Welcome to another episode of The Imperfect Podcast with Wendy Lloyd Curley.

In this episode, we dive into the timeless principles of strategic networking and the power of niching—specializing in your business in a way that makes people say, “Wow.” Wendy shares personal stories from her own journey of mixing work and play, building a career of independence as a BNI franchise owner in Sydney North East, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Whether you’re listening now or years from now, the lessons here are designed to stand the test of time.

Welcome to Episode 14 of The Imperfect Podcast.

Guest: Stella Gianotto https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellagianotto

If you're the brave soul in charge of your BNI chapter's social media (or you just got voluntold), this episode is your survival kit. Branding expert Stella Gianotto joins us to answer the 8 essential questions every BNI chapter should be asking about social media... from what to post and where, to how to turn one weekly meeting into a week’s worth of engaging content.

We unpack how to keep it simple, make it meaningful, and actually attract visitors (not just your mum liking every post). Stella also shares why it’s better to keep your chapter’s socials in-house and how tagging isn’t just polite... it’s powerful referral marketing.

Fun, practical, and packed with wisdom you can use this week.

Warning: the social media tips shared in this podcast may improve your social media skills and results for your business.

LinkedIn: BNI Presidential: Posts | LinkedInFacebook: FacebookInstagram: Instagram

Podcast Summary: “Inviting Visitors the Right Way – Strategic Networking with Wendy Lloyd Curley”

In this insightful episode, Wendy Lloyd Curley, keynote speaker, BNI Executive Director, and the author of Stop Wasting Your Time Networking, dives deep into one of the most important (yet often misunderstood) parts of growing a strong BNI chapter: inviting visitors.

But this isn’t your typical “bring a friend” talk.

Instead, Wendy brings the BNI Passport out of the glove box and uses it as a map to guide members back to the basics of strategic networking. With her signature clarity and energy, she walks listeners through a practical and mindset-focused approach to inviting visitors that aligns with BNI values and avoids sounding like recruitment.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Understand the Strength of Your Network
   Before you invite anyone, pause and reflect. Wendy encourages members to take stock of their existing network... clients, suppliers, referral partners, and professional acquaintances. Who do you already know? Who trusts you? Who could benefit from meeting your chapter?

2. Categorize Your Network with Intention
   Using the BNI Passport framework, Wendy explains how to segment your network into meaningful categories. This allows you to pinpoint potential visitors who align with your chapter’s open seats or who could benefit from strategic introductions.

3. Extend Invitations, Not Recruitment Pitches
   Wendy is clear: “Don’t recruit. Invite.”
   The goal is not to “sign people up”... it’s to offer genuine value. By positioning your invitation as a gift of opportunity rather than an obligation, you’ll get better responses and create a more welcoming visitor experience.

4. Understand the Values of Your Prospective Visitors
   A key ingredient in strategic networking is alignment. Wendy shares tips for identifying people in your network who value long-term relationships, trust, and giving before receiving. These are the people who will resonate with the BNI philosophy—and who will elevate your chapter if they choose to join.

5. Add Value (to Them AND to the Chapter)
   Every visitor should feel like their time at your meeting was well spent—even if they’re not yet ready to join. Wendy explains how to be intentional about who you invite and how to ensure they leave the meeting with introductions, insights, or inspiration.

6. Spot What’s Missing in Your Network
   Growth isn’t just about more people; it’s about the right people. Wendy encourages chapters to be proactive and strategic in identifying which professions, industries, or types of referral relationships are underrepresented. Use this awareness to guide your invitations each week.

7. Every Week is Visitor Week
   This is not a seasonal activity. Every single BNI meeting is an opportunity to bring someone new into your network, showcase your chapter’s culture, and spark fresh referral energy. Wendy urges members to make inviting a consistent and joyful habit.

💡 Final Thought:
Inviting visitors isn’t about filling chairs. It’s about creating meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships. Wendy’s approach is grounded in authenticity, clarity, and strategy. Whether you’re a new member or a seasoned leader, this episode will leave you inspired to invite with purpose, not pressure.

Action Step: Pull out your BNI Passport. Reflect on your network. And this week, extend an invitation that feels genuine, generous, and aligned with the power of Strategic Networking.

Recorded in July 2025, this interview is with my friend, Jenn Donovan. Jen has curated an incredible line-up of speakers for the inaugural Social Media & Marketing Conference in Melbourne in August 2025. With incredible speakers and a run sheet of topics that all small businesses need to handle, this is an event that you simply must got to! If you missed it in 2025, then look for it every year as it is sure to be an event that will inspire and inform you towards more success in your business.

Here's the link for more information and to register: https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference/

The Imperfect Podcast – Episode 10: Strategic Networking, Online and Offline with Tom Etherington

In this milestone episode... our very first interview! Wendy Lloyd Curley sits down with longtime friend and LinkedIn strategist Tom Etherington to explore the powerful intersection of in-person and online networking.

Tom, founder of Connect Content and a former journalist, shares his philosophy on using LinkedIn as a relationship-building tool rather than just a content megaphone. Together, Wendy and Tom compare approaches, swap stories, and offer practical advice on everything from crafting a compelling “About” section to making real connections that begin either at a networking event or in a comment thread.

Whether you're starting a conversation in a conference room or with a QR code scan, this episode is packed with insights to help you blend authenticity and strategy in every connection you make.

🧠 Topics covered:

• Building trust before making the ask

• Strategic outreach vs. spammy selling

• LinkedIn content that starts conversations (not lectures)

• How to use personality to connect with the right audience

• Why your “About” section isn’t just about you

🔗 Plus, hear about Tom’s signature LinkedIn Roadmap process and how he helps professionals stand out online with integrity and voice.

🎯 Perfect for: Business owners, BNI members, professional networkers, and anyone wanting to get more out of LinkedIn.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-etherington/

In this episode I give you a behind-the-scenes look into the evolution of my keynote presentation, Rock & Roll and Networking. With the addition of AI tips and actually playing the music in the keynote, I'm confident it's getting better and better.

BNI Members prefer to refer (and use) BNI members when they need work done or services provided. Every day I hear members asking for BNI recommendations for professions that are not represented in their chapters. The opportunity to be a BNI Unicorn is real. So is the opportunity to fill your chapter with great service providers.