Founder's Story
Ivan Misner: How a Quiet Introvert Built BNI into a $16 Billion Referral Powerhouse | Ep. 193
27 Mar 2025
Back by popular demand, Dr. Ivan Misner, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, returns to Founder's Story. Fresh from hanging out with Richard Branson on Necker Island and preparing for an adventure to Antarctica, Ivan shares incredible insights, personal anecdotes, and powerful business lessons. This interview was originally recorded live in 2021.Episode Highlights:How Ivan founded BNI in 1985 and scaled it to over 10,400 chapters globally, driving 11.5 million referrals and $16 billion in annual business for its members.The transformative "Brody Moment" that took BNI from 20 chapters to a worldwide network.His journey from humble beginnings and financial challenges to becoming a networking powerhouse.Insights into his latest book, Who’s In Your Room?, explore the profound impact of personal relationships and core values.Why successful businesses focus on mastering a few key activities rather than chasing multiple distractions.Networking strategies emphasize farming relationships instead of transactional hunting.Ivan’s revelation about being a “situational extrovert” and practical tips for introverts to succeed in networking.Techniques to overcome social anxiety and build authentic connections.The critical distinction between mere contacts and genuine connections.Ivan's proven "24-7-30" follow-up system for nurturing relationships.Leadership principles are centered around motivation and inspiration rather than management alone.Favorite wine recommendations from Ivan's impressive 1,600-bottle cellar.Creating harmony in life instead of chasing the elusive idea of perfect balance.Resources and Books Mentioned:IvanMisner.comBooks: Who’s in Your Room?, Networking Like a Pro, The World’s Best-Known Marketing SecretRecommended Reads: How to Work a Room by Susan RoAne, Endless Referrals by Bob BurgOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY* Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com* Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com
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He was just hanging out with Richard Branson in Necker Island. He's about to go to Antarctica, so we caught him at a good time. But I'm going to read his bio here. Dr. Ivan Meisner is the founder and chief visionary officer of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization on the planet.
Founded in 1985, the organization now has over 140,000 chapters throughout every populated content in the world. Last year alone, BNI generated 11.5 million referrals, resulting in over $16 billion. That's a billion dollars worth of business for its members, which is incredible that that is a highlight. It's not about the organization. It's about what it's doing for its members.
He is from the University of Southern California, has his PhD, New York Times bestselling author, written over 26 books, including one of his latest, who's in your room. So check that out right now. I'm sure you can get on Amazon or anywhere who is in your room.
He's also a columnist for entrepreneur.com, has been a university professor, as well as a member of the board of trustees for the University of La Verne. He's been called the father of modern networking by both Forbes and CNN. He's considered one of the world's leading experts on business networking, has been a keynote speaker for major corporations and associations.
He's also been featured in LA Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Numerous TV radio shows, CNN, BBC, Today Show, and NBC. So among his many awards, which we were highlighting earlier, he has been named Humanitarian of the Year by Red Cross. and has been the recipient of the John C. Maxwell Leadership Award.
He is proud that he and his late wife, Elizabeth, are the co-founders of the BNI Charitable Foundation, which is such a big part of what he does today. He's reached empty nester status, that's exciting, after happily raising their three children. Oh, and in his spare time, He is also an amateur magician and a black belt in karate, which I did not even know until now.
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