Big Apple Business Networking

Where do you network?

When I entered the world of networking, I scoped out many networking opportunities in New York City. One of the best groups I found was BNI Business Network International.

BNI is the worlds largest networking organization with over 170,000 members in over 65 countries. Members are intent on helping each other increase business and they live by the philosophy, Givers Gain. By giving business to others, you will in turn get or earn business for yourself.

As a member, I worked hard to build visibility and credibility as quickly as possible. I took on leadership roles, offered advice, and referred business to give back to the group. In turn, I earned their trust and, most importantly, became referable and profitable.

BNI members pass millions of referrals resulting in billions of dollars of business. Want to join in the action?

Heres how I did it and how you can, too.

During the Meeting:

• Arrive early. Most of the networking I do begins in the morning. Arrive early so you can eat and grab a cup of coffee before the other guests arrive. This will maximize your face-to-face networking time. Plus, in some rooms some seats are better than others and could affect your commercial presentation. Arrive early and scope out the situation youll already be in a better place than your competition.
• Have a memorable business card. Stand out and be remembered. In every networking meeting, you meet, greet, and exchange business cards. Does your card get thrown out or does it stand out? Is it shared or shredded? Is it a conversation starter or an ender? The goal is to have a business card so cool that someone MUST show it to someone else. NOTE WELL: Your look is your first impression, your business card is your memorable impression, and your conversation is your lasting impression.
• Deliver a stellar commercial. Most networking groups, BNI included, will give you time to talk about who you are, what you do, and who you are looking to meet. Will anyone remember yours?
• Be specific. You never know who may know, or may be, the exact person you are looking to meet.
• Be safe. It sounds crazy, but on my first visit to a networking meeting, a member asked to meet the CEO of a specific fortune 500 company. I happened to go to high school with her. I made the intro, happily, after sitting down with her to learn about her business and how she could help my friend. I wanted to make sure she was credible before risking my reputation. Wouldnt you?
• Show up consistently. Out of sight, out of mind. Out of sight, loss of credibility. If your group meets weekly, be there.
• Pay attention and take notes when others speak. Take notes (yes, write on paper or type on an iPad) about how you can help them, or ideas you can share with them. People will notice you noticing them, and being respectful to anyone with the guts to speak in front of a group will reward you down the line. Offer the speaker your eye contact; they will be looking for support and will remember your face as one of the places they held attention. Dont be on your phone, be on your A game! (A is for alert)
• Write on business cards. You may receive a bunch of new business cards at every meeting you attend. And, they all (unfortunately) look similar! (except yours because it will stand out, right?). Take notes to remember your conversation and what the other person does. You can even schedule a meeting on the back of both cards!
• Testimonials. This is the best way to build your credibility with your networking group. Testimonials are proof you are who you say you are, and do what you say youll do. Make certain you give quality work (advice, work, free services) so that you can earn testimonials from the other members WITHOUT ASKING. When another member speaks on your behalf, the message is a hundred times more powerful.

OK, those are the tips but theyre just the tips of the iceberg. Participation pre-prepared active participation, make real and profitable networking occur.

Stay tuned for what to do BEFORE and AFTER the meeting. This is where the real relationship magic happens.