A business contact of mine telephoned me awhile back to ask why I wasn’t including writing in my business training anymore. I had previously included it in my training sessions because I think it is an extremely valuable way to establish credibility in business. However, when I checked the numbers, I realized that only about 2 percent of the people I trained in writing really picked up on the message and followed through. In other words, 98 percent of people I trained never used the advice at all. So of course ...

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in networking is to dismiss someone too early, to assume that he or she has nothing to offer you because of his or her professional background or some other reason, and not pursue the relationship.  Unfortunately, I see this happen a lot. The truth is, you simply never know where your next great referral is going to come from.  You should make it a point to consistently connect with high-quality professionals from all fields, from any and every background. Forget about tryin...

I am in Hawaii for the Transformational Leadership Council (TLC) meeting this week. I have been a member of  TLC for several years and have always enjoyed the very eclectic group of authors, trainers and thought leaders. But I must say, it just got even more interesting.  Joining our group this week was a new member: actor and comedic legend Yakov Smirnoff .  We were pleased to have him do about 30 minutes of his material during one of the sessions. I can’t remember when I’ve ever seen someone tak...

To some businessspeople, networking is something to try when they’re hurting for business.  However, networking is actually a primary strategy for generating business relationships that lead to more referrals.  When done correctly, networking is a proactive strategy for business growth, not a reaction to slow business. I think the most important single idea in networking is to do what others don’t.  Doing what others don’t gives you an edge.  It can position you head and shoulders above your com...

I’m pleased to let my readers know that this blog has been ranked as one of the top 30 blogs for Entrepreneurs.  It was ranked No. 26 out of 150 blogs by eCairn.com as shown here by the InvenioGroup.com website. Thanks to all of you for reading this blog.  A special thanks to the many of you who regularly leave comments. All the best. Ivan Misner

YourBusinessChannel.com, a website dedicated to bringing TV shows packed with top business tips to people around the world, is now airing a new TV show where I talk about the great void that exists in business schools and universities as a result of the fact that they neglect to teach networking as a part of their curriculum.  CLICK HERE to view the show where I discuss in more detail why this problem exists and how we may be able to solve it. I’ve also written a couple of previous blogs addressing my frustra...

International Networking Week, Feb. 2-6, 2009, is quickly approaching and it’s a great way to start off the New Year. Make 2009 the year you see opportunity when others see problems, seek growth when others expect collapse and see success when others see failure.  Watch the short 2009 International Networking Week video and find out about how to join me and many other successful business people in recognizing and participating in this year’s International Networking Week. Focus on what you do best, and...

In Southern California we have many huge, tall, lush eucalyptus trees that topple over fairly easily in the high winds that occur almost every year.  When they’re uprooted and blown over, you can see that their root system is broad and wide but not very deep.  I think this is a powerful metaphor for what to consider in building your personal network.  To go deep in establishing your network, you can do three things: 1.  Build quality relationships. Take time beyond normal business interactions to deepen y...

Each year, a few days before New Year’s Eve, I head off to my mountain retreat in Big Bear Lake, Calif., to recharge my batteries. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with the family and prepare for the onslaught of the coming year. It’s also a good time to give thought to the vision you have for your business and life over the next year. It’s hard to hit a target you’re not aiming at.  The new year is a great time to think about some of your plans and goals for the next 12 mo...