You are probably familiar with Ivan Misner, founder and chairman of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization.
I had the great honor of having an extended lunch with Ivan and Beth Misner this past Saturday. We are working a project together (will be announcing in the fall) and our schedules happened to intersect for a meeting at his place in Austin (recent transplants from LA).
Last year alone, BNI generated 6.6 million referrals resulting in over $8.6 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of business for its 150,000+ members.
Just like so many uber successful entrepreneurs, I find Ivan and Beth to be amazingly generous with both their time and knowledge.
Ivan believes networking is part of the process to build a referral-base and to be successful with business networking, one should understand that it is really about helping others. The people you help are more willing to help you or connect you to people they know. No matter, whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, you can be successful at networking.
Ivan is also a big believer in having a positive attitude and approach to life and business. In fact as much time, if not more was spent taking about the purpose and mission of their foundation to help with education at a grass roots level. As well as the importance of what we feed our minds and bodies.
Ivan does warn to be careful of who you let into your world. How about if every person you ever let in, you had to keep in your life forever…would that cause you to be more discerning? Guard your inner circle, both business and personal, he and Beth suggest!
Bottom line is this, Your network is your net worth. Continue to surround yourself, engage, give and grow with people that you want to learn and grow with.
To Your Success!
Kyle Wilson
PS – If you haven’t made a recent Mastermind you are missing out on some amazing connections (Mark Victor Hansen, Chris Widener, Kim Somers Egelsee, Ron White, Larry Thompson and more). Come join us for the next event hosted at my house. See ya soon. Click Here for details.
PSS – Ivan and Beth have numerous books on the topics of Networking, Growing Your Business and also health and spiritual (based on the successes and lessons they have learned).