This is a rebroadcast of Episode 376.

Synopsis

Andy Lopata, co-host of The Global Networking Show, joins Dr. Misner this week to talk about networking globally and strategically.

Most networking training focuses on networking skills rather than networking strategy. Knowing how to network is good, but you need to know what your intended outcome is for any networking group or meeting.

The mindset of BNI is “Givers Gain,” but that doesn’t exclude setting goals for the number and type of referrals you want to get and how to help people give you the best referrals.

Picture a conversation between your “champion” and your prospect. What is your prospect going to say that cues your champion to think of you? It won’t often be the obvious thing, e.g. “I’m looking for a great financial advisor.” Instead, it will be a statement of a major life change that a financial advisor can help with.

Make sure your statement about who you want to meet can pass the ten-year-old test. Will a ten-year-old not only understand it but listen all the way to the end? Be as specific as possible.

The only differences in networking globally are the macro-cultural differences.  Ultimately, people are very similar. Business around the world is about building trust.

Networking strategy comes down to investing in relationships, no matter where you are in the world.

Brought to you by The Global Networking Show.

Complete Transcript of BNI Podcast Episode 376 –

Priscilla:

Hello everyone and welcome back to The Official BNI Podcast brought to you by the GlobalNetworkingShow.com, a monthly Google Hangout show hosted by Andy Lopata and Dr. Ivan Misner. I am Priscilla Rice, and I am coming to you from Live Oak Recording Studio in Berkeley, CA. I am joined on the phone today by the Founder and Chairman of BNI, Dr. Ivan Misner. Hello Ivan, how are you today?

Ivan:

I am doing great. I happen have a person that you mentioned in the introduction. I have my cohost with me on the Global Networking Show here on the podcast today. Andy Lopata has been labeled one of Europe’s leading networking strategists by the Financial Times. He is well known to many BNI members as the cohost of the Global Networking Show, which you mentioned. He and I regularly interview leading networking and business experts from all around the world on our YouTube show, Google Hangout show.

Andy is also a blogger for the Huffington Post. He is a regular contributor to SuccessNet, our newsletter. And he writes for a number of business magazines in the UK, as well as being quoted in the media in the UK and overseas.

You know, there is a handful of people who I would consider really an expert in networking, and Andy is one of the few people on that list. Andy, it is a real pleasure to have you on the BNI podcast.

Andy:

Thank you very much, Ivan, and hello to Priscilla as well.

Priscilla:

Yes. Hi, Andy. Welcome.

Ivan:

You know, the Global Networking Show- great idea. It was your idea. I appreciate you inviting me to cohost it. If listeners here on the podcast haven’t heard the show, go to GlobalNetworkingShow.com. You can see all of the shows that we have done there. They are recorded and are available in archive, so you can go back and listen to old shows.

Andy, we aren’t here to talk about the Global Networking Show. We want to talk about networking globally and strategically, which leads me to my first question. Can you talk a little bit about the importance of approaching your network strategically?

Andy:

Of course, yes.