Annie Armen Show Presents: THRIVE, Don't Survive!

Annie Armen Presents

Topic for Discussion:  THRIVE, Don’t Survive
Featured Guest Expert | Long Time Friend:  Dr. Ivan Misner

Special Guest Appearance:  Allen C. Buchanan

Where:  Annie Armen Show 

THRIVE, Don’t Survive!

My dear, long time friend for over 10 years, Dr. Ivan Misner – Founder and Chairman of Business Network International (BNI) -- returns on the Annie Armen Show to take on, "THRIVE, Don't Survive".  Joining us, special guest appearance by Allen C. Buchanan – award winning networker and referral expert, President of Champions SoCal BNI , referred by Ivan -- tonight appearing on the Annie Armen Show for the very first time!

Shhhhhhh…..Hurricane Warning!!!

I am planning on swooping both Ivan and Allen into one of my signature Hurricane Twisters. What that is exactly?  Here’s comes the funny part … I HAVE NO CLUE!  All I know, before going into this interview is that both Ivan and Allen are in for an unexpected surprise.  Let’s just hope they “trust” their Hurricane Hostess!  Well, we’re about to find out!  Normally you always hear me saying, “buckle up” …Let’s just say, I’m fastening my seat belt together with you for whatever is about to happen LIVE on air, real time, no script!  Don’t say you didn’t receive your Hurricane Warning ….

Sneak Peek into “Outside the Box” Tips to Help Boost Your Business

During our interview, Ivan will be talking about some of his “outside the box” tips, which include:

1.  Innovation in adversity is a key factor

2.  Attitude – it all starts there, doesn’t it?

3.  Look for “new” and “emerging” opportunities

4.  Be Creative with your offers

Pay Special Attention to 2 Quotes Ivan will be sharing during this interview, inspired by Warren Bennis:

1.  “Innovation is directly connected to your adaptive capacity.”

2.  “It is your ability to adapt that determines your true value as a leader.”


Bank on this – There is always a WHY behind everything I share with you!  Don’t miss out on Ivan’s story about his latest encounter with Warren Bennis, who is the Founding Chairman of the Leadership Institute at the University of Southern California -- widely regarded as a pioneer in leadership studies.

Now, Who is King Ivan?

Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder & Chairman of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization, founded in 1985.  The organization has thousands of chapters throughout every populated continent of the world.  Each year, BNI generates millions of referrals resulting in over billions of U.S. dollars worth of business for its members.

Called the “Father of Modern Networking” by CNN and the “Networking Guru” by Entrepreneur magazine, Dr. Misner is considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on business networking and has been a keynote speaker for major corporations and associations throughout the world. 

He has written twelve books, including his New York Times Bestseller; Masters of Networking as well as his recent #1 bestseller, Networking Like a Pro. He is a monthly columnist for Entrepreneur.com and is the Senior Partner for the Referral Institute – a referral training company with trainers around the world.  In addition, he has taught business management and social capital courses at several universities throughout the United States.

Ivan has been featured in the L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal, and New York. Times, as well as numerous TV and radio shows including CNN, CNBC, BBC in London, and a regular guest on the Annie Armen Show now in our 11^th year.

Drum Roll Please…  Who is Allen C. Buchanan?

Allen C. Buchanan is the President of Champions SoCal BNI, award winning networker, award winning referral expert, who is recognized for his signature “ONE TO ONE” meetings!  What does that mean? 

How can I put this bluntly … TUNE IN AND FIND OUT!  In addition to hurricane twisters, Allen is definitely in for a treat with his mentor, Ivan Misner.  I intend to make this one memorable interview with impact for ALL!

Valuable Reads, Links and Resources

1.  Are You Leaving Your AUTHENTIC Mark?
2.  20 Quotes on PERSEVERANCE in Business and in Life! 
3.  20 Quotes on COMMUNICATION in Business and in Life! 
4.  30 Quotes on COMMITMENT in Business and in Life!
5.  Business Network International (BNI)

6.  BNI Business Index Report

7.  Did You Say, Can't?

8.  AnnieBiotics

Question for WHY Annie Armen Readers:

How is business for you today compared to this time last year?

Be sure to post your comments immediately below!

Enjoy the interview and pass it on!

~Annie Armen

When Did s/he Give the Impression s/he Needed Your Advice?

“Deep listening is miraculous for both listener and speaker. When someone receives us with open-hearted, non-judging, intensely interested listening, our spirits expand.” ~Sue Patton Thoele

Sound Familiar?

Often times, I have found that when an individual chooses to invite someone into their private space whether for personal or for professional reasons, 9 times out of 10, s(he) only wants to talk and clear his/her mind.  Now, here comes the kicker in all this.  The one who is listening to what is being said -- often times -- automatically presumes that he or she has somehow received the green light to communicate their opinion, thoughts, and offer advice when in fact, his/her presumption couldn’t be more further from the truth.  

Allow me to draw you a picture in the form of a dialogue between two professional colleagues, using the pseudo names Bob and Rachel.

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Do You Want to Talk?

“The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said.” ~Peter Drucker

Bob has had “THE” day of all days, filled with unwanted surprises, one shoddier than the other.  Just when he thought his day couldn’t get any worse, he gets a call from his attorney that “the deal” did not go through, the very deal he desperately needed to financially secure stuff at the home front as well as at the office.  He slams the door to his office, and literally closes himself off from the world at this point, not knowing what to think, how to feel, what to say, what steps to take next, completely in a state of shock, almost to the point of feeling numb. 

Just 30 minutes later, a close business colleague of his that he had not seen in over a year, decides to surprise him and pay a visit at the office.  Of course, she had no idea of the day he has had.  Filled with excitement, she charges into his office, only to find a dark space where the office blinds were shut tight, and him lying down on the floor, as if he was lifeless.  In that moment, she collects herself, tempers her joy, and softly calls out his name.  [WISE CHOICE by Rachel to temper her joy and to use a softer tone to greet Bob, creating a space of trust and comfort].

Rachel:  “Bob, its Rachel.”

Bob:  “Rachel, please don’t take this offensively, but can you come back tomorrow, or any other day but today?”

Rachel:   “No worries.  I’ll come back tomorrow then.”  [Again, wise choice by Rachel, not to question Bob, but to act on what he requested, leaving him room to breathe and think. So far so good, but then...]

Bob:  “WAIT!  Don’t go!  The truth is, your visit is the first good thing that has happened today, and what I said earlier, scratch it.  I was reacting from emotions.  You just caught me by surprise, and for what it’s worth, I’m glad you are here.” [Instead of roaring like a lion, Bob decides to share his space with Rachel. Result -- signs of calmness, comfort, transparency, authenticity, and trust are slowly beginning to surface and clear the air of tension... so far so good...let's see what happens next...] 

Rachel:  “Bob, do you want to talk?”  [Excellent choice of words to ask, “do you want to talk” as opposed to “are you ok” or “is everything ok”?  WHY?  Rachel in effect is respecting Bob’s space, as opposed to invading his private thoughts, leaving him room to make the decision if he wants to talk, free of judgment and presumption.  Secondly, Rachel is not coming off condescending or superior, but rather “human”, from a position of trust.  As you keep reading, see how Bob continues to open up just a little more…]

Bob:  “Well, not really.  Besides, I wouldn’t even know where to start.  All I can tell you for now is that I have had the day from hell, and just trying to collect the pieces, get up and push forward as if this day did not exist!  I feel like I’m in a nightmare and all I want to do is wake up and snap out of it…”

Rachel cuts Bob off and immediately says, “Let me tell you what works for me during times like this …Here is what I recommend …” [BUZZER GOES OFF…“WRONG MOVE” ….Although unintentional, Rachel just pushed Bob even further away the second she chose to go on autopilot and offer unsolicited advice.  When did Bob give the impression he needed Rachel's advice?]

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5 Take Aways:

While most of what I’m about to share with you may be construed as “known” knowledge, please remember that with practice, it becomes MORE THAN stand alone knowledge. What you will experience is “knowledge WITH deeper understanding, resulting in open communication with mutual trust"!

1.  Whether we are experiencing ups OR downs in business or in life, it is absolutely vital to be cognizant of one’s private space at all times.

2.  When someone chooses to openly share about his/her situation, particularly when the situation is not pleasant, PRESUME NOTHING!

3.  Listen with heart on a “human” level, and be present with him/her in that moment, eye to eye, ear to ear, heart to heart, mind to mind -- free of assumptions and judgments of any kind.

4.  Offer advice, share thoughts, or express your opinions only when asked. Even then, take measures to be certain that he or she is truly looking for advice, or seeking to find answers himself/herself.

5.   If you are a coach, mentor, counselor of any kind, be sure to keep your ego in check; better yet, throw it out the door!  Just because someone has chosen to talk with you, does not place you in a superior position, but rather in a position of TRUST – HUGE difference!  Recognize this distinction as it is critical for ongoing, trusted communications and potential referrals in the future. 

Did you find this article helpful? 
Post your comments below; we’d love to hear from you.

~Annie Armen

Related Articles and Quotes you may Find of Interest: 

1. Grab a Cup of Courage and Just Ask! 
2. 20 Quotes on COMMUNICATION in Business and in Life!  
3. 30 Quotes on COMMITMENT in Business and in Life!
4. That Does it... I've Had Just About Enough of This! 
5. Are you Working With a Resistant Employee? 
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7. Stealing Business From Your Competition -- Ethical or Unethical?    

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20 Quotes on VALUES in Business and in Life!

Dear WHY Annie Armen Readers:

What are YOUR favorite quotes on “values”?  Please take a moment to post your favorite quote choice(s) at the end of this post.

In the mean time, may you find these purposeful quotes on VALUES empowering and meaningful to your inner WHY in business and in life! 

__________________

1.   "Effectiveness without values is a tool without a purpose."  ~Edward de Bono

2.  "Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value."  ~Albert Einstein

3.   "Treasure the love you receive above all.  It will survive long after your good health has vanished."  ~Og Mandino

4.   "The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor."  ~Vince Lombardi

5.  "Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, and only character endures." ~Horace Greeley (1811-1872), New York newspaper editor

6.   "The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas - a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated."  ~Ronald Reagan

7.  "Maturity is achieved when a person postpones immediate pleasures for long-term values."  ~Joshua L. Liebman

8.   “We never know the worth of water 'til the well is dry.”  ~English Proverb

9.   “If you don’t value your time, neither will others. Stop giving away your time and talents. Value what you know and start charging for it.”  ~Kim Garst

10. “Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly.”  ~Václav Havel

11.  "Respect your fellow human being, treat them fairly, disagree with them honestly, enjoy their friendship, explore your thoughts about one another candidly, work together for a common goal and help one another achieve it. No destructive lies. No ridiculous fears. No debilitating anger.” ~Bill Bradley

12.  “I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar.”  ~Robert Brault

13.  “The crucial variable in the process of turning knowledge into value is creativity.”  ~John Kao

14.  "Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.”  ~Anton Chekhov

15.  “The reason I beat the Austrians is, they did not know the value of five minutes”    ~Napoleon Bonaparte

16.  “Nothing is more despicable than respect based on fear.”  ~Albert Camus

17.  “Guard well your spare moments.  They are like uncut diamonds.  Discard them and their value will never be known.  Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.”  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

18.  “I can't change the fact that my paintings don't sell.  But the time will come when people will recognize that they are worth more than the value of the paints used in the picture.”  ~Vincent van Gogh

19.  "We're so engaged in doing things to achieve purposes of outer value that we forget the inner value, the rapture that is associated with being alive, is what it is all about.”  ~Joseph Campbell

20.  "Realize that true happiness lies within you.  Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside.  Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving.  Reach out. Share.  Smile.  Hug.  Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself."  ~Og Mandino

__________________

Friends, what are YOUR favorite quotes on “values”?

Very much looking forward to reading your posts!

Fire away and Pass it on! 
~Annie Armen

List of Articles and Quotes you may Find of Interest:
1. Character vs. Chaos -- Video Message by Annie Armen

2. 30 Quotes on LOVE in Business and in Life!
3. 30 Quotes on HOPE in Business and in Life!
4. 20 Quotes on COURAGE in Business and in Life!  
5. 30 Quotes on ENCOURAGEMENT in Business and in Life!
6. 30 Quotes on COMMITMENT in Business and in Life!
7. 14 Quotes on LOYALTY in Business and in Life!
8. Are You Leaving Your AUTHENTIC Mark? 
9. To PRO-act or to RE-act?  
10. Celebrate the Gift of Life Because You Can!

11. 8 New Year Quotes -- Inspired by Og Mandino

12. Communicate Anyway

13. Did You Say, Can't?

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