BNI San Diego Podcast

By BNI San Diego

Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast, the show where we bring you valuable insights and advice from some of the most successful business leaders and entrepreneurs in the San Diego area, and BNI Glo

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· Business

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How many episodes does BNI San Diego Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 145 episodes available.

Best of BNI San Diego Podcast

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Number 1: Episode 144 – 20 Years of Networking: Why He’s STILL Growing His Business | Miguel Contreras
What can 20 years of business networking teach you about referrals, leadership, sales, and growing a successful business? A lot more than you might think. In this episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, Ed Wilson sits down with Miguel Contreras, residential Realtor and founding member of BNI Partners in Excellence, as he approaches an incredible milestone: 20 years in the same BNI chapter. But this conversation isn't about simply showing up for 20 years. It's about what happens when you refuse to become complacent. Miguel shares the lessons he's learned about building business relationships, generating referrals, becoming a better public speaker, developing leadership skills, and creating the momentum necessary to keep growing—even after decades in business. His message for seasoned entrepreneurs? Don't coast. 🚀 In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ How Miguel helped build a BNI chapter from the ground up ✅ Why their original launch attracted more than 100 people ✅ Why experienced business owners should NEVER go into "cruise control" ✅ How leadership roles can make you a better entrepreneur ✅ Why public speaking is a skill every business owner should develop ✅ How BNI became Miguel's training ground for communication and leadership ✅ Why Feature Presentations can lead to more one-to-ones and referrals ✅ How to make your networking presentation more memorable ✅ Why repetition is one of Miguel's most effective referral strategies ✅ How to create momentum instead of waiting for opportunities 💡 “You’ve Got to Create Your Own Momentum” One of Miguel's biggest lessons after nearly 20 years in BNI is surprisingly simple: Momentum doesn't create itself. Think about pushing a stalled car. Getting it moving requires serious effort. But once the car has momentum, keeping it moving becomes much easier. Business works the same way. Networking works the same way. You don't stop pushing simply because you've become successful. You continue creating the relationships, conversations, referrals, presentations, and opportunities that keep your business moving forward. Or, as Miguel likes to say: “Momentum, mo' money.” 🎤 The Business Skill Most Entrepreneurs Need to Practice Public speaking. Miguel admits that when Partners in Excellence launched, he didn't even want to become president. Speaking in front of the room intimidated him. Nearly 20 years later, he credits those experiences with helping him develop one of his most valuable professional skills: the ability to confidently communicate with a room. And he's STILL practicing. Miguel shares why he records his presentations, watches them back, identifies where he can improve, and continues working on his craft after more than two decades in real estate. His philosophy: Don't worry about being perfect. Practice getting better. 🤝 Advice for New AND Experienced BNI Members For seasoned members: Stay engaged. Take leadership roles. Mentor newer members. Volunteer. Give presentations. Keep developing your skills. Remember that newer members are watching the example you set. For newer members: Get involved before you feel ready. Volunteer to speak. Become Education Coordinator. Give Feature Presentations. Practice your weekly referral request. Take opportunities to lead. You don't need to be perfect. You need repetitions. Because the skills you're practicing inside that networking room can eventually transform how you sell, communicate, lead, and grow your business outside of it. 👇 JOIN THE CONVERSATION If you've been networking for several years, what's the biggest lesson you've learned? And if you're new to networking, what's the skill you're currently trying to improve? Tell us in the comments! 👍 LIKE this episode if you're committed to becoming better at your craft. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for weekly conversations about business networking, referral marketing, entrepreneurship, leadership, sales, and professional growth. 📤 SHARE this episode with a business owner who's starting to get a little too comfortable. Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at [email protected]. Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter
September 01, 202635min
Number 2: Episode 140 – Change your Mind, Change Your Business | The Science of Mindset & Success
What if the biggest obstacle to your success... wasn't your competition? What if it was the conversation happening inside your own mind? In this episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, Andy Cruz sits down with Crystal Privett—business trainer, mindset coach, BNI Director, and President of BNI Escondido—to explore the science behind mindset, subconscious programming, resilience, and high performance. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, sales professional, leader, or someone simply feeling overwhelmed by life, this conversation offers practical tools to help you reset your thinking, reduce stress, and unlock your next level of growth. This isn't about "positive thinking." It's about understanding how your brain works—and learning how to work with it instead of against it. 🚀 In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ Why 90% of your daily thoughts are subconscious ✅ The surprising reason 80% of our thoughts tend to be negative ✅ How your internal dialogue shapes your business and your life ✅ Why entrepreneurs often struggle with overwhelm and burnout ✅ The importance of setting healthy boundaries ✅ How visualization can help reprogram your subconscious mind ✅ Why celebrating progress is more powerful than focusing on what isn't finished ✅ The connection between mindset, leadership, and business growth ✅ How serving others helps develop stronger leaders ✅ Practical techniques to improve resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being Key Takeaway Success doesn't begin with your business. It begins with your beliefs. The way you speak to yourself, the stories you repeat every day, and the thoughts you choose to reinforce all influence the decisions you make, the opportunities you notice, and the life you create. As Crystal shares, your subconscious mind is constantly processing your experiences, making it critical to intentionally feed it thoughts that move you toward the future you want—not the fears that keep you where you are. 👇 Join the Conversation What's one belief you've changed that transformed your life or business? Share your answer in the comments—we'd love to hear your story. 👍 Like this video if you believe mindset matters. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, networking, business growth, and personal development. 📤 Share this episode with someone who could use a mindset reset today. #Mindset #PersonalDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #MentalHealth #Leadership #Productivity #SelfImprovement #BusinessNetworking #SuccessMindset #BurnoutRecovery #HighPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusiness #BNI #BNISanDiego #EmotionalIntelligence #Resilience #MindsetCoach #ProfessionalDevelopment Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at [email protected]. Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter
July 21, 202642min
Number 3: Episode 139 – Do You Really Need a Will or Trust? The Estate Planning Mistakes Most Families Make
Most people think estate planning is only for the wealthy. They're wrong. In this episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, Andy Cruz sits down with estate planning attorney Vince Giarratano to discuss one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding wills, trusts, probate, and protecting your family's future. Vince shares why estate planning isn't about how much money you have—it's about protecting the people you love. From young families and new homeowners to business owners and retirees, this conversation explains why having a plan in place can save your family stress, confusion, and unnecessary court involvement. Along the way, Vince also shares his unique journey back to BNI after stepping away for more than a decade, proving that strong relationships and trusted referral networks can stand the test of time. 🚀 In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ Why estate planning is NOT just for wealthy families ✅ The biggest misconceptions about wills, trusts, and probate ✅ When you should create your first estate plan ✅ Why getting married or having children changes everything ✅ How business owners should think about protecting their legacy ✅ What "legacy planning" really means beyond money ✅ Why trusted referrals are more valuable than cold marketing ✅ How BNI relationships helped Vince rebuild his law practice ✅ The importance of credibility before asking for referrals ✅ Why quality relationships always outperform transactional networking 💡 Key Takeaway Estate planning isn't about preparing for death. It's about protecting the people who matter most while you're alive—and making life easier for them if something unexpected happens. As Vince explains, you don't have to be wealthy to have a legacy worth protecting. Every family deserves a plan that reflects their wishes and protects the people they care about most. Have you created an estate plan yet? If not, what's been the biggest reason you've waited? Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at [email protected] Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter
July 14, 202631min
Number 4: Episode 138 - Are You on Track With Your BNI Goals? | The 2026 Mid-Year BNI Reset
We’re halfway through 2026. The question is: Are you getting everything you should be getting from your BNI membership? In this special solo episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, Andy Cruz takes an honest look at the halfway point of the BNI year and walks through the exact numbers, habits, and relationships every BNI member should evaluate before heading into the second half of 2026. Using the BNI Power of One as a framework, this episode is a practical mid-year reset for any member who wants to generate more referrals, build stronger relationships, improve their networking skills, help grow their chapter, and maximize the return on their BNI membership. This isn’t about shame or public accountability. It’s about looking at your numbers, identifying what’s working, owning what isn’t, and making your next half your best half. 🚀 Your BNI Mid-Year Scorecard At the halfway point of the year, ask yourself: ✅ Have I passed at least 26 referrals? ✅ Have I completed approximately one one-to-one per week? ✅ Have I invited at least six visitors? ✅ Am I consistently earning CEUs and improving my networking skills? ✅ Have I updated my GAINS Profile, Contact Sphere, and Best 10 Customers? ✅ Have I met one-to-one with every member of my chapter? ✅ Am I helping my chapter grow by filling open classifications? If the answer to any of those questions is no, you still have six months to change the outcome. 🔥 In This Episode You’ll Learn: - How to use substitutes strategically during summer vacations - Why every BNI member should evaluate their referral numbers at mid-year - How to identify members you need to become a better referral partner for - Why the Contact Sphere worksheet can become a referral gold mine - How to make your one-to-ones more effective in the second half of the year - Why longtime BNI members should update their one-to-one worksheets - How to use the BNI Podcast, books, and training to sharpen your networking skills - Why experienced members should consider retaking Member Success Program - How Stack Days and Visitors Days can help grow your chapter - Why every new member creates referral opportunities that did not exist before they arrived 💡 The Most Important Question: Who do you need to become a better referral partner for? It’s easy to focus on the referrals we haven’t received.But what about the referrals we haven’t given? The second half of the year is an opportunity to identify the members you haven’t referred yet, schedule new one-to-ones, better understand their ideal clients, and become more intentional about creating opportunities for them. The same accountability works in reverse. Who already knows the people you want to meet—and what could you do to better educate them about how to refer you? 🎯 Your Second-Half Action Plan Three things: 1) RESET anything that is out of alignment. Look at your numbers, habits, attendance, referrals, one-to-ones, visitors, and CEUs. Be clear about where you actually stand. 2) REPOSTURE yourself for a productive second half. Check your attitude. Recommit to showing up with purpose, positivity, and a true Givers Gain® mindset. 3) RECOMMIT to the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Write down your action plan. Put it on your calendar. Share it with someone who will hold you accountable. You still have six months. Make your next half your best half. Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter
July 07, 202630min
Number 5: Episode 134 – Should you really “Follow your Passion” | Leadership & Networking with Jon Lyon
What if the advice you've heard your entire life is wrong? "Follow your passion." It's one of the most common pieces of advice given to entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. But what if the real secret isn't finding your passion...What if it's bringing your passion with you wherever you go? In this episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, recorded live at the BNI National Conference in Orlando, Florida, Executive Director Ed Wilson talks with Jon Lyon, Executive Director of BNI Colorado West Slope, for a powerful conversation about leadership, visibility, mindset, and the impact of showing up with intention. Jon shares how a simple lesson completely changed the direction of his life and career, ultimately leading him from a travel-tech startup to BNI leadership. Together, Ed and Jon explore what it means to be present, how to develop influence, and why the energy you bring into a room matters more than you think. 🔥 In this episode you'll discover: ✅ Why "follow your passion" may be bad advice ✅ The difference between finding passion and bringing passion with you ✅ How visibility leads to credibility in business ✅ Why presence is one of the most underrated leadership skills ✅ How to become the person people naturally gravitate toward ✅ The importance of being fully present in conversations ✅ Why leadership starts with serving others ✅ How repetition builds confidence and influence ✅ Practical ways to increase your impact in networking groups and business settings 💡 Key Takeaway: People don't remember every word you say. They remember how you made them feel. Your energy, your presence, and your willingness to genuinely connect with others may be the most valuable assets you bring into any room. As Jon shares in this episode, leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room—it's about showing up consistently, being present, and helping others succeed. Whether you're a BNI member, entrepreneur, business owner, leader, or someone looking to make a greater impact in your career, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about passion, leadership, and personal growth. 👇 Comment below: What's one person in your life who helped shape who you've become? 👍 Like this video if you found value 🔔 Subscribe for more BNI success stories, leadership insights, and business growth conversations 📤 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessNetworking #PersonalDevelopment #BNI #BNISanDiego #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #MindsetMatters #BusinessGrowth #NetworkingTips #SmallBusiness #SuccessMindset #ReferralMarketing #BNIPodcast #ExecutiveLeadership #PublicSpeaking #Influence #Visibility #GiversGain Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at [email protected]. Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter
June 09, 202613min