International Networking Week, Feb. 5-9

BNI (Business Network International) is the largest business networking organization in the world. Last year, BNI members passed 4.9 million referrals, which generated almost $2 billion in business for its members. If BNI declares that February 5-9, 2007 is International Networking Week, then, by George, it is!

In Honolulu, an International Networking Day event is scheduled for Wed., Feb. 7 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center. The buzz started early and the event promises to be a blast, with something for new and experienced networkers alike.

Three interactive training seminars will be offered:

• The Art of Networking
• How’s Your VCP? (Visibility, Credibility, Profitability)
• Tips for Networking Success—Do’s and Don’t’s

The book upon which the seminars are based is Truth or Delusion: Busting Networking’s Biggest Myths, by BNI founder and CEO Ivan Misner. Speakers will shatter misconceptions about networking once and for all, and teach us to improve our networking skills.

What caught my eye on the agenda is The Connection Corner, a facilitated networking session in which participants will be introduced to people who can help them grow their business. This is a chance to meet people from the government, from other businesses, and from the community, any of whom may hold the keys to meeting your Dream Referral—that contact you lie awake at night wishing you knew.

If you’re in Honolulu on February 7 and you’ve set a goal for 2007 to increase your network and your referral business, don’t miss this event. Come out—see and be seen. You never know who’s looking for you and your type of product or service.

For more details on Honolulu’s International Networking Day event, visit www.networkinghawaii.com. BNI’s web site is www.bni.com.

Contact Sandy at SandyM@TheNationalNetWorker.com or TNNW Blog.