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Dr. Ivan Misner Launches Weekly Conversation with Worldwide Membership

Ever wish you could have a weekly one-to-one with Dr. Ivan Misner? Now you can, by subscribing to the Official BNI Podcast.

Your free subscription provides you with a weekly 5-10 minute audio message from Dr. Misner, who asks you to hold up your end of the conversation by posting comments and questions at BNIPodcast.com. Tell him what you're thinking. Ask that burning question. Offer your suggestions and solutions-focused comments.

Launched April 11, 2007, the Official BNI Podcast brings Dr. Misner's worldwide audience a weekly dose of his wit and wisdom on the topic of word-of-mouth marketing, as well as techniques for getting the most from a BNI membership. The downloadable recordings, along with short synopses and complete text transcriptions, can be found at http://www.BNIPodcast.com.

"After promoting Norm Dominguez to CEO of BNI last year, I have assumed the full-time role of Founder and Chairman," Dr. Misner explains. "My job now is primarily to be the spokesperson for BNI, to talk to members directly through as many vehicles as possible. That's why I love this concept of the podcast. It lets me talk directly to members and allows them to give me their feedback."

"I see this podcast as a way for me to flatten the communication hierarchy," Dr. Misner continues. "It allows me to communicate directly to members and directors worldwide on a weekly basis, and lets them respond with their comments and questions right on the web site."

Despite his packed calendar and incredible travel schedule, which takes him around the world on an annual basis, Dr. Misner is able to record the podcasts by telephone from anywhere. Podcast producer and co-host Frank Felker handles all the technical details from his home studio in the Washington, DC area.

Felker, a BNI member, approached Dr. Misner with the concept shortly after joining a local chapter. "I felt that a podcast was the perfect medium for him to create a consistent and intimate connection with his membership," Felker explains. "I was elated when he immediately embraced the idea."

Dr. Misner has big plans for the Official BNI Podcast. Upcoming episodes will include a worldwide calendar of BNI events, special information for chapter Education Coordinators, "meeting stimulants" designed to keep chapter meetings exciting and enjoyable, and interviews with special guests, including Dr. Misner's many high-profile friends from the worlds of publishing and entrepreneurial education.

The free recordings can be played right from your web browser while visiting the site, downloaded manually to your computer for later listening, transferred to an audio CD or mp3 player, or downloaded automatically each time they are posted via free subscription through the iTunes Music Store or other podcast directories, such as Yahoo Podcasts.

For more information, click the "About" button at the top of the homepage at http://www.BNIPodcast.com.



The BNI Foundation

BNI Foundation Administrator Beth Misner presents the Oakmont Elementary School with their BNI mini-grant.

The BNI-Misner Foundation has been busy this year reviewing applications for mini-grants and funding many worthwhile projects that benefit children with their education. Some of the projects funded by the Foundation so far this school year include:

• Bonita Unified School District CA, PTA Reflections Program
• Oakmont Elementary, Claremont CA, Science Project
• Art Road Non Profit Corporation
• Big City Mountaineers
• Danville Museum of Fine Arts
• Sports Outreach International, Mexico
• East Cobb Christian School
• Sabra Hebrew Day Camp

The BNI Foundation is still accepting applications for their $1000 mini-grants. The criteria are that the projects be supporting children and education and must go to a non-profit organization. The Executive Board of Advisors votes on each application and the ones approved are awarded the funds. Of course, the best applicants are those referred to the BNI-Misner Foundation by BNI members, so if you have a teacher or other volunteer for a worthy charity which supports children and education in your life, feel free to let them know about these mini grants. More information can be obtained by viewing the Foundation website at www.bni.org.

Any members wishing to support BNI's charitable work may send donations to the BNI-Misner Foundation, 545 College Commerce Way, Upland CA 91711. Chapters or individuals who send donations of $200 or more may direct those funds to the charity of their choice. This allows BNI chapters to support local charities through the BNI Foundation.

Submitted by Beth Misner, BNI Foundation Administrator