Tag: Don’t Show Off

Synopsis

At one point, Dr. Misner outlined 16 levels of a referral. But while writing the second edition of Networking Like a Pro, he realized that his levels should match the 5 levels on most BNI referral slips around the world.

These 5 levels of a referral are cumulative, and laid out in detail in the book.

1. You share the contact information of someone who expects to be contacted by your referral partner.
2. You’ve also shared additional information (business card, marketing materials, website) about the person you’re referring with the prospect.
3. You give the prospect a personal testimonial about the person you’re referring.
4. You make a personal phone call and arrange a meeting between the propsect and the person you’re referring.
5. You make an in-person introduction between the propsect and the person you’re referring.

The lower the level of referral, the higher the level of difficulty in turning it into business. Your goal should be to give referrals that are at least a level 3.

The 5 levels of a referral are in Chapter 36 of Networking Like a Pro: Second Edition. You can also read more about them on Dr. Misner’s blog.

Brought to you by the Networking for Success Channel on YouTube.

Originally posted on BNIpodcast.com

 

Not currently a member of BNI? How do you plan on growing your business?

Would you be interested in joining a group that can help you revolutionize your business, sharpen your professional skills, and develop long lasting contacts? We would love to invite you to visit our BNI chapter, and see for yourself how we are changing the way the world does business.

While growing your business is our primary focus, members get so much more from forming close relationships with like-minded business professionals. The opportunities are endless.  If you are in the Sacramento/Elk Grove area we would love you to visit our chapter and learn more about the BNI Elk Grove Rockstars.  Or Learn more about BNI

Synopsis

When Dr. Misner goes to networking events, he frequently observes people engaging in dueling monologues, even though no one really wants to listen to anyone else’s sales monlogue at a networking event. How do you avoid dueling monologue syndrome? Don’t show off, show interest.

A good networker, like a good talk show interviewer, asks questions and lets people talk. Here are some questions you can start with. Rather than ask all of them in sequence, follow the thread of the conversation to ask more.

1. What do you like best about what you do? Why? What are some examples?
2. What got you started in your industry?
3. What’s your target market? What’s an example of a great client?
4. What are some of the challenges you have in your business?
5. Where else do you network?

If the questions sound familiar, it’s because Dr. Misner has mentioned them in previous podcasts (144, 167, 183, 544). But even if you’ve heard them before, they will be new to someone you’ve just met.

If you hear this new contact describe a problem or a need of any kind, have someone in your personal network that you can refer them to. Nothing expedites a relationship faster than helping someone you’ve met by referring another person.

Brought to you by the Networking for Success Channel on YouTube.

Originally posted on BNIpodcast.com

 

Not currently a member of BNI? How do you plan on growing your business?

Would you be interested in joining a group that can help you revolutionize your business, sharpen your professional skills, and develop long lasting contacts? We would love to invite you to visit our BNI chapter, and see for yourself how we are changing the way the world does business.

While growing your business is our primary focus, members get so much more from forming close relationships with like-minded business professionals. The opportunities are endless.  If you are in the Sacramento/Elk Grove area we would love you to visit our chapter and learn more about the BNI Elk Grove Rockstars.  Or Learn more about BNI