to see in a great networker. Here are the top 7 results.

Are you giving referrals and not getting them in return? Dr. Misner explains how to approach members of your BNI chapter who aren't giving you referrals--without making them defensive.

Are you giving referrals and not getting them in return? Dr. Misner explains how to approach members of your BNI chapter who aren't giving you referrals--without making them defensive.

This week Dr. Misner shares one of the biggest weeks ever in BNI, from the BNI Professionals of Bellaire chapter in the BNI Houston West region. This chapter passed $1,132,087 in closed business in one week!

This week Dr. Misner shares one of the biggest weeks ever in BNI, from the BNI Professionals of Bellaire chapter in the BNI Houston West region. This chapter passed $1,132,087 in closed business in one week!

Memory hooks were never meant to be used with people who already know what you do. Instead, take a week-by-week approach to what you're going to teach your fellow BNI members about how to refer you.

Memory hooks were never meant to be used with people who already know what you do. Instead, take a week-by-week approach to what you're going to teach your fellow BNI members about how to refer you.

Verbs increase your persuasion power. Great leaders are all about action, and you should be too. Discover your verb to achieve greater networking success.

Verbs increase your persuasion power. Great leaders are all about action, and you should be too. Discover your verb to achieve greater networking success.

Jacob Jun shares "Five Things I Learned in BNI": How to package what I sell and present it; How to educate others; Customer service; I have experts to lean on; I am not alone.

Jacob Jun shares "Five Things I Learned in BNI": How to package what I sell and present it; How to educate others; Customer service; I have experts to lean on; I am not alone.

Talking politics or religion in BNI is not a good idea. BNI is an international organization with chapters all around the world and members who belong to every religion. It can only succeed if it focuses on its mission to help people increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional referral marketing program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.

Talking politics or religion in BNI is not a good idea. BNI is an international organization with chapters all around the world and members who belong to every religion. It can only succeed if it focuses on its mission to help people increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional referral marketing program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.

Shawn Yesner joins Dr. Misner to talk about Leadership Team training and why every member of your chapter should attend--not just to learn the position you're going to serve in, but to make connections throughout the region and make your business more successful.

Shawn Yesner joins Dr. Misner to talk about Leadership Team training and why every member of your chapter should attend--not just to learn the position you're going to serve in, but to make connections throughout the region and make your business more successful.

Dr. Misner surveyed 3400 businesspeople around the world and asked them what makes a great networker. Here's what they said you need to do to.

Dr. Misner surveyed 3400 businesspeople around the world and asked them what makes a great networker. Here's what they said you need to do to.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 366. Synopsis This week Barry Johnson, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, joins Dr. Misner to talk about the relationship between BNI and chambers of commerce. For years, Dr. Misner has recommended that BNI members both join and participate in their local chamber of commerce. […]

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 366. Synopsis This week Barry Johnson, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, joins Dr. Misner to talk about the relationship between BNI and chambers of commerce. For years, Dr. Misner has recommended that BNI members both join and participate in their local chamber of commerce. […]

Dr. Misner shares 7 ways to stay in touch with the people who matter most to you, both in person and online.

Dr. Misner shares 7 ways to stay in touch with the people who matter most to you, both in person and online.

Regular attendance is one of the keys to success in BNI. The more often you show up, the more money you make. Fewer absences = more referrals.

Regular attendance is one of the keys to success in BNI. The more often you show up, the more money you make. Fewer absences = more referrals.

Divide your presentation into thirds for better referral generation. Remember, you don't want to sell to your fellow members: you want to sell through them.

Divide your presentation into thirds for better referral generation. Remember, you don't want to sell to your fellow members: you want to sell through them.

Following the BNI program can be hard. It's not easy to maintain attendance, generate quality referrals, immerse in a culture of learning, and maintain a positive attitude. But in the long run, chapters that take the "hard" path are more successful.

Following the BNI program can be hard. It's not easy to maintain attendance, generate quality referrals, immerse in a culture of learning, and maintain a positive attitude. But in the long run, chapters that take the "hard" path are more successful.

This week Dr. Misner talks about creating a life plan, no matter where you are in your life or your career. Take a day and reflect on what you want to be doing and who you want to be doing it with in the coming decades.

This week Dr. Misner talks about creating a life plan, no matter where you are in your life or your career. Take a day and reflect on what you want to be doing and who you want to be doing it with in the coming decades.

Follow these steps to get 10 or more visitors to your BNI chapter on the day of your featured presentation. Showcase your expertise to prospects and create an army of trained referral partners.

Follow these steps to get 10 or more visitors to your BNI chapter on the day of your featured presentation. Showcase your expertise to prospects and create an army of trained referral partners.

There's a thin line between mediocrity and excellence. Crossing it can make all the difference. Use the BNI Traffic Light system to get yourself and your chapter across that line.

There's a thin line between mediocrity and excellence. Crossing it can make all the difference. Use the BNI Traffic Light system to get yourself and your chapter across that line.

Learn how you can become the source of referrals for all your clients and customers, and bring business into your BNI chapter.

Learn how you can become the source of referrals for all your clients and customers, and bring business into your BNI chapter.

Jeremy Walsh shares three improvements to BNI Connect: better visitor invitations, better new member notifications, and better renewal notifications.

Jeremy Walsh shares three improvements to BNI Connect: better visitor invitations, better new member notifications, and better renewal notifications.

Jeremy Walsh joins Dr. Misner to explain the recent change in BNI's attendance policy. A member is now allowed three absences within the immediately previous six months, rather than counting absences from the time a new leadership team takes office. This change is based on data showing that groups that use a rolling six-month basis for counting absences have 50% less absenteeism.

Jeremy Walsh joins Dr. Misner to explain the recent change in BNI's attendance policy. A member is now allowed three absences within the immediately previous six months, rather than counting absences from the time a new leadership team takes office. This change is based on data showing that groups that use a rolling six-month basis for counting absences have 50% less absenteeism.

This week Dr. Misner shares his surefire technique for difficult-to-refer businesses, like psychotherapists, recording studios, and management consultants.

This week Dr. Misner shares his surefire technique for difficult-to-refer businesses, like psychotherapists, recording studios, and management consultants.

Is your BNI chapter On Fire, On Hold, or In a Hole? Use the Rate Your Chapter Worksheet to find out--and learn what you can to do be On Fire.

Is your BNI chapter On Fire, On Hold, or In a Hole? Use the Rate Your Chapter Worksheet to find out--and learn what you can to do be On Fire.

Synopsis Over the years, Dr. Misner has recognized that there are people who are positive and supportive–people he really wants to be around. These people are engines: they help him to be his best self and motivate him to drive forward. There are also people who complain as though it was an Olympic event. They […]

Synopsis Over the years, Dr. Misner has recognized that there are people who are positive and supportive–people he really wants to be around. These people are engines: they help him to be his best self and motivate him to drive forward. There are also people who complain as though it was an Olympic event. They […]

This four-step process can help you in remembering the names of people you meet at networking events--and elsewhere.

This four-step process can help you in remembering the names of people you meet at networking events--and elsewhere.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 164. Synopsis This week’s topic is the Classification Cowboy, illustrated by BNI member Dan Fletcher. View and download the slideshow in the next post. A Classification Cowboy is someone who tries to take more than one profession within a chapter. If you try to take more than one classification […]

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 164. Synopsis This week’s topic is the Classification Cowboy, illustrated by BNI member Dan Fletcher. View and download the slideshow in the next post. A Classification Cowboy is someone who tries to take more than one profession within a chapter. If you try to take more than one classification […]

Synopsis It’s not what you know or who you know–it’s how well you know them. If you approach networking with a genuine desire to get to know others, you’re going to increase your success. This applies not only to fellow BNI members, but to people you meet in any context. Here are four tips to […]

Synopsis It’s not what you know or who you know–it’s how well you know them. If you approach networking with a genuine desire to get to know others, you’re going to increase your success. This applies not only to fellow BNI members, but to people you meet in any context. Here are four tips to […]

Synopsis If you’re a business owner or an entrepreneur, you know how difficult it can be to find the path to business leadership that works for you. Leadership styles are a dime a dozen, and no one has time to try every idea. Being a leader doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are four steps […]

Synopsis If you’re a business owner or an entrepreneur, you know how difficult it can be to find the path to business leadership that works for you. Leadership styles are a dime a dozen, and no one has time to try every idea. Being a leader doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are four steps […]

Dr. Misner shares a story from John C. Maxwell that illustrates both leadership and networking principles. Don't expect something for nothing, be prepared, and take notes, and only ask for a referral if they think their time with you was worthwhile.

The only differences in networking globally are the macro-cultural differences. Ultimately, people are very similar. Business around the world is about building trust. Networking strategy comes down to investing in relationships, no matter where you are in the world.

BNI members who do three or more 1-2-1s per month give and receive twice as many referrals as those who do one or fewer 1-2-1s in a month.

If you can break your business down to its smallest components and focus on just one aspect of your business in your weekly presentations, it works much better than providing a laundry list of things you do, or a vague and meaningless term like "full-service."

If you make referral marketing into a transactional process, it will absolutely, categorically fail. You have to enter into the philosophy of Givers Gain, which is based on reciprocity. By working with people over time and developing relationships with them, the value of the referrals you give will come back to you.

The one secret to success in BNI is that there is no one secret. There are at least three--plus one. Embrace quality, grow your team, seek engagement--and share your stories.

Can a person network too much within the BNI framework? If you network a lot and aren't getting business, you might be networking too widely. Concentrate on developing deeper relationships with people you've already met to establish your credibility.

Dr. Misner believes a Facebook "Like" is an endorsement, but not a referral. Your group can ask members to "Like" each other's pages and recognize them for doing so without counting them as referrals.

Your competitors give you an opportunity to collaborate and serve the client much more effectively. Create relationships with people whose strengths are different from yours.

Business Voices is an initiative of the BNI Foundation, but it's open to other organizations. It's about giving businesses a voice in what happens in communities around the world.

A BNI chapter's leadership team is its pilot. If they don't complete their training, they're going to crash the chapter. Following the system is the real secret to a successful chapter.

BNI members often ask Dr. Misner whether repeat referrals should count. This is a topic that local chapters should have control over and engagement in, so the membership committee should meet to discuss the topic.

It's important to pay attention to how you're coming across. Sometimes people don't realize that being frank can come across as being negative. If your criticism is too blunt, it won't be heard.

Here are 7 factors that contributed to the growth of BNI. Dr. Misner didn't learn them in business school.

Synopsis Public speaking is a great way to grow your business. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your stress when faced with public speaking. It’s okay to be a little nervous, but you don’t want to freeze up. Always be prepared. Have notes and refer to them. Be specific. Don’t try […]

Synopsis People often remark on the number of rules in BNI. It’s true: there are a lot of rules. But these rules were created by the members, and these are the rules that BNI needs to be a successful organization. Rules exist to support a process to help a group achieve success. Successful people put […]

It's good to invite people you know casually to visit a BNI meeting. It's better to invite people you really know and have a relationship with. What's best is to invite people you know, you trust, and are already referring business to.

Here are some tips for positioning yourself as a professional when you go to networking events.

If you mention additional businesses, other BNI members may think you can't be successful at one business and need a second one to make ends meet.

Synopsis There’s a perception in the media that people hate networking. But when Dr. Misner conducted a survey of 12,000 people for his book Business Networking and Sex–Not What You Think, only 6% said they were not comfortable networking. That means 94% of people surveyed like networking. So why is there a perception that people […]

Understanding a person's predominant behavioral style allows you to develop a stronger working relationship with potential networking partners.

You’ll always get better results trying to deepen relationships with people you already know than starting relationships with strangers.

Inviting a visitor who can't join your BNI chapter strengthens BNI as a whole and builds social capital for your chapter.

Synopsis Your “why”–the emotionally charged connection you have with your work–is the most important thing you can figure out about your business. If you don’t know why you do what you do, you’ll never fulfill your professional dreams. Often your “why” goes back to an experience early in your life. Ivan Misner’s “why” dates back to […]

Know why you're doing what you're doing, who your customers are, who your target market is, what your core competencies are, who your competitors are, and how you are doing in competing with them.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 149. Note that since the publication of Episode 149, Harvey Mackay has completely overhauled his website. Links have been updated in the synopsis, but not all offers mentioned are current. Synopsis Today Dr. Misner is joined by Harvey Mackay, author of Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive, […]

Synopsis Today’s topic comes from Dr. Misner’s book Avoiding the Networking Disconnect. Dr. Misner’s co-author Brennan Scanlon came up with this system for following up with new contacts after meeting them at networking events. It’s called the 24/7/30 Follow-up System. When you meet someone at an event, drop them a note within 24 hours after […]

Synopsis Dr. Misner recently read an article in a major business publication entitled “Stop Networking.” The author complained that the process of networking is mercenary and that instead of “networking”, you should Focus on relationships, not transactions. Don’t ask for something before you give something. Don’t make the process about you. Strive for quality, not […]

Why is the PALMS report important? You can't hit a target that you aren't aiming at. If you track performance and you track progress, you're on the road to success.

Has your business reached a plateau? Are you struggling to succeed in a recession? Ivan Misner and John Assaraf address these issues and more.

If you do not learn to execute the fundamentals flawlessly, if you do not engage in the conditioning necessary, you will never be a champion on or off the field.

How much time should you spend networking? Ideally, about 8 hours a week. Successful people are never too busy to network: they hire staff to take care of other jobs so they can continue to bring in business.

Direct response marketing expert and podcaster Seth Greene joins Dr. Misner to talk about using podcasting to get referrals.

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 106. Synopsis Dr. Misner wants to ask listeners “What’s your BNI story?” His own favorite story is that he met his wife through BNI; that was the best referral he ever got. So today he’s sharing some stories from other BNI members. You can read more of them in […]

Synopsis Do you have a burning question for Dr. Misner? Ask on his Facebook page. This week’s question comes from Dave in the US. Members of his group ask “Why” about everyone of BNI’s rules. (You can learn more about the attendance rule in Episode 436.) The answers to this question are in Chapter 5 of Givers Gain, discussed in […]

Synopsis This week we have another Ask Ivan question. Post your questions in the comments or on Dr. Misner’s Facebook Page. Jenny in Malaysia asks how to handle a bad referral. Talk to the person who gave you the bad referral.You will never get to the heart of the situation unless you have a conversation. […]

Synopsis BNI is 31 years old this week! The official kick-off of the first BNI group was January 8th, 1985. This week’s topic comes from a question posted to Dr. Misner’s Facebook Page. Rick in the UK asks, “How can I connect and make contact with members in other countries? Do I actually need to visit the […]

To succeed at networking, you need to be self-aware, selfless, and selfish. Ask "How can I help you?" but also "How can I help you refer business to me?"

Research by BNI chapters shows that attendance matters: by decreasing absences, you will increase referrals passed in the chapter.

Synopsis Bob Burg joins Dr. Misner on the expanded edition of his book The Go-Giver, which has sold half a million copies. The book is perfect for BNI members because its basic premise is that shifting one’s focus from getting to giving is financially profitable. The Law of Influence states that your influence is determined […]