I have a theory … Ivan Misner was Santa Claus
Do you remember the Dread Pirate Roberts from the classic film ‘The Princess Bride’? The Dread Pirate Roberts legend has existed for hundreds of years. He maintains the legend by handing on the name to a young protégé when he retires. The longevity of the legend gives it further weight.
Santa Claus uses the same method. The Santa that we know and love today is obviously not the same Santa we had 100 years ago, but he sustains the legend by handing on the ‘reins’ to a younger protégé when he retires.
Now, I believe Ivan Misner, the founder of BNI, was actually Santa Claus during the 60’s and 70’s. It was during this time that he developed the idea for BNI. Think about it for a moment. Only someone who has actually been Santa Claus could create a business with the motto ‘Givers Gain’.
This is the only logical reason.
He knew the true value of helping someone in the business world. The best favour you can do a business is to hand them a strong referral and this is the core of BNI. We all come here to meet the wider networks of the other people in the group and in turn, offer ours. In addition to that, we help our own network by being able to recommend the quality services of the group.
What’s a good referral?
For example – Cara was looking for packaging companies. I know the guy that runs Logan Packaging. I could have handed her a referral last week, but a better referral was for me to call Mike at Logan Packing and find out whether Cara’s services would be of interest. I can sell him on the idea before Cara even meets him. It’s a far more solid lead than just handing over a phone number.
So, before you hand over a referral, ask yourself, “what would Ivan do?”
- Would he make sure it’s a solid lead first?
- Would he make a few calls first to warm it up
- Would he know if they’ve been naughty or nice?
When it comes to referrals, always go for quality over quantity. Don’t be like my Nana who prides herself on buying the cheapest presents and bragging about it on Christmas day. A dud lead is like opening a brown skivvy that’s two sizes too small. Yes, it’s a present, but it’s a shit one and a waste of time. Nan!
So to complete my Santa Claus theory, I’m almost positive Ivan handed on the reins of Santa Claus onto Elvis. Elvis is not really dead as many people suspect. He just got a new job.
