Episode 911: Why I Invited My Competition
Host: Dr. Ivan Misner
Guest: Jessica Korf, Owner of Jessica Korf Studios
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Podcast: The Official BNI Podcast
Introduction to the Episode
In Episode 911 of The Official BNI Podcast, host Dr. Ivan Misner welcomes Jessica Korf, a distinguished portrait photographer and educator from Jessica Korf Studios. This episode delves into the unconventional yet highly effective strategy of inviting competitors into a BNI chapter to foster collaboration over competition.
Setting the Stage: The Abundance Mindset
[00:50] Dr. Ivan Misner:
Dr. Misner begins by sharing his current involvement in Jack Canfield’s mastermind in Santa Barbara, setting a tone of collaboration and learning. He introduces Jessica Korf, highlighting her expertise in branding and boudoir photography, and her strong affiliation with BNI Sunrise Success chapter.
[02:24] Jessica Korf:
Jessica articulates the core theme: inviting competition into a BNI chapter challenges the traditional scarcity mindset prevalent in business. She emphasizes that shifting from competition to collaboration can lead to greater business momentum and mutual growth.
Notable Quote:
"What actually works today, I believe, and builds thriving businesses and chapters is going to be clarity, connection, and collaboration."
— Jessica Korf [03:33]
Embracing Clarity and Focus
Jessica explains that clarity and focus are pivotal in creating an abundance mindset. By niching down, she didn’t lose business but rather attracted more of what she loves, specifically in branding and boudoir photography. This specialization aligns with her passion to empower women, fostering a supportive and synergistic environment within her BNI chapter.
[04:02] Jessica Korf:
"When you niche down, you don't get less, you actually get more of what you love."
— Jessica Korf [04:12]
Dr. Misner adds that focusing on a specialty helps businesses excel, reinforcing the idea that specialists thrive by being experts in their chosen niches.
The Power of Collaboration Over Competition
Jessica recounts how her BNI chapter has grown to include various photography specialties, such as weddings, events, family, newborn, real estate, pet, and birthing photography. Each member leads with their unique "flame," ensuring that referrals are specific and beneficial to all parties involved.
[05:21] Jessica Korf:
"We all could do different things. That could even potentially cross over. But we really try and focus with, leading with our flame because that's what's going to make us unforgettable."
— Jessica Korf [05:29]
Notable Example:
Jessica shares a story of two landscapers in a BNI chapter who initially saw each other as competitors. Through conversation, they agreed to specialize in commercial and residential landscaping, respectively, leading to mutual referrals and a stronger network.
Breaking Down the Scarcity Mindset
The episode challenges the traditional approach of guarding client bases out of fear of losing business. Instead, Jessica advocates for an abundant mindset where collaboration leads to increased opportunities and a more robust business ecosystem.
[07:23] Jessica Korf:
"I think that when we have that abundant mindset like that, everybody gets to win."
— Jessica Korf [07:23]
Dr. Misner echoes this sentiment, providing additional examples from other chapters, such as a group of attorneys who specialize in different areas but refer clients within their network, enhancing overall trust and client retention.
Benefits Beyond Referrals
Beyond the tangible benefits of referrals, Jessica highlights the emotional and professional support that comes from collaborating with peers. This includes brainstorming ideas, mutual accountability, and reducing the isolation often felt by solo entrepreneurs.
[08:36] Dr. Ivan Misner:
"Collaboration builds momentum, accountability, and reduces isolation."
— Dr. Ivan Misner [08:36]
Jessica adds that operating from a place of trust and generosity makes a professional more magnetic, attracting clients and strengthening relationships within the chapter.
Implementing Collaboration in Your Chapter
When asked how she decided to invite more photographers into her chapter, Jessica shares that it began with clarity about her own passions and a commitment to leading with her specific strengths. She advises others to identify their "flame" and consider how collaboration can enhance their business networks.
[10:20] Jessica Korf:
"Ask yourself, what do I love most about what I do? What's my flame? What type of clients and my work light me up?"
— Jessica Korf [10:20]
She encourages business members to build a trusted network by inviting diverse specialties, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive through shared support and referrals.
Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
Dr. Misner praises Jessica and her chapter for exemplifying the benefits of collaboration over competition. He references a previous podcast episode on classification cowboys to contrast the evolving understanding within BNI chapters towards specialization and mutual support.
[12:00] Jessica Korf:
"When we give space for others to come in and work together, everybody wins, everybody gets more clarity. And the referrals come faster, stronger, and better."
— Jessica Korf [12:00]
Dr. Misner concludes by encouraging listeners to adopt a similar collaborative mindset to enhance their business networks and referral systems.
[12:15] Dr. Ivan Misner:
"Jessica, thank you so much. For anyone interested in Jessica's photography, her website is jessica korf.com."
— Dr. Ivan Misner [12:15]
Key Takeaways
- Abundance Mindset: Transitioning from a scarcity to an abundance mindset fosters collaboration, leading to increased business opportunities.
- Clarity and Specialization: Focusing on specific niches allows businesses to become experts, enhancing their visibility and referral potential.
- Collaborative Ecosystem: Inviting competitors into a network builds a supportive and robust business environment, reducing isolation and increasing mutual referrals.
- Building Trust: Operating from trust and generosity attracts clients and strengthens professional relationships within the network.
- Actionable Steps: Identify your core passions, specialize your services, and invite diverse specialties into your network to create a thriving collaborative ecosystem.
Final Note
For those interested in exploring Jessica Korf’s photography services, you can visit her website at jessicacorf.com.
This episode underscores the transformative power of collaboration within professional networks. By inviting diverse specialties and focusing on mutual support, businesses can transcend traditional competitive barriers, fostering an environment of shared success and growth.