Attitude Is a Choice and Choosing Wisely Is a Necessity
Years ago I wrote a blog on the importance of attitude in networking and recently I’ve had several situations arise which have reminded me yet again that attitude shapes the outcome of everyday dealings in huge ways so I’d like to revisit the idea in today’s blog post .
Some days my schedule involves marathon radio interviews beginning at 4 a.m. and, as you can imagine, getting up at an hour when roosters haven’t even begun to think about warming up their vocal chords is not the most enticing of tasks. However, as the Founder & Chairman of BNI®, the world’s largest business networking organization, I agree to do these interviews at such an outrageous hour because it is my responsibility to do whatever needs to be done to network for the organization.
Now, can you imagine what would happen if I answered the interviewer’s first question–which is always “How are you doing today, Dr. Misner?”–by grumbling about how I had stubbed my toe and how I wished I was back in my warm bed? Well, what would happen is that people would be immediately turned off by my negative attitude and nobody would listen to me.
This brings me to my point that in order to be a master networker, you must always maintain a positive attitude no matter what. With over two decades of professional networking experience, one thing I’ve learned is how important it is to have a positive attitude in order to successfully network. And if I’m going to go around telling other people how to discipline and train themselves to network effectively, then I darn well better be walking the walk (or at least limping along, stubbed toe and all) and maintaining the positive attitude of a master networker.
Now that I’ve shared the second most important trait of a master networker, I figure might as well give you the other nine. Here they are, ranked in order of their perceived importance to networking:
1. Follows up on referrals
2. Positive attitude
3. Enthusiastic/motivated
4. Trustworthy
5. Good listening skills
6. Networks always
7. Thanks people
8. Enjoys helping
9. Sincere
10. Works their network.
Starting this week, try making a conscious effort to be aware of your attitude at all times and if it could stand some improvement think about three simple things you could do to change your attitude for the better on a daily basis. If you’ve already got a great handle on maintaining a positive attitude, take this week to focus on one or more of the other nine traits of a master networker and think of three ways you can build your effectiveness in these areas. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what you might do to implement the ideas in this blog so please share your comments in the forum below. Thanks!
Dear Dr. Misner,
Thru school, thru engineering and until this day 33 years in my profession, i have continued to be a self motivator and discover my own ways to lead. In B school training sesseions i was often labeled as a tiger. But as age catches up even a tiger starts to get sluggish.
Having joined BNI Energizers at Gurgaon, india at post 55 years of age, has been a great energy infusion in my life. The BNI philosophy, the system and processes definitely are definitely a great blend with my belief system, but the most vital element is your lectures and articles. Every time i read anything u have written, it immediately forces me to look back and see if this si what i did and if not it bcome my next goal.
Thank you Dr Misner for all the motivation and positive discipline that you are driving thru every move that you make.
May god bless you and give all the strength and courage to do everything that you have set out to achieve.
Happy Networking.
Vineet Chaudhri.
India
The rules are basic yet so few people follow them. It always amazes me as to how must good and useful information is shared by BNI, and those great wealths of knowledge and information yet how few will read, listen and apply this information.
If you are going to be contagious, give someone a positive attitude.
Giver’s Gain and Gainer’s continue to give again.
Dr. Rick
These thoughts are right on.. I’ve attended so many networking functions before joining BNI and it always amazed me the kinds of networkers I would meet. But this list just serves as a reminder what I knew all along: that people gravitate to and are more apt to do business with positive & forward thinking people. Thank you for sharing.
Very good advice!!!
It is great to hear a word of advice from a successful entrepreneur. Having a good attitude is indeed a key to a successful business. It’s also essential to be good to your customers, prospects or to any people you are dealing with. A good smile is a very contagious approach that makes someone become lively as well. If you know how to manage on dealing with people, then they would love to be in your company.