Evan Carmichael Top Header about About About facebook Twitter YouTube Google+

What Is Business Networking, Anyway?



Free PDF Download
Sorting Out Who's Who - By Ivan R. Misner

Name: Email:


Business networking is leveraging your business and personal connections to bring you a regular supply of new business. The concept sounds simple, doesn't it? Don't let that fool you, though. Because it involves relationship building, it can be a deceptively complex process.

Think about it. How many people do you know? How many of these people truly understand what you do? How many of these folks have directed prospects to you as referrals? And how many of those referrals have actually turned into business?

Business networking is much more than showing up at networking functions, shaking a
lot of hands and collecting a bunch of cards.

For example, imagine two people attending an event, sizing it up and drawing an imaginary line down the middle. They separate, each taking half the room. At the end of the event, they meet again to see who's collected the most business cards.

Have you met these people? Sure you have. We all have. What did they accomplish? They collected a lot of cards that will end up on a shelf, in a drawer, in the trash, or--worse yet--scanned into a computer so they can spam everyone they just met. Why? What does a business card represent? It's a piece of paper, with ink and images on it. No relationship has been formed. This networking strategy, by itself, isn't an effective use of time, money or energy.

Some people get frustrated with networking because they seem to be making as much progress as a rear-wheel-drive truck on an icy hill: one foot forward, 10 feet back--getting nowhere fast.

Networking for business growth must be strategic and focused. Not everyone you meet can help move your business forward--but everything you do can be driven by the intention to grow your business. You have total control over whom you meet, where you meet them and how you develop and leverage relationships for mutual benefit. You have total control over whether you enter into the unique 29 percent of the population that is separated by six degrees (read The 29% Solution to learn more), whether you stay there, or whether you never get there at all.

Networking your business means you have to be proactive. The core of networking is doing something specific each week that is focused on networking for business growth. Make a plan, focus and be consistent. When you understand exactly what business networking is and step up to the challenge, you'll find avenues of opportunity that you may have otherwise never discovered, and you will be making an invaluable investment in the steady growth of your business.


Related Articles

  Networking Mistake Myopia
  Endless Referrals
  Networking Tips for Introverts or How to Break The Ice Without Fear of Falling Through
  NETWORKING ISNT SELLING OR IS IT
  Should you join a networking group?
  The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
  Profit Boosting Tip - Network with a purpose
  Business Finance & Networking in the UK
  Sales Reluctance Is Not a Two-Letter Word Named No!
  Recession Proof Networking
  10 Steps for Developing Your INDIVIDUAL NETWORKING PLAN
  Networking: How Much Is \"Networking Dread\" Costing You and What Can You Do About It?
  Are You Confused About Social Networking?
  A New Kind of Networking for Recessionary Times
  The Difference Between Networking and Selling
  Business Networking: Stop Working the Room
  Networking Reluctance Does Not Have to Be Fatal
  Networking Tips from the Networkers Networker
  Using Social Networking Websites to Promote Your Business
  Something you have, not something you do

Home > Marketing > Ivan R. Misner > What Is Business Networking Anyway >

Free PDF Download
Sorting Out Who's Who - By Ivan R. Misner

Name: Email:

About the Author: Ivan R. Misner

RSS for Ivan's articles - Visit Ivan's website

Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder & Chairman of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization. BNI was founded in 1985. The organization has over 5,800 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world. Last year alone, BNI generated 6.5 million referrals resulting in $2.8 billion dollars worth of business for its members.

Dr. Misner's Ph.D. is from the University of Southern California. He is a New York Times Bestselling author who has written twelve books including his latest #1 bestseller Networking Like A Pro.

He is a monthly columnist for Entrepreneur.com and is the Senior Partner for the Referral Institute - a referral training company with trainers around the world. In addition, he has taught business management and social capital courses at several universities throughout the United States.

Called the "Father of Modern Networking" by CNN and the "Networking Guru"  by Entrepreneur magazine, Dr. Misner is considered one of the world's leading experts on business networking and has been a keynote speaker for major corporations and associations throughout the world. He has been featured in the L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times, as well as numerous TV and radio shows including CNN, CNBC, and the BBC  in London.

Dr. Misner is on the Board of Trustees for the University of La Verne. He is also the Founder of the BNI-Misner Foundation and was recently named "Humanitarian of the Year" by a Southern California newspaper. He is married and lives with his wife Elisabeth and their three children in Claremont, CA. In his spare time!!! he is also an amateur magician and a black belt in karate.


Click here to visit Ivan's website.
Dashed Line

More from Ivan R. Misner
The Importance of Sales in Networking
Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking
Managing Your Business Cards
What Is Business Networking Anyway
Wherever You Go Networking Makes You Grow

Related Forum Posts

Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them!
My entry My entry
Marketing 2012 Marketing 2012
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money? Re: How can a social networking site make serious money?
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them!

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
Share for a Cause
Featured Article



Worksheets
By: Evan Carmichael

8 Powerful Steps to Finding Your Passion

Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?

Does your pitch suck?

Create a plan of attach to launch your new business.

8-Cover

Like this page? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Bottom Footer



Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

10 Rules For Great Taglines

Can you be transparent in Social Media A PI QA

Urgent or Important? Learn to Prioritize

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.