“The Power of Leadership”

What is Business Networking?

According to Dr. Ivan Misner, founder of BNI and author of a new book, The 29% Solution:

Networking is the process of developing contacts and relationships to increase your business, enhance your knowledge, expand your sphere of influence, or serve the community.  In its most basic form “business networking” is leveraging your business and personal connections to bring you a regular supply of new business.  The concept sounds simple, but don’t be fooled, it can be a deceptive and complex process.

Think about this… How many people do you know?  How many people truly understand what you do in your business? How many of these people 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 events, shaking hands, and collecting business cards.  You meet people for sure.  But what does that relationship accomplish?  Which is why many people get frustrated with networking.  Their surface level interactions are not an effective use of time and energy.

Networking for business growth must be strategic and focused.  Not everyone you meet can move your business forward, but everything you do can be driven by the intention to grow your business.  You have total control over who you meet, where you meet them, and how you develop and leverage relationships for mutual benefit.

Networking for business means you have to be proactive.  That’s why they say, “it’s not net-SIT or net-EAT, it’s net-WORK!”

“You will always find some Eskimos willing to instruct the Congolese on how to cope with heat waves.” – Starislaus Lee

Have a great day!

Shawn

Russ M. Miller, LLIF – Chairman & CEO
Performance Institute (Human Capital Development)
Global CEO Academy (Management Training)
Sunny Hong Zhang – Managing Partner – China
Shawn M. Miller – Managing Partner – USA