The Art Of Business Networking

Networking guru Ivan Misner sees India as one of its most important growth markets

- Tasneem Limbdiwala

KNOWN as the ‘Father of Modern Networking’, Ivan Misner, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, Business Network International (BNI), has reasserted that in an entrepreneur’s life, networking is akin to creating business opportunities. BNI’s very role is to bring together entrepreneurs across the world and generate business through referrals. On a recent India visit, Misner addressed over 1,500 entrepreneurs.

Business of Networking

“Referral marketing works when an associate, friend, client or supplier has a need that can be met by someone you know and trust. We must learn how to listen for referrals. For example, a friend is impressed with your brochure and mentions he is looking for a good printer too, and you connect him with your printer — that is a referral. Business is more likely to happen in this manner, as there is a transfer of trust,” Misner explains.