Interview - Dr Ivan Misner, Founder, BNI

Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder and Chairman of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization. Started with just one group in 1985, BNI has grown today to 4,975 groups in 37 countries around the world. Called the "Father of Modern Networking" by CNN, Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author and Senior Partner for the Referral Institute. In addition, he publishes the blog Networking Now.

1. How do you define "business networking?"

I define business networking as the process of connecting people to share ideas, resources, information, and referrals.

2. How did you brand yourself as a "networking authority?">

I was a 20-year overnight success. It literally took me 20 years to brand myself as a networking authority. I believe that we live in a society in which everyone expects instant results. Instead, brand yourself in steps by starting locally, expanding regionally, and then growing nationally. Through writing and using a publicist to promote myself, I became recognized as a networking authority. Sharing knowledge is very important to show that you are an authority. I was fortunate to have CNN call me the "Father of Modern Networking". Keep in mind that none of this happened to me until after I built the foundation for a successful business.

3. Why did you start BNI?

I started BNI in January of 1985 because I needed referrals for my consulting business. At the time, I had friends who were willing to help me and I wanted to reciprocate and help them. So, BNI was first set up with some close business friends with the "givers gain"philosophy, which follows the old adage, "Give and you shall receive."

In the beginning, we set up one group with only one person per profession. Shortly after, I was approached by someone who wanted help setting up a second group because her profession was already taken in our initial group. Well, this led to creating two more groups and by the end of our first year, we had 20 chapters set up in Southern California. Today, we have 4,975 groups set up in 37 countries around the world. My goal is to have one chapter in every city in every entrepreneurial country in the world.

Through all of this, I realize that most businesses don't have referral marketing figured out so any organized system that is positive and resonates with people is a good thing.

4. When did you realize that networking was important for your business success?

I realized that networking was important for my business success when I started BNI. After I started BNI, I realized how critical it was for everyone else. Networking is not taught in colleges because most courses are controlled by tenured professors who have never run a business. I don't believe that colleges are adequately preparing students for networking and sales. BNI teaches people some of these fundamental skills.

5. How have you benefited personally from networking?

I love what I do. With BNI, we have 4,975 meetings each week and our members so far have made 4.9 million referrals resulting in $1.9 billion in sales. You may not be able to make a world of difference but you can make a difference in the world. BNI is changing the way the world does business and I love being a part of that.

6. What is one of the lesser-known secrets to effective networking?

In my book Truth or Delusion?: Busting Networking's Biggest Myths, I discuss the networking myth - you have to be a real people person to be good at networking. This is a delusion because networking is a 2-part process that involves 1) meeting people and 2) building the relationships. Extroverts are good at part one because they love talking about themselves. However, they are weak at part two because they have to develop better listening skills. On the other hand, introverts are not good at part one but are good at part two because they are good listeners. Extroverts don't necessarily make good networkers. As long as introverts can work on part one, they can become better networkers than extroverts.

Jason Jacobsohn is a seasoned networker who believes in relationship building as a key component to business success. He enjoys helping others succeed by making introductions, planning events, and sharing resources. In addition, Jacobsohn enthusiastically shares resources with his network through his e-mail newsletter, "Network Your Way to Success," and http://www.jacobsohn.com, a comprehensive business and networking resources Web site. Further, he shares an additional perspective through his blog at http://www.networkinginsight.com

Informational Interview Tips
An informational interview is an interview you set up with someone who works in a job that interests you, and it can be a fantastic way to explore a p...

Webmaster Interview
About 95% of the people who tries to make money online fail! The reasons can be many, might be lack of knowledge, doing wrong things, working on wrong...

How To Interview Employees
One of the most difficult things for an employer is to interview for new employees and with many legal requirements there are a lot of things to remem...

How to be a Networking Servant
Great networkers know that they should never attend an event without first declaring what goals they want to achieve as a result of attending the even...

Creating Successful Alliances and Partnerships through Networking
Douglas Wilder, former Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first elected Black Governor in the United States gave me advice that I will ...

Conducting Exit Interviews
Exit interviews can be as important as recruitment interviews. However, many organisations either do not complete them or they file the data away with...

Applying for a Small Business Loan
When you have ideas, plans, and desires in place, the anticipation of moving forward in operation a small business is extremely exciting. Only one thi...

Networking for Professional Success
You have decided to start networking. You have signed up to attend a business luncheon and you want to share more on the professional electronic lists...

What Is Networking and Why is it Important in Business?
When I began my networking journey, I attended any and all networking events as time permitted. Every event was fair game! Today I am much more stra...

Drug Rehab for Dual Diagnosis, What’s Needed?
Patients with a single diagnosis of depression, borderline personality disorder or anxiety are far more likely to develop a problem with alcohol and d...

The High Cost of Turnover
Turnover issues can affect your companys profitability, customer loyalty, sales, productivity, and employee morale. Below are examples of turnover co...

The Art of Networking Made Easy
Sometimes it IS who you know and not WHAT you know! I cannot say enough about the importance of networking. It is, simply put, personal interaction wi...

Senior Home Care Services: Weighing The Decision
There are problems that can occur among the elderly, many of which are often overwhelming to family and other loved ones. That is why good home and h...

Alcohol Or Drug Addiction Treatment - How Do They Work?
Depending on the specifics of the addiction, alcohol or drug addiction treatment can take many different forms. The exact treatment used depends on th...

Small Business Loan Proposal
Applying for a small business loan can be exciting and yet stressful at the same time. For the best results and to heighten your level of confidence, ...