This is a rebroadcast of Episode 170.

Synopsis

Here are some tips for positioning yourself as a professional when you go to networking events.

* Look the part. Don’t wear jeans to a professional networking event. Be well-rested if you’re going to a morning event. Shirts with company logos are appropriate. Brand yourself appropriately.

* Make sure your body language sends the right message. Watch your posture, eye contact, and gestures.

* Be prepared. Know where your business cards are.

* Remember to smile. Studies have shown that this makes you seem more open and forthright.

This podcast is based on Dr Misner’s article “Get Your Act Together.”

Brought to you by Networking Now.

Complete Transcription of BNI Podcast Episode 170 –

Priscilla:

Hello everyone, and welcome back to The Official BNI Podcast brought to you by NetworkingNow.com, which is the leading site on the Net for networking downloadables.

I’m Priscilla Rice, and I’m coming to you from Live Oak Recording Studio in Berkeley, California, and I’m joined on the phone today by the founder and the chairman of BNI, Dr. Ivan Misner.

Hello, Ivan. How are you and where are you?

Ivan:

I am doing great, Priscilla. I’m back home. I’m at BNI headquarters this week. I did so much traveling over the last three months, about five different countries, all over the United States. I literally was at BNI headquarters one week over the last three months, so it’s good to be back here for a little while and start working on some of the projects I’ve got going.

Priscilla:

That sounds very exciting. I wish I had been in your suitcase!

Ivan:

Well, you know, members of BNI, if you have a chance go to my Facebook page, my personal page, unfortunately, has hit its limits, so look for the Fan page; it’s Ivan Misner Founder of BNI. Go to the Facebook page if you’d like to see what’s going on in the organization and where I’m at. Take a look at that. It’s Facebook.com/IvanMisner.BNIFounder. Join the Fan page, and you can follow.

I know you followed. You were talking about my trip to South Africa.

Priscilla:

Yeah, I saw some great pictures of the safari that you were on with Elisabeth.

Ivan:

Well, I invite the members to come to my Facebook page and sign up.

Priscilla:

Great! How do you reach your limit on Facebook? That sounds . . .

Ivan:

Well, personal page has limits; Fan page does not. So the limit is 5,000 people, and when I hit 5,000, it wouldn’t let me add anymore friends, so Friend Request me won’t do any good because I’m at my limit.

Priscilla:

Okay.

Ivan:

But the Fan page has no limit, so go there, because you’ll like it.

Priscilla:

Okay, great. So what is this podcast about?

Ivan:

This podcast is like Get Your Act Together, and it’s based on a blog that I wrote of Entrepreneur.com. And it’s really about the way that you position yourself, the way you look and come across. Let’s face it, as business people, we’ve got a lot going on, there are people to see, places to go, a whole lot of stuff to do. And to do this and look good and act presentable at the same time sometimes things slip through the cracks. Quick frankly, getting and keeping your act together can be a little overwhelming, for even the more organized people around. So I’m going to give you a few tips for BNI members.

First, look the part before going to a networking event. You’d be surprised how many people fall short in the fundamental area of appearance. If it’s Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast, don’t dress casually. Wear a suit or at least professional casual. You need to be well rested, clear headed when you’re attending morning networking sessions.