Small Business Networking for Introverts

The Introvert’s Edge: Discover the Strategies and Tactics of Introverted Global Business Leaders

Many introverts believe that to be successful in networking, they have to have an outgoing, contagious personality. We see the best networkers as people who always know exactly what to say, whose every word seems miraculously entertaining and insightful.

Today I know better. In fact, I often write about how introverted networkers with a system have a huge advantage. As an introvert myself, however, I remember how hard it was for me to let go of that belief and trust that the best networkers (like people that seem to be the best at all things) are the people with a great system, which they practice and master.

That’s why it was so important to me, for the first interview of the Introvert’s Edge podcast, to address this misconception and to find the perfect guest to help me do it.

I wrote a list of the people I consider the best networkers in the world. It was important to find not only a great networker, but a fellow introvert, so I googled each of the names on my list, adding the word “introvert.”

Imagine my surprise when I saw that the number one networker on my list, Ivan Misner, was indeed an introvert. In fact, when I typed in “Ivan Misner introvert” into Google, the very first result was a blog post he wrote in February 2009 titled “OMG, I’m an Introvert!?”

So how did introvert Ivan Misner end up founding BNI, the largest, most effective networking group in the world – and why is it perfect for introverts? Discover all this and more in this episode of The Introvert’s Edge.

The Best Networker in the World Shares How to Network for Your Small Business

Introverts often struggle with networking. What do you say to a room full of strangers? How can you best employ networking to actually gain business? Ivan shares the strategies he’s learned over decades of perfecting his networking skills – and helping hundreds of thousands of others do the same.

Called “the father of modern networking” by CNN, Ivan Misner has decades of experience honing the networking strategies that actually result in productive relationships and business growth. From the most common networking mistakes to avoid, to the simple techniques that work to gain referrals, Ivan’s figured it all out for you – to the tune of over $11 billion a year in closed business for BNI’s members.

The Introvert’s Guide to Networking

Just because introverts may not enjoy small talk and socializing as much as our extroverted counterparts, we’re still uniquely suited to be master networkers. Our listening, analytical, and preparation skills mean we’re perfectly equipped to nurture a network that’s both wide and deep.

Ivan’s Thoughts on My Sales Process for Introverts

Ivan was kind enough to write a glowing endorsement of my book, The Introvert’s Edge, but while we were on camera, I thought I’d ask him to share his thoughts about the book. Here is what he had to say.

Some Questions I Ask:

• What exactly is BNI, and how does it help small businesses worldwide? (1:01)
• How do you account for cultural differences in networking? (9:46)
• You used to believe you were an extrovert; how did you realize that you’re an introvert after all? (13:03)
• How has your introversion been key to your success in business and in life? (16:28)

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How and why BNI works across the globe (2:35)
• My personal connection to BNI and why it means so much to me (4:43)
• One-on-one networking using the GAINS exchange (6:30)
• The real key to networking (6:45)
• The importance of building social capital (8:17)
• The big mistake everyone makes in networking (8:53)
• How networking structures and systems apply across the globe (10:17)
• How Ivan discovered that he’s actually an introvert (13:10)
• Why BNI is a networking group perfect for introverts (15:21)
• The distinct problems faced by introverts and extroverts in networking (16:45)
• The simple secret to being a good networker (17:14)

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

• Ivan Misner’s blog
• BNI
• Part two of this episode

Thanks for taking the time to listen!

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