Home > Columnists > Ivan Misner

Get the Most From Your Written Testimonials
Make it standard practice to ask clients and contacts for testimonials and you'll build your credibility and your business.
Become a Networking Mentor
If you want to improve your networking skills, teach someone else what you know.
Word-of-Mouth Marketing Can Bite Back
A lot of reputations are at stake when you give a referral--including yours. Make it count and keep your integrity.
Desperation Isn't Referable
Nurture an abundance mentality instead of a scarcity mentality and you can have an unlimited supply of referrals.
You Never Know Whom They Know
Don't think a gardener can be a referral source to the rich? Think again. Discounting even one potential networking opportunity can be disastrous.
Use Small Actions to Get Big Results
When it comes to creating relationships with other companies, take a long-term approach.
Develop a Magnetic Personality
Every person has a little magnetism already inside him. Learn how to leverage it to draw in more business.
Specialists Win More Referrals
If you claim to do everything, your clients won't rely on you for anything.
What Is Business Networking, Anyway?
It's more than showing up and shaking hands; it's about being proactive.
Generating More Referrals
There are plenty of opportunities to develop quality referrals--you just have to look for them.
Good Customer Service Alone Doesn't Win Referrals
Don't wait around for your excellent service to pay off. Instead, build a network for word-of-mouth marketing.
A Referral Doesn't Mean Closed Sales
You shouldn't skip steps in the sales process, even with a recommendation. Here's how you can make the most of your leads.
Practice Makes Perfect Networking
Implement these 2 simple strategies and watch the referrals pour in.
Customize Your Referral Strategies
To optimize sales, learn to tailor your networking approach to different personality types and occasions.
Stop Blaming Your Network
Not getting the referrals you want? Stop pointing fingers and start taking charge of your company's success.
Getting Referred By Friends and Family
Will people who like, care about and respect you always refer business to you? Not necessarily.
Referral Quality Beats Quantity
Show customers you appreciate them by maintaining quality relationships.
Is Your Referral Networking Working?
Contrary to what you may think, the referral process is not difficult to measure.
Less Networking Can Mean More
Cultivating the relationships you have is more effective than planting yourself at more events.
Why Referral Marketing Works
Think cold-calling is the most effective way to snag customers? Try referral marketing and catch a new batch of clients.
Salespeople Don't Live Off Referrals Alone
Even if you're getting all the referrals you want, you still need to sell.
Watch Your Word-of-Mouth
Word-of-mouth marketing is always working; it just may not be working in your favor.
Speed Networking and Beyond
Launch yourself into a new circle of people waiting to talk to you.
Why Introverts Can Be Great Networkers
You don't have to be a people person to network; you just have to be willing to listen.
Debunking the Six Degrees of Separation
Do you believe that anyone in the world is only six people removed? Here's why that theory's wrong and what it means for networking.
Networking Faux Pas
Think you're a good networker? Make sure you're not making 1 of these 3 big blunders.
The Key to Networking
Building long-term relationships based on trust will help open the door to others' prime networks.
Laser-Sharp Networking
3 tips to getting precision results from your networking efforts
The Importance of Sales in Networking
Even if you're getting all the referrals you need, you can't leave your sales skills by the wayside.
Networking Trends: Education and Technology Are Key
The relatively new formal networking arena is poised to grow in importance--and entrepreneurs are still leading the way.