Home > Columnists > Ivan Misner

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.
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.
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.
Practice Makes Perfect Networking
Implement these 2 simple strategies and watch the referrals pour in.
Stop Blaming Your Network
Not getting the referrals you want? Stop pointing fingers and start taking charge of your company's success.
Referral Quality Beats Quantity
Show customers you appreciate them by maintaining quality relationships.
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.
The Key to Networking
Building long-term relationships based on trust will help open the door to others' prime networks.
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.
Why Getting Published Can Help You Network
It may take a lot of work, but branding yourself as a local expert will do wonders for your networking efforts.
Simplify Your Company’s Story
Learn how to communicate what you do in a way that’s relatable to your referral sources.
Smart Ways to Use Your Business Card
Successful networking is "all in the cards" with these 4 strategies.
Using Events to Gain Referrals
Gain a reputation as the person everyone wants to do business with by setting up a popular event.
The Networking Trick That'll Increase Business
Start referring your contacts to other professionals and watch your business grow.
Networking With Businesses Overseas
When it comes to networking with foreign companies, we all speak the language of referrals.
Scorched-Earth Networking
Are you burning the very people you're trying to impress? Find out how not to be the networker no one wants to do business with.
The No. 1 Way to Grow Your Business
Forget the fancy advertisements and expensive PR campaigns. The best way to build business is still through good ol' word of mouth.
Tips for Working a Mixer
Knowing what to look for will help you use business events to your advantage.
Who Joins a Networking Group...and Why?
A closer look at the members of networking groups and how they're benefiting
Shape up Your Business With Networking Aerobics
7 exercises to help you maintain networking momentum
Why We Need to Teach Networking
Relationship-building courses have yet to become a business school requirement. Isn't it time that changed?
Secrets to Getting Referrals
How to encourage the members of your networking group to recommend your business to others
Tracking Income From Referral Marketing
Before you can gauge the success of your networking program, you need to set goals.
The Importance of Diversity in Networking
When joining a networking group, it's best to find one with members from various backgrounds.