The Official BNI Podcast

Episode 954: Protect Your Network
Host: Dr. Ivan Misner
Guest: Cameron Thorne (BNI Director and Trainer)
Date: April 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of the Official BNI Podcast explores the critical concept of protecting your professional network. Dr. Ivan Misner welcomes first-time guest Cameron Thorne, a seasoned BNI leader from Utah, who shares practical strategies for building, respecting, and sustaining powerful business relationships through intentional networking. Together, they underscore why sustained participation in a trusted network is essential for lasting business success.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Find Your Network

(02:02 – 03:26)

• Intentionality is Essential:
  Cameron stresses that successful networking isn’t accidental. “You have to intentionally seek it out, you know, align ourselves with professionals that may share the same value as your goals, you know, and your drive to succeed.” (02:22; Cameron Thorne)

• Multiplying Reach, Building Credibility:

  • Networking gives access to hundreds or thousands of relationships through introductions.
  • When recommended by someone within your network, you “literally borrow their trust,” which accelerates business opportunities.

• Consistent Business Flow:

  • A great network is more than occasional leads; it becomes a continuous, reliable referral engine.

• Personal Anecdote:
  Cameron recounts initially misunderstanding “BNI,” confusing it with “body mass index” (03:05). A trusted business coach insisted he join BNI, leading to Cameron’s transformational journey in networking.

  “She made me join, and I am so glad she did. ...I showed up and pink pieces of paper flying around...this is money. That's all he said on the spot.” (03:19; Cameron Thorne)

2. Respect Your Network

(04:44 – 06:53)

• Respect is Sustained by Actions:

  • Show up on time and keep promises.
  • Always follow through on referrals—failure here undermines trust.
  • Treat every network referral like your best client.

  “...when someone in this room passes you referral, it's more than a name. It's a transfer of trust. If you mishandle that, you're not just letting down one person, you're letting down your entire network.”
  (06:25; Cameron Thorne)

• Treat the Network as Your Top Client:

  • Would you be late or distracted with your best client? Apply that respect to your networking group.

  “If you’re with this BNI long enough, this will be your best client at some point. Treat it that way.”
  (05:53; Cameron Thorne)

• Host Reflection:
  Dr. Misner relates a recent personal example where a referral was ignored, reinforcing the message that respecting referrals is foundational.
  (05:26; Ivan Misner)

3. Never Leave Your Network

(06:57 – 10:48)

• Networking is a Long-Term Journey:

  • Cameron likens a business network to a “safety net” during both prosperous and tough times, referencing 2008’s market crash and the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • A true network isn’t just transactional; it’s a support system and “cheering section.”

• Trust and Results Compound Over Time:

  • Cameron compares building relationships in BNI to financial planning: it’s a long-term investment that grows exponentially in later years.
  • “Your first year, usually you’re least profitable. But year three and four, if it was up to me, I would only sell five year memberships. ...It was my third year that it final exploded for me.” (08:27; Cameron Thorne)

• Host’s Take:
  Dr. Misner encapsulates:

  “We live in this quick society. Everything is, you know, short and fast. And what they don't understand is that trust takes time. It doesn't happen quickly."
  (08:51; Ivan Misner)

  He recalls calling BNI a "beacon of hope in a sea of fear" during COVID-19.

• The Cost of Leaving:

  • Cameron shares his cautionary tale: after leaving BNI in his fifth year (thinking his network would follow him), he lost nearly half his business.
  • “In year five, I lost like 48% of my business... I immediately got back in... and it immediately just took off again for me.” (10:25; Cameron Thorne)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:22 | Cameron Thorne | “You gotta be intentional about it. You don't just stumble into a great network.” | | 03:19 | Cameron Thorne | “I showed up and pink pieces of paper flying around...this is money.” | | 06:25 | Cameron Thorne | “It's more than a name. It's a transfer of trust. If you mishandle that...you’re letting down your entire network.” | | 08:27 | Cameron Thorne | “If it was up to me, I would only sell five year memberships...my third year, that's when things exploded for me.” | | 08:51 | Ivan Misner | “Trust takes time. It doesn't happen quickly.” | | 09:28 | Ivan Misner | “Your BNI chapter is a beacon of hope in a sea of fear.” | | 10:25 | Cameron Thorne | “In year five, I lost like 48% of my business... I immediately got back in...” | | 09:42 | Cameron Thorne | “Network like your business life depends on it because it truly does.” |

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:02] Finding your network: the importance of intentionality
• [03:37] Personal story: Cameron’s introduction to BNI
• [04:44] Respecting your network: action steps
• [06:24] The "transfer of trust" concept
• [06:57] Never leave your network: building long-term value
• [08:27] The compounding value of relationships
• [10:25] Story: The cost of leaving BNI
• [09:28] BNI as a beacon of hope during crisis

Conclusion / Takeaways

• Finding, respecting, and staying in your network are the three keys to protecting your most valuable business asset.
• Consistent participation in a trusted network such as BNI results in exponential professional growth and invaluable support—especially during challenging times.
• Networking is a slow-cooking “farming,” not “hunting.” Results and trust grow over years, not weeks.
• Cameron’s cautionary tale: never take your network for granted; the losses from leaving can be rapid and significant, but commitment always pays off in the end.

Additional Resources

• BNI Utah North Website: bniutahnorth.com
• Recommended by Host: MeisnerAudioPrograms.com for further networking guidance