BNI on Speed Networking Programs: They're Showing Up All Around the World, but Are They Really Worthwhile?

Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder and Chairman of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization, explains why speed networking is a great way to meet other business professionals in a short period of time.

Upland, CA (PRWEB) August 22, 2007 -- Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder and Chairman of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization, explains why speed networking is a great way to meet other business professionals in a short period of time.

Speed networking programs, prevalent worldwide, generally involve people meeting each other one at a time for a short interval and then moving on to the next person in line. But can you really make a worthwhile connection with someone in only one or two minutes?

"I believe speed networking can work if it's done the right way," says Dr. Ivan Misner. "It can be a fun, energetic and dynamic way to further your own goals of having a thriving, successful word-of-mouth business."

So, how do you go about participating in a speed networking exercise with the proper focus to make the most of your time? Dr. Misner recommends considering these points:

1.    Start with the end in mind and realize that you're not there to bag the big one, but you are there to find ways to connect with each and every person you have the opportunity to sit/stand in front of.

2.    Conduct the exercise as a mini interview. Think in terms of what you can find out about the person you're meeting.

3.    Make notes during the exercise. If you're not provided some type of contact card, be sure to write down the information you discover.

4.    Follow up. If you don't follow up with those you meet during the speed networking exercise, you will only have succeeded in wasting your time.

Misner provided these tips in a recent monthly column for Entrepreneur.com (the online home of Entrepreneur Magazine). Read the whole story online at: http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/marketingideas/networkingcolumnistivanmisner/article180954.html

Questions? Call Dr. Ivan Misner at BNI Headquarters in the USA at 1-909-608-7575.

BNI (www.bni.com) is the world's largest business networking organization, with more than 4,700 chapters in 37 countries worldwide. BNI's Founder & Chairman, Dr. Ivan Misner is the author of several books including the NY Times best-seller, Masters of Networking (www.MastersofNetworking.com), and the recently released #1 best-seller, Truth or Delusion, Busting Networking's Biggest Myths (www.TruthorDelusion.com). Look for Ivan's next best-seller, Masters of Sales (www.mastersbooks.com). He is also the Senior Partner for the Referral Institute (www.referralinstitute.com), a referral training company with operations around the world.

Contact:

Michael R. Drew

Phone: 512-858-0040

Fax: 512-857-9428

16208 Crystal Hills Drive

Austin, TX 78737-9009

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