Understanding the GAINS Exchange to make the most out of your network.

BNI founder Dr. Ivan Misner has developed the GAINS Exchange to make the most out of your current network. The GAINS Exchange is information your network should know about you and you about them. GAINS is an acronym and means:

Goals- These are the financial and personal objectives. Problems or decisions that you make to achieve something. You can help others achieve their goals and they can do the same thing for you, but neither of you can help each other reach goals you don't know about.  

Accomplishments–  Goals and projects completed. Accomplishments tell more about any intentions one may communicate.  People like to talk about what their proud of. Sharing what your proud of may lead to connections with others in the group.

Interest– Are simply things you like doing. People are willing to spend time with people they share interest, golfers hangout with golfers not bowlers right? Of your interest your passion is your most important interest. Something you could do without being motivated to do.

Networks- Any group, company or organization we may be affiliated with. Sometimes we take these groups for granted.  Dr. Misner say's "It’s how well you know them, not what you or who you know." Cultivate each contact and make as deep a connection as possible.

Skills- The more you know about your network the better you can find qualified people for referrals and for you. This well help with people connect you with people you can help most and the same for them.

Practice the GAINS Exchange to help you develop your network.

***Looking for a place to practice GAINS or meet people? Nmsmallbiz has a community calendar with free networking events please visit my page and "like." Facebook.com/nmsmallbiz***

Bob Burgs’ 10 questions every marketer should know.

Thinking about going to a networking event? Having problems opening up a conversation? 
Bob Burg author of "Endless Referrals" has 10 questions that every networker should know; in fact every person in business should know them! Please find them list below:


1.  How did you get started in the (______) business?

2.  What do you enjoy most about your profession?

3.  What separates you and your company from the competition?

4.  What advice would you give someone just starting out in the (______) business?

5.  What one thing would you do with your business if you knew you could not fail?

6.  What significant changes have you seen take place in your profession through the years?

7.  What do you see as the coming trends in the (______) business?

8.  Describe the strangest or funniest incident you’ve experienced in your business?

9.  What ways have you found to be the most effective for promoting your business?

10.  What one sentence would you like people to use in describing the way you do business?




Hope to see some of you at the NMSMALLBIZ hosted Breakfast with Fran!

BNI Founder Dr. Ivan Misner 10 commandments of networking a mixer

Do you wonder how to make more out of networking mixers? Don't we all. NMSMALLBIZ will soon be hosting a monthly networking event and thought this may help us or anyone attending

BNI is the most widely known networking group. I decided to break down the founder of the organizations 10 commandments for networking at a mixer:

1. Have networking tools with you at all times: cards, name badge, promotional items and other cards from your referral network.

2. Set a goal of number of people your going to meet. Often we only look at time. Focus on meeting 8 new possible referral partners, this is a better goal than focusing on a staying for only one hour.

3. Act like a host, not a guest. Guests sit back and relax. A host will introduce people who may benefit from knowing each other. This is pretty easy, introduce a realtor to mortgage broker. 

4. Listen and ask questions. Be an interviewer. If you're already thinking of what your going to say next maybe you're not listening.  For some a great conversation starters try Bob Burg's "Endless Referrals." He has great questions and tips to keep the conversation going.

5. Don’t try and close a deal. It’s about relationships. Nobody goes to a networking event to buy. They go looking for other referral partners and solutions to their current problems. Be a problem solver or a partner.

6. Give referrals whenever possible. Think of your current networkers problems and look for people to help. Or meet someone and discover their needs and keep them in mind as you meet new people.

7. Exchange business cards. This is a given. Try this, ask for two. One to keep and one for possible referral opportunities. 

8. Manage your time efficiently. Don't spend your time with people you know or are comfortable with. Make the most of this time by making new contacts.

9. Write notes on backs of cards recording anything useful. This is an old trick and goes back to commandment number 4, write what you learn.

10. Follow-up. This is obvious but few do it. There is no reason to meet people if you are not going to follow-up. Meet them for coffee or call them and say hello.

I hope this helps with networking at your events. Please repost if you found this helpful.


***More info on networking events under the "Events" tab***