Lead from Among, Not from Above

Stewart Emery shared a story with Dr. Ivan Misner recently about a billionaire CEO who used the same company cafeteria as the rest of the employees. Prospective buyers of the company wanted that to change if they bought the company. The CEO halted the negotiations that day. 

As business people have a choice about whether to be inclusive or exclusive. The more successful one is, the easier it is to be standoffish. For example, a good network might be tempted to be exclusive, but a GREAT network will be inclusive and share its success.

Leaders should be approachable. When others understand that leaders care about their success, it creates a healthy culture. Leading from among makes us better leaders in our own businesses.

A New Definition of Networking

When BNI Founder Dr. Ivan Misner wrote the first edition of The World’s Best Known Marketing Secret, ( a great book, BTW) he defined networking as:

“The process of developing and using your contacts to increase your business, enhance your knowledge, expand your sphere of influence, or serve your community.”

This definition stood the test of time for many years, until . . . it didn’t. Since then, Dr. Misner realized the definition of networking was evolving. There were definitely some truths in the original definition that needed to be retained, but a few just no longer felt right.

One word he wanted to address was “using.” Today, this word sounds rather harsh, even cold. People today tend to react negatively to the concept of “using” someone for personal or professional gain. The other word he scrutinized was “contacts.” The term has become synonymous with a person’s database. And a database is, by design, impersonal, practical and, again, rather cold.

After many discussions about modifying the definition, Dr. Misner came up with this representation of the concept of networking:

"The process of developing and activating your relationships to increase your business, enhance your knowledge, expand your sphere of influence or serve your community."

Simply by changing a couple of simple words in Dr. Misner’s original definition, he was able to fine-tune it into what he believes is the true meaning of effective networking. The revised definition is much more congruent with the style of networking we participate in every day — and that we know really works.

You’re the Average of the 5 People You Hang Out with Most

Author, Jack Canfield says that we are the average of the 5 people with whom we spend the most time. If we really are the average of the 5 people we hang out with most, here are some things we might consider:

• If we hang out with professional, successful people, it forces us to be more successful.
• Network up: seek out networking relationships that pull you out of your comfort zone.
• Open doors to people who have a positive attitude toward success.
• Some of your associates may rate a “D” for “delete” if they bring you down.

If we are a mirror of our closest relationships, then it’s important for us to surround ourselves with the people we aspire to be, especially if their strengths differ from ours. We can learn so much. And, we can share so much with them. Let’s surround ourselves with people we think are “better”, because we’re “better” too.

  

It’s Givers Gain.

The Art of Networking: Choosing the Networks that are Right for You.

I'm frequently asked about providing networking skills workshops. Not necessarily networking skills that are specific to BNI, but general business networking skills that, as business people, we know we need. Last fall I held the first one and it sold out immediately, so by popular demand I’m offering it again. If you missed it last time, I invite you to consider registering for this one.

We know effective networking is one key to business success. No matter what phase of business we’re in: whether we’re newer to business and looking to create a network of contacts; or experienced in business and looking for key contacts; networking effectively allows us to connect with the right people at the right time. And nowhere is this more important than when we’re looking to add specific referral partners to our BNI chapter. Where do we find those excellent people?

In this workshop we’ll determine your networking style; we’ll define 7 types of business networks and help you determine which ones are right for you; and we’ll share the tips and techniques to make every networking event a success.

If you’ve ever suffered disappointment after attending a business networking event, join us for this workshop and let’s banish networking letdown.

 

Date: Wednesday May 14, 2014

Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Location: Quality Hotel, Bronte and the QEW, Oakville
Fee: $30

Click here to register, seats are limited.