Summary of Podcast Episode 898: What Makes a Perfect Member? (Part 2) | The Official BNI Podcast

Release Date: February 19, 2025

Hosted by Priscilla Rice and featuring Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, Episode 898 delves into the characteristics that define the ideal BNI member. Joined by Greg Davies, an international inspirational speaker and author, the episode provides deep insights into maximizing membership benefits through effective networking and referral marketing strategies.

Introduction

Priscilla Rice opens the episode from Live Oak Recording Studio in Berkeley, California, welcoming listeners and introducing Dr. Ivan Misner from Austin, Texas. Dr. Misner humorously shares his experience with unexpected cold weather in Texas, setting a friendly and engaging tone for the discussion.

Guest Introduction and Context

[00:30]
Priscilla introduces Greg Davies, highlighting his role as an author working with Dr. Misner on the upcoming book, Infinite Leadership. Greg, known as the "Story Fella" and a Disney enthusiast, brings a wealth of experience as an award-winning speaker to the conversation.

Understanding the 100-Point Member

[02:05] – Greg Davies Discusses the 100-Point Member
Greg provides a comprehensive overview of what constitutes a 100-point member, emphasizing that these elite members represent less than 1% of BNI’s membership each month. He states:

“A rising tide really does lift all boats.” – Greg Davies [02:20]

The three main attributes identified from a recent survey include:

1. Passing Referrals with Intent
   Members integrate BNI into their daily operations, consistently seeking ways to assist others across various relationships—clients, suppliers, family, and friends.

2. Visitor Mindset
   Emphasizing that inviting visitors is mutually beneficial, Greg explains that the focus is on creating wins for everyone involved, not just on increasing visitor numbers.

3. Meticulous Follow-Up
   The pinnacle of their success lies in their exceptional follow-up practices post one-to-ones, referrals, presentations, and open networking sessions.

The Traffic Lights System: A Tool for Accountability

[04:05] – Importance of Traffic Lights

Dr. Misner introduces the Traffic Lights system, likening it to a performance gauge that tracks essential activities contributing to business growth. Greg elaborates on its significance:

“What gets measured gets improved.” – Greg Davies [04:14]

Key Points:

• Accountability: Personal accountability is fostered by clearly defining and measuring actions.
• Broad Spectrum Tracking: Unlike single high-value referrals, the Traffic Lights system monitors a range of activities that collectively enhance membership success.
• Consistent Engagement: Emphasizing consistency, Greg notes that sustained activities lead to compounded success over time.

[05:27] – Dr. Misner Reinforces Consistency

Dr. Misner echoes the sentiment on consistency, sharing his philosophy:

“If you want to be successful, you got to do six things a thousand times, not a thousand things six times.” – Dr. Ivan Misner [05:30]

He underscores the importance of adhering to proven activities rather than diversifying efforts without measurable outcomes.

Legacy and Origin of the Traffic Lights System

[06:07] – Historical Insight

Greg recounts the origins of the Traffic Lights system, attributing its creation to Tim Cook in the UK and Ireland. Dr. Misner adds:

“It's a system that's used worldwide to gauge engagement.” – Dr. Ivan Misner [06:16]

He highlights the enduring legacy and global adoption of the system, which has significantly contributed to local business growth.

Personal Growth and Lessons Learned

[07:09] – Greg’s Personal Journey

Greg candidly shares his transformation from being a "terrible member" to a successful one, attributing his progress to the support and guidance from fellow BNI members. Key takeaways include:

• Leaning In: Embracing the system and leveraging the Traffic Lights to identify and improve weak areas.
• Seeking Mentorship: Actively engaging with high-performing members to adopt their successful habits.
• Collaboration: Valuing the collaborative spirit of BNI, where members are eager to share knowledge and celebrate each other’s successes.

“The traffic lights, our member traffic lights, allow us all to be successful just due to the collaboration that we have in place.” – Greg Davies [08:43]

Final Insights and Recommendations

[09:35] – Emphasizing Consistency and System Adherence

Greg reiterates the importance of consistent engagement:

“Do it consistently. The more we can level out our activities so we avoid peaks and troughs, the more compound effect kicks in and we build upon success.” – Greg Davies [09:49]

Dr. Misner adds his perspective on not reinventing the wheel and following established systems to ensure success:

“Follow the program. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel.” – Dr. Ivan Misner [10:04]

[10:46] – Concluding Remarks

Greg encourages members to fully engage with BNI’s systems to reap maximum benefits, emphasizing the value of following proven methods over attempting to innovate without a solid foundation.

Notable Quotes

1. Greg Davies on Measurement and Improvement:
   “What gets measured gets improved.” – [04:14]

2. Dr. Ivan Misner on Success Strategies:
   “If you want to be successful, you got to do six things a thousand times, not a thousand things six times.” – [05:30]

3. Greg Davies on Collaboration:
   “The traffic lights, our member traffic lights, allow us all to be successful just due to the collaboration that we have in place.” – [08:43]

4. Greg Davies on Consistency:
   “Do it consistently. The more we can level out our activities so we avoid peaks and troughs, the more compound effect kicks in and we build upon success.” – [09:49]

5. Dr. Ivan Misner on Following Established Systems:
   “Follow the program. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel.” – [10:04]

Conclusions and Takeaways

Episode 898 of The Official BNI Podcast offers invaluable insights into what makes an ideal BNI member. The discussion between Dr. Ivan Misner and Greg Davies emphasizes the importance of intentional referral passing, a visitor-centric mindset, and rigorous follow-up practices. The Traffic Lights system emerges as a pivotal tool for tracking and enhancing member engagement, fostering accountability, and ensuring sustained business growth through consistent, measurable actions.

Listeners are encouraged to:

• Adopt Proven Systems: Embrace the Traffic Lights framework and adhere to established BNI practices.
• Engage Consistently: Maintain regular and persistent activities that contribute to personal and collective success.
• Collaborate and Learn: Seek mentorship from high-performing members and leverage the collaborative spirit of BNI to amplify business opportunities.

By implementing these strategies, members can maximize their BNI experience, drive substantial business growth, and contribute positively to the network’s dynamic ecosystem.

For More Information:

To enhance your BNI experience further, visit MeisnerAudioPrograms.com and use promo code IVAN5O for a 50% discount on all offerings. All proceeds support the BNI Foundation.