The best way to increase your business is by mastering the art of networking. Nobody understands this concept better than Dr. Ivan Misner. Dr. Misner is the founder of BNI or Business Network Int’l., the world’s largest networking and referral organization. BNI has over 5,291 chapters with 111,733 members in 42 countries worldwide. Last year alone, members of BNI passed 6.5 million referrals which generated over $2.8 billion dollars worth of business for its members.

When it comes to the art of networking as a means to build your business, Dr. Misner has identified five key strategies. In this first of a two-part series, we’ll examine two of Dr. Misner’s recommended tactics:

1 – Diversify Your Networks
It’s no secret, you’re not going to meet people by being a “cave-dweller” who sits behind a desk all day. In other words, good business people put themselves out into the community. Misner takes the concept one step further by recommending that professionals diversify the groups they associate with. He suggests that individuals select at least three different groups to pursue, since networking with just one group is the business equivalent of putting all of your eggs in one basket. [Read more…]