March 2008
Art of Networking |
Some people are able to achieve their dreams because of a skill they have; some work really hard; some are lucky; and, then there are some of us who use our networking skills.
I did a one-to-one at a BNI conference with a woman named Jennifer Walker. During our meeting she asked me to go through my G.A.I.N.S. profile (Goals, Accomplishments, Interests, Networks, Skills). I gave her a couple of business goals, and she asked for a personal one. Not everyone does that, so I shared with her that since I was a little girl I have wanted to pet a lion, tiger, or leopard. We finished our one-to-one and went our separate ways.
It turns out that Jennifer's company, Walker Design, had done some PR for someone in Wisconsin that had a big cat—and she began the process of following up for me without me knowing about it.
Last summer I was visiting Mark and Rose Hackbarth and Dave Zemer in Milwaukee for a Referral Institute training seminar. I decided to spend an extra day checking out the sights and asked them to set something up for me. When the time came, they took me on a two-hour drive, refusing to tell me where we were going. We eventually pulled into a parking lot.
At first I didn't know what was going on, until I saw that the logo on the side of his huge black truck read, "Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center." I couldn't believe it! Right in front of me were lions, tigers, and even two spotted leopards! My heart practically stopped!
Our guide, Jeff, told us about the horrific conditions in which he rescued many of his cats. It sickened me to hear the stories of how Jeff rescued a 700-pound tiger from a 4'x 8' cage in Ohio, or how a beautiful white Bengal Tiger named Isis was rescued from spending all day standing a foot deep in her own feces. Jeff shared with us that he was building a new facility and would be rescuing even more big cats from these same types of circumstances.
To date, the BNI SF Bay region has donated over $1,400 to the rescue; I personally have "sponsored" Isis, the white Bengal Tiger, with over $5,000; and, I will be offering a matching program. For every dollar donated to the rescue between February 1st and March 31st, 2008, I will match up to $6,000. To learn more about the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center, please go to www.wisconsinbigcats.org.
Did you ever imagine you could make someone's lifelong dreams come true by doing a G.A.I.N.S. profile? Have you been willing to share what your goals are? Have you been willing to go out of your way to make a dream come true for someone else? I will forever be thankful to Jennifer Walker for making my dream come true!
Submitted by Dawn Lyons, BNI Executive Director, BNI SF Bay, California
 |
Having a "free" sales team to turn to for support … what an amazing feeling! You have at your disposal, both nationally and internationally, the knowledge of a diverse group to turn to for advice, motivation, support, and help. They are a group of like-minded business professionals whom you can rely upon both professionally and personally.
Your BNI sales team becomes a part of your business and everyday living. It becomes a comfortable environment for you to network in. You have a sales team in which ideas, life, and business experiences are shared, concerns and challenges are brought forth, solutions are found, and incredible relationships are formed.
I have always been a giver; therefore, I had to become part of the one organization where "Givers Gain" is truly the philosophy and way of life.
And what is the result of all this? Passing and receiving good qualified referrals, helping others, and having a new family worldwide.
Thank you, Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder of BNI.
Submitted by Emmy M. Vickers, BNI Senior Director, Prince Georges Count, Maryland
 |
It's no secret that business-by-referral is the best kind. Potential clients are predisposed to like and trust you; all that's left is for them to get to know you. The actual secret that many have yet to discover is how to conduct business networking efficiently and effectively in order to create referrals.
On the new three-CD set Business Networking Secrets, you will learn those skills from Dr. Ivan Misner, founder and CEO of BNI, the largest business networking organization in the world—and the most effective. And you will take those skills to the next level when Dr. Misner hands over the microphone to Tom Fleming, director of training for the Referral Institute, which offers college-level courses in the art of referring.
For those who aren't BNI members, Business Networking Secrets can improve your networking skills. For those who are BNI members or thinking of joining, these CDs will take four to six months off the learning curve, making you a better networker faster. For veteran BNI members, Business Networking Secrets will remind you of some of the skills you might have forgotten or neglected.
I had at least six "Eureka!" moments while listening to the CDs and was so impressed with their messages that I keep my set in my car so I can listen again and again on long drives.
If someone told me I could keep only one piece of BNI educational material—as good as the books and other CDs are—Business Networking Secrets is the one I would pick. Simply, it is outstanding.
To order BNI Networking Secrets, click here.
Submitted by Jean Heller, Vice President of The Visions Group, BNI Referral Masters, Clearwater, Florida
All Signs Point to BNI
I just returned from a successful business trip to Dublin, Ireland. When I came down from my hotel room for breakfast Friday morning and saw a sign saying "International Networking Week BNI," I was surprised and amazed. I had my breakfast, politely waited for signs that the meeting had concluded, and then popped my head in the room.
I was very warmly welcomed by Rosie (the visitor host), who in turn introduced me to Jim Booth (director) and Paul O'Connor (chapter director). I also spoke with a couple of other members before leaving. I can honestly say "Wear your BNI lapel pin" no matter where you travel!
It was a fantastic start to the day and truly proved how universal BNI is. Thank you to Dublin's MINT chapter for making a very short visit very worth while and for making International Networking Week one I won't forget.
Submitted by Kay Reeve, BNI Norman Chapter, East Anglia, UK
Have you listened to BNI's weekly internet recording, also known as the BNI Podcast?