Keep Networking - Reports from the BNI Bleachers

Image via WikipediaFor the last ten years, I have been a member of BNI. This networking tool and word of mouth marketing has more than kept my company afloat. Many of the professionals in my chapter have dispensed weekly nuggets of wisdom for years on how to be a better entrepreneur.

Righ now it looks a little rough out there, so it's good to hear about everyday people who are keeping their heads and making things happen. Here are a few things I learned on Wednesday from my colleagues:

The mortgage broker is not dismayed at the current state of the economy. I've used him twice; he knows his stuff and he looks out for you. And it helps when Citibank and Chase make you a preferred vendor.

The commercial real estate broker is busier than ever. Companies whose leases are up are looking for cheaper (and smaller) options.

The Send Out Cards rep suggests that if you have a new office or a new something, use that opportunity to send a card as invitation or announcement.

The yoga instructor and massage therapist says that if you are feeling the stress of these uncertain times, their services are great for relief.

The real estate appraiser is busy because of foreclosures. It sounds harsh, but the banks are hiring her to appraise these homes. It's not her fault that she is benefitting from other's heartbreak.

And BNI founder, Ivan Misner wrote in a recent missive, "Let others worry about the macro economic picture. You have a micro economy in which you are a vital and central player. The more you focus on fear, the more afraid you will become. You already know this in your gut: No bailout is coming your way … unless you do it yourself.The more you focus on obstacles, the larger they will loom. And the more you focus on today's global economic doom and gloom headlines, the less time, energy, and faith you'll have to focus on building the prosperous, successful, well-networked business you really want."