22. Chapter Culture is King with Anna Rivers

Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch

09-04-2024 • 55分

About the Guest(s):

Anna Rivers is the managing director of BNI Oregon and Southwest Washington, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the networking landscape. She comes from an early childhood development and inclusion teaching background and ventured into BNI on the heels of a happy hour invitation that turned out to be a networking event. Since joining in 2019, Anna has climbed the ranks rapidly, from becoming a member to directing chapter launches and finally taking on the leadership role. Anna’s dedication to fostering business growth and her belief in networking as a transformational tool for businesses and personal development stand out as her professional accomplishments.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of “Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch,” we delve into the transformative power of networking with special guest Anna Rivers, a networking dynamo and the managing director of BNI Oregon and Southwest Washington. The conversation navigates the realities of networking, the intricacies of growing business connections, and the strategies that lead to successful business expansion.

Anna Rivers shares valuable insights from her journey, starting as a teacher and transitioning into a key figure in the networking domain. Her hands-on experience in launching BNI chapters and her approach to managing business growth were highlighted, emphasizing the critical role of having an abundance mindset. Through her guidance, listeners gain an understanding of the importance of relationship-building, referral-generating strategies, and fostering a culture of accountability within networking groups.

Key Takeaways:
  • Networking should always be approached with an abundance mindset, recognizing that there is enough business for everyone.
  • The structure of BNI and similar organizations offers valuable managerial and operational skills that can directly benefit one’s business.
  • Visitor invitation and follow-up strategies in networking groups are crucial and comparable to sales processes in business.
  • Accountability and culture are essential within BNI chapters; they drive the energy and success of networking efforts.
  • Building a trusted network through BNI is invaluable, making every member more resourceful to their clients due to trusted connections.
Notable Quotes:
  • “If you can apply it to BNI, you can apply it to your business.” - Anna Rivers
  • “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” - Anna Rivers
  • “Givers gain is a powerful thing. It’s like an unseen force.” - Ricky
  • “There’s nothing more powerful than… becoming 20 times more valuable to your clients because you can provide those introductions to other people that you trust.” - Anna Rivers
  • “If you’re always being that people first, giver first…your business is going to flourish.” - Anna Rivers
Resources:

Resources and references mentioned in the episode include: - BNI Oregon and Southwest Washington - LinkedIn as a tool for inviting visitors to BNI chapters - The significance of the “Power of One” reporting within BNI

Stay tuned to “Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch” for more enlightening discussions that help you harness the incredible potential of networking to elevate both your business and personal growth. Tune in to the full episode to absorb Anna Rivers’ valuable insights and implement them into your networking strategies.