The Official BNI Podcast

Episode 927: Stay in Your Lane = More Givers Gain
Date: September 10, 2025
Host: Dr. Ivan Misner (with Priscilla Rice)
Guest: Dr. Ben Reebs

Overview

This episode focuses on the power of specialization within networking groups like BNI, emphasizing that narrowing your business focus ("staying in your lane") can actually lead to increased trust, stronger partnerships, and more quality referrals—the core of the BNI “Givers Gain” philosophy. Dr. Ben Reebs, a naturopathic physician and long-time BNI member, joins Dr. Misner to share his personal experiences and actionable insights on how intentional referrals and forming specialized teams within chapters have delivered surprising and exponential results.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Narrowing the Field to Multiply the Yield

• Dr. Ben Reebs’s Journey:
  As Ben became more specialized in treating mold-related illnesses, he found himself both a go-to expert and a connector within his chapter and beyond.

  • “The tighter my niche is, the deeper the trust is, the bigger impact I can have.” – Dr. Ben Reebs [02:30]

• Example of Intentional Referral:
  Ben invited mold inspector Garrett Dayfield to his chapter, facilitating connections among 15 contractors. This led to significant reciprocal referrals, even before Garrett joined the group.

  • Within 30 days, Ben had given $125,000 worth of "Thank You for Closed Business" referrals through these connections. [03:26]

  • "I wasn’t inviting him to join; I just invited him to connect him to the 15 contractors in my group ... and right away, Garrett started sending referrals to Brendan [Jobin, roofer]." – Dr. Ben Reebs [02:59]

• Specialization Builds Trust and Results:

  • “It’s counterintuitive because people think, ‘I need to try and represent as much as I possibly can,’ when in fact, if they can specialize and bring in other people to support other areas... they do much better.” – Dr. Ivan Misner [04:12]

2. Referrals Flow Where Experts Go

• Attracting More Specialists:
  Specialists attract each other, creating a network (compared to a “high-speed railway”) where referrals naturally and efficiently move between areas of expertise.

  • "The more we define who we are and what we don't do, the more these high-speed, high-trust referrals can flow..." – Dr. Ben Reebs [05:13]

• Power Teams & Community Impact:
  The formation of power teams (groups of complementary experts) multiplies referral opportunities.

  • "The more you can build a powerful, strong power team in a chapter, the more referrals you’re going to generate because one referral can become a referral for two or three or four people." – Dr. Ivan Misner [06:31]

3. From Giver to Connector: Building a Chapter Within the Chapter

• Referral Pods and Unexpected Connections:
  Ben found himself at the center of a “home health mafia”—a referral pod among trades (mold, air quality, roofing, HVAC) during the last few months, generating $143,000+ in referred business.

  • “By staying in my lane and referring intentionally, I became a connector … Referrals flow back to me and through the group, but I’m not keeping score. It’s just the power of BNI.” – Dr. Ben Reebs [07:43]

• Expanding Beyond Expectations:
  Dr. Misner remarks on how BNI’s structure fosters these powerful and sometimes unexpected partnerships:

  • “BNI has these elements to it that just blow my mind … that are beyond the original intention and powerful.” – Dr. Ivan Misner [08:29]

4. Addressing Concerns About Specialization

• Does Specializing Limit Referrals?
  Ben insists it’s the opposite: defining a narrow focus amplifies trust, allows more intentional connections, and increases the volume and quality of referrals.

  • “It’s exactly the opposite. The tighter we have our lane, the more we can build trust… the more we can intentionally connect specialists and form a micro team.” – Dr. Ben Reebs [09:06]

• Power Teams Among Peers:
  Dr. Misner recalls chapters with 5–7 lawyers each, which increased, not decreased, referrals because of focused specialization.

  • “Those chapters generated more referrals for the lawyers because they specialized.” – Dr. Ivan Misner [09:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Specialization:
  “The tighter my niche is, the deeper the trust is, the bigger impact I can have.” – Dr. Ben Reebs [02:30]

• On Intentional Referral Networks:
  "I wasn't inviting him to join. I just invited him to connect... and right away, Garrett started sending referrals..." – Dr. Ben Reebs [02:59]

• On Power Teams:
  “One referral can become a referral for two or three or four people, because they're all in this power team.” – Dr. Ivan Misner [06:37]

• On the Impact of BNI:
  “BNI has these elements to it that just blow my mind … that are beyond the original intention and powerful.” – Dr. Ivan Misner [08:29]

• Advice on Specialization:
  “It’s exactly the opposite. The tighter we have our lane, the more we can build trust…” – Dr. Ben Reebs [09:06]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:52 – Dr. Ben Reebs introduction and credentials
• 02:08 – Ben’s opening remarks and “Narrowing the Field to Multiply the Yield”
• 03:00 – Story of inviting the mold inspector & early referral impact
• 05:00 – “Referrals Flow Where Experts Go” explanation
• 06:06 – Dr. Misner on the role and benefit of power teams
• 07:19 – “From Giver to Connector: Building a Chapter Within a Chapter”
• 09:03 – Advice on specialization and building trust
• 10:21 – Closing acknowledgments and final thoughts

Closing Remarks

Dr. Ben Reebs thanks the hosts and his mentor, John Rivers. Dr. Misner underscores the importance of specialization, targeted referrals, and the often-unexpected benefits of intentional networking within BNI. Both encourage members to embrace a focused, relationship-based approach for multiplying opportunities and success.

For more resources, visit:
Portland Clinic of Natural Health

This summary captures the essence, strategies, and inspiration offered in Episode 927, providing actionable takeaways for anyone seeking to grow their business through purposeful networking and specialized referral relationships.