Get All Access for $5/mo

Repair the 'Networking Disconnect' and Pursue Your Dream Job Learn how to sharpen your networking skills, innovate in your industry, or pursue a passion-fueled career with Ivan Misner, Sim Gulati and Chase Jarvis.

By Alan Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Ivan Misner

How sharp are your networking skills? Ivan Misner, author of Avoiding the Networking Disconnect and founder and chief visionary officer at BNI, explains how to build meaningful professional connections to boost sales. Then, Dropel Fabrics CEO Sim Gulati shares what it takes to innovate in one of the world's oldest industries, textiles. Rounding out the hour, Co-founder and CEO of CreativeLive Chase Jarvis inspires us to pursue a passion-fueled career path. Listen now.

  • [00:00:00] "Networking Disconnect' Responsible for Flat Sales
  • [00:04:50] Don't Fall Victim to the Ultimate Sales-Killer, Desperation
  • [00:11:31] Avoid Premature Sales Solicitation and Phony Friends
  • [00:18:21] Invaluable Lessons From a Leading Networking Guru
  • [00:26:16] Dropel Fabrics Transforms Fashion Industry
  • [00:33:21] Chase Jarvis Says It's Never Too Late to Make a Change

Related: 7 Core Characteristics Successful Immigrants Have in Common That All Entrepreneurs Need

Discover more about segments and guests below . . .

[00:00:00] "Networking Disconnect' Responsible for Flat Sales

Have you ever felt a moment of panic over finances? Maybe payroll is coming up or the rent is due. Nothing scares off potential customers more than the smell of desperation. When you need to make a vital sale, make sure you are in a buyer-rich environment. Founder and Chief Visionary Officer at BNI (Business Network International)Ivan Misner discusses what he calls "networking disconnect," or a disproportionate amount of sellers versus buyers.

[00:04:50] Don't Fall Victim to the Ultimate Sales-Killer, Desperation

Certain communication styles ooze desperation and could kill potential deals. We examine two common networking archetypes to avoid, the "Card Dealer" and the "Space Violator," with Misner. Don't be caught flippantly passing out business cards or invading personal space; learn how to cultivate mutually advantageous relationships.

[00:11:31] Avoid Premature Sales Solicitation and Phony Friends

It's important to differentiate between networking and direct sales. When you go straight into sales mode and neglect to learn more about your potential client, you send a clear signal that you have no interest in building a lasting business relationship. On the flip side, over-eager sellers who wage a communication blitz on new customers purporting to be "friends" come across as inauthentic. Misner navigates you through these prevalent networking blunders.

[00:18:21] Invaluable Lessons From a Leading Networking Guru

Misner divulges his top three pieces of advice for business ownership. From feeding your motivation "flame," to avoiding problematic new hires, the good doctor is in to help you leverage networking for a fruitful career. Plus, find out which communication mogul Misner looks up to most and what he hopes to accomplish in the years to come.

[00:26:16] Dropel Fabrics Transforms Fashion Industry

Do you have an innovative product or service that will transform your industry for decades to come? Dropel Fabrics is taking the fashion world by storm with its sustainable, patent pending technology that makes natural fabrics water and stain repellent. Today, Dropel Fabrics partners will some of the largest retail brands in the marketplace, but how did its CEO, Sim Gulati, get started in the textile business? Gulati walks us through his journey and shares his No. 1 piece of advice for new entrepreneurs.

[00:33:21] Chase Jarvis Says It's Never Too Late to Make a Change

What happens when you're brave enough to leave behind the life others prescribe for you and start making passion-driven career decisions? Co-founder and CEO of CreativeLive Chase Jarvis debunks the myth that work should be boring and encourages listeners to pursue an inspired occupation. Click now for your weekly dose of motivation.

Entrepreneur Radio, hosted by award-winning broadcast professional, Alan Taylor, equips fans with the critical information necessary to grow their business through practical advice and thought-provoking interviews. Tune in live on Saturdays 2 p.m. EST/11 a.m. PST and Sundays 10 a.m. EST/7 a.m. PST and listen to weekly episodes on demand on Entrepreneur.com.

Alan Taylor

Host, Entrepreneur Radio

Alan Taylor is an award winning radio and television host and a 30-plus year broadcast professional. As a founder of Benchmark Entertainment in 1995, Taylor pioneered the business of creating radio shows as an extension of the magazines and brands they represent. Benchmark orchestrated innovative partnerships with leading publishers to replicate their content on-air, bringing their brands alive to a much larger audiences. Today, Taylor partners with the nation’s largest publishing houses. He is, on behalf of the Entertainment Right Now, the host of some of the most popular weekend talk shows in radio today: The Drive with Alan Taylor and Entrepreneur Radio. Taylor produces and co-hosts a new video series, Business & Burgers, in partnership with Microsoft and serves as a consultant and content marketing partner for USA Today Network.

Taylor’s expertise and quick wit entertain millions and he has been a featured automotive expert on ABC, CBS, CNN, FOX, NBC and others, including 15-plus years on daytime’s No. 1 morning talk show, LIVE! with Kelly. Taylor is also an in-demand guest speaker where his up-beat presentations provide both insight and motivation. Taylor is also the co-host of Motorz TV, seen in over 200 million TV households in the USA and Canada.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

Homeowners in These 10 States Pay the Most in 'Hidden' Upkeep Costs

Hidden home costs pile on top of mortgage payments.

Growing a Business

5 Books to Help You Motivate, Unify and Build Perspective

In a post-Covid world, check out these must-read books to help build a more resilient organization, create a modern work culture and maintain a powerful growth mindset.

Money & Finance

Avoid These 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make with Money

Despite the challenging statistic that only 5% of startups survive beyond five years, common financial pitfalls often contribute to their failure. Through personal observation, I've identified the prevalent financial mistakes made by entrepreneurs.

Growing a Business

How Visionary Leaders Transform Curiosity Into Groundbreaking Ideas

Lee Brian Schrager, founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, discusses the spark that launched FoodieCon, his best practices for running popular food events, and why all business owners need to adapt to social media trends.

Making a Change

Learn All of Rosetta Stone's Languages for $152

A lifetime subscription is nearly $250 off for a limited time.