Article | Dr. Ivan Misner®

The latest edition of SWAGGER MAGAZINE named me “The Godfather of the Networking World” (hey, I’m glad no one’s calling me the “Grandfather of Networking”). Swagger Magazine is a premier modern men’s lifestyle magazine. They focus on everything men love; gear, tech, fashion, rides, sports, health, fitness, and food. Furthermore, Swagger magazine features Men and Women who possess “swag”. This month, they featured my self-made story. I guess I possess SWAG.

The Godfather of the Networking World

He speaks on good authority – as founder of BNI (Business Network International). Over the past thirty six years, he has watched his organization grow to more than 10,000 chapters in 70 countries, making BNI the largest business networking organization ever created. Dr. Misner is a much sought after speaker, having addressed audiences around the globe.

Use this link to read the article about relationship networking, the history of BNI, being an author, and how to build relationships: www.swaggermagazine.com

Thank you Swagger Magazine

FOUNDER & CEO / EDITOR IN CHIEF
- Drew Williams
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
- Stephen Foster
FEATURE STORY CONTRIBUTOR
- Dave Gordon
PHOTOGRAPHY
- Amanda Peixoto-Elkins
PROJECT COORDINATOR
- Kristen Anzelc

Please visit www.swaggermagazine.com for more features and more men’s luxury content and gear!

**If you would like your SELF MADE story of success to be told, contact info@SwaggerMagazine.com**

Today, more than ever, you need your network. You need people around you to help and support you. Become a beacon of hope in a sea of fear.

I wrote an article on Entrepreneur.com last week entitled “Why Everyone Should talk About Politics While Networking” and in my opening line I state, “Yes, I believe everyone should talk about politics (and religion) while networking . . . if they’d like their network to go up in flames, that is!”

Though I may have been very active in politics over the years and I do, indeed, have a definite religious/spiritual leaning, I have found that it is undoubtedly best not to mix my views/beliefs in these areas with my business networking activities because these topics can be VERY divisive. Opening up a dialogue of a political or spiritual/religious nature with those in your network tends to be something that will more than likely invoke passionate, heated arguments which is NOT a good thing for a networking environment (take a look at the full article for my complete commentary and explanation).

Soon after the Entrepreneur.com article came out, someone left a comment in the comment forum beneath the article that I found quite surprising. The comment they posted says:

“This guy Ivan Misner sure sounds like a Communist to me. If it walks like a duck . . .”

Really? I’m “a Communist” because I said that people who want to be successful at networking should not talk about politics and religion in a business networking environment? Okay, well, I guess I should really thank the person who posted the comment because they’re ultimately helping to make my point. Discussions about politics and religion can make people say some crazy things.

By the way, here’s how I responded to the comment:

“Too funny. You clearly don’t know me. Besides, a true Marxist-Leninist would be out leading the proletariat revolution of the capitalists and I’m too busy being a capitalist.”

Hey, I always had a hunch my Political Science degree would come in handy someday yet I never would’ve imagined it would be through someone calling me “a Communist,” that’s for sure. 😉

What’s your feeling on the appropriateness of discussing politics and/or religion in a business networking environment? Have you tried it yourself, or maybe networked with someone who makes a habit of bringing up these subjects when you’re conversing while networking? What has your experience been? . . . I highly encourage you to leave a comment; I’m very interested in hearing some different perspectives on this. Thanks!