BNI San Diego Podcast

BNI San Diego
  • 4.8 (10)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast, the show where we bring you valuable insights and advice from some of the most successful business leaders and entrepreneurs in the San Diego area, and BNI Globally. Join our host, Ed Wilson, as he interviews a variety of guests, from seasoned business owners to up-and-coming entrepreneurs, to uncover the secrets of their success. From marketing and branding to networking and business strategy, we'll cover it all. Whether you're a small business owner looking to grow your company or an entrepreneur just starting out, the BNI San Diego Podcast has something for everyone. With expert advice and practical tips you can put into action right away, you'll be on your way to achieving your business goals in no time. So tune in to the BNI San Diego Podcast and get ready to take your business to the next level.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 123 – Why You're Not Getting Referrals (And How to Fix It) | BNI Follow-Up Secrets with Sean Hoptar

    If you're not getting referrals in your business… it might not be your network. It might be your follow-up.  In this episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, we sit down with Sean Hoptar, escrow officer and BNI Carmel Valley member, to break down the exact strategies that are helping him generate high-quality referrals, stronger relationships, and consistent business growth.  This conversation is packed with practical, real-world tactics you can start using immediately — from how to follow up effectively, to making it ridiculously easy for people to refer you.  Because as Sean shares: “If you want the business, you have to put in the work — and make it easy for others to connect you.”   🚀 In This Episode You’ll Learn:  ✅ Why most people fail at follow-up (and don’t even realize it) ✅ The 24–48 hour rule for handling referrals ✅ How to make your ideal client crystal clear to your network ✅ Why giving people a referral script can skyrocket your results ✅ The “95% of the work → they do the layup” referral strategy  ✅ How to use group texts + email intros to close more deals  ✅ Why “out of sight = out of mind” is killing your opportunities  ✅ The power of voice memos + AI (ChatGPT) to improve follow-up  ✅ How to build real relationships instead of “commission breath”  The difference between average networkers and top performers?  They don’t just meet people — they follow up, add value, and make it easy to do business with them.  From handwritten notes to intentional check-ins, Sean shares how small actions create massive results in referral-based businesses.  BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest referral networking organization, helping entrepreneurs and small business owners generate billions of dollars in business through the philosophy of Givers Gain®.  If you enjoyed this episode:  👍 Like the video  🔔 Subscribe for more BNI leadership insights  🤝 Share this with a fellow entrepreneur or networking partner  Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at podcasts@bnisd.com.   Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter

    26 min

  2. MAR 17

    Episode 122 – How to Handle Conflict in Business | BNI Leadership Lessons with Alex Peterson-Cross

    Conflict is inevitable in business, leadership, and even networking groups — but how you handle it determines the success of your relationships and your organization.  In this episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, Executive Director Ed Wilson sits down with Alex Peterson-Cross, Vice President of the BNI Pinnacle chapter and a State Farm agency owner, to explore one of the most important leadership skills in business: conflict resolution.  From managing workplace disagreements to navigating misunderstandings in referral partnerships, this conversation dives deep into how leaders can resolve conflict while maintaining trust, professionalism, and long-term business relationships.  Alex shares insights from his experience in corporate leadership with Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, while Ed brings perspective from years working directly with BNI founder Dr. Ivan Misner and helping resolve conflicts across thousands of BNI chapters worldwide.   If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, BNI member, or leader, this episode will help you approach difficult conversations with confidence and emotional intelligence.  🔑 In This Episode You’ll Learn  ✅ Why conflict is unavoidable when people work together ✅ The difference between avoiding conflict vs resolving it effectively ✅ How emotional intelligence impacts business relationships ✅ Why many leaders struggle with difficult conversations ✅ The BNI process for resolving disputes inside a chapter ✅ How to create a safe environment for honest conversations  ✅ Why people involved in conflict often just want to be heard and understood  ✅ The leadership mindset required to resolve issues while preserving relationships  As Ed explains in the episode, many conflicts stem from simple misunderstandings or miscommunication, and the key is guiding people toward resolution while ensuring everyone feels heard.   📘 Resource Mentioned in This Episode  Crucial Conversations – A powerful framework for navigating high-stakes conversations and resolving conflict in business and leadership.  🌎 About BNI  BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest professional networking organization, helping entrepreneurs and small businesses generate billions of dollars in referrals through relationship-based networking and the philosophy of Givers Gain®.  If you enjoyed this episode:  • Like the video  • Subscribe for more BNI leadership insights  • Share this with a fellow entrepreneur or networking partner  Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at podcasts@bnisd.com.   Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter

    39 min

  3. MAR 10

    Episode 121 – How BNI Changed My Life | Ed Wilson ’ s Journey from Small Business Owner to BNI San Diego Executive Director

    What does it take to build a life and career around relationships, service, and referrals?  In this episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, host Jenn Edwards sits down with Ed Wilson, Executive Director of BNI San Diego, to share the incredible story behind his journey—from small business owner and pastor to working directly with BNI founder Dr. Ivan Misner and ultimately leading one of the most successful BNI regions in the world.  Ed reveals how a simple invitation to visit a BNI meeting completely changed the trajectory of his life and career. Along the way, he shares powerful lessons about relationship building, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the mindset required to succeed in business networking.  Whether you're a BNI member, entrepreneur, salesperson, or small business owner, this episode will inspire you to think differently about referrals, relationships, and opportunity.  🚀 In This Episode You’ll Learn:  ✅ How Ed Wilson discovered BNI and why he instantly knew he found his people  ✅  The difference between transactional sales vs relational networking  ✅  Why building relationships will always outperform aggressive selling  ✅  How Ed worked directly with BNI founder Dr. Ivan Misner  ✅  What it takes to become a successful BNI leader and referral partner  ✅  The mindset that helped Ed grow from a BNI member to Executive Director  ✅  Why saying “YES” to opportunities can completely change your life  As Ed shares in this conversation:  “My core value is simple — show up to give.”  That philosophy has helped him serve thousands of business owners through BNI and build a thriving referral networking community in San Diego.  🎧 Whether you're new to BNI, growing your chapter, or building your business through professional networking, this episode will challenge you to level up your presence and your performance.  👇 Comment below: What’s one action you can take this week to strengthen a key business relationship?  👍 Like this video if you value relationship-based business  🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights on business networking & leadership  Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at podcasts@bnisd.com. Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter

    46 min

  4. FEB 24

    Episode 120 – Building Confidence, Credibility & Referrals Through Relationships

    What does it really take to grow a business through referrals? In this episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, Ed Wilson sits down with Cecilia Schreiber for a powerful conversation about confidence, connection, and building credibility inside a professional networking community.  If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, sales professional, or BNI member looking to generate more referrals and grow your influence, this episode delivers practical insight and real-world experience you can apply immediately.  🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:  ✅ How confidence directly impacts referral flow  ✅ Why credibility is built long before the referral happens  ✅ The role of consistency in business networking success  ✅ How to become “top of mind” in your referral network  ✅ The mindset shift from transactional selling to relationship marketing  ✅ How BNI helps small business owners scale sustainably  ✅ Why showing up prepared changes everything  ✅ The power of visibility inside professional networking groups  Referrals don’t happen by accident. They happen when trust, visibility, and consistency intersect.  When you focus on serving, building relationships, and communicating clearly about what you do — the referrals follow.  🎧 Whether you're new to BNI, growing your chapter, or building your business through professional networking, this episode will challenge you to level up your presence and your performance.  👇 Comment below: What’s one action you can take this week to strengthen a key business relationship?  👍 Like this video if you value relationship-based business  🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights on business networking & leadership    Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at podcasts@bnisd.com.   Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter

    33 min

  5. FEB 17

    Episode 119 – The Power of Relationships in Business (27 Years of BNI Wisdom w/ John Lisle)

    What if the secret to long-term business success isn’t marketing… but relationships? In this powerful episode, Ed Wilson sits down with John Lisle, former Executive Director of two BNI regions and a 27-year BNI veteran, to unpack why relationships are the true foundation of business growth. From launching chapters on Australia Day 🇦🇺 to building international web clients across three continents, John shares real-world lessons on how relationship marketing drives referrals, credibility, trust, and sustainable success. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, sales professional, or BNI member looking to grow through referrals — this episode is your blueprint. 🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ Why business is always personal (even when people say it’s not) ✅ How one-to-ones build deep trust and referral confidence ✅ The “ownership” mindset that separates successful members ✅ Why BNI is relational, not transactional ✅ How follow-up builds credibility and authority ✅ Why showing up consistently creates exponential referral growth ✅ The 3 simple habits that strengthen business relationships instantly ✅ How Givers Gain creates a 30-person sales team for your business ✅ Why small businesses thrive inside referral networks Success in business isn’t about transactions — it’s about trust, consistency, and intentional action. When you build relationships the right way, referrals become natural… not forced. 🎧 Whether you’re new to BNI or a seasoned leader, this episode will challenge you to deepen relationships, take ownership, and build a business that lasts decades. 👇 Drop a comment: What’s one relationship that changed your business? 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share with another entrepreneur ⭐ Leave a 5-Star Review if this episode added value #BusinessNetworking #RelationshipMarketing #ReferralMarketing #BNISanDiego #BNIPodcast #BNISuccess #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #GiversGain #ProfessionalNetworking #SalesStrategy #BusinessRelationships #BNILeadership #NetworkingTips #BusinessGrowth #BNIMember Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter

    31 min

  6. FEB 10

    Episode 118 – How BNI Is Leveling Up in 2026: Launch, Fill, Retain & Tell Better Stories

    In this strategic and future-focused episode, Ed Wilson is joined by Andy Cruz for an inside look at what’s coming next for BNI San Diego — and how members can position themselves for their strongest year yet.  This conversation breaks down the four core priorities driving BNI San Diego in 2026 and how they directly impact your business results, referrals, and long-term success.  🔑 Topics covered in this episode: ✅ Why launching new chapters matters (and who should lead them) ✅ How filling chapters strengthens referral flow for everyone  ✅ The real reason retention drives long-term profitability  ✅ Why BNI is a “time shrinker” for closing new business  ✅ How to identify who’s missing from your chapter  ✅ The difference between shallow networking and real depth  ✅ Why most members leave too early — and what works instead  ✅ How tracking your numbers changes renewal decisions  ✅ The power of storytelling to grow credibility, trust, and visibility  💡 This episode is both a playbook and a wake-up call: If you want more out of BNI, the answer isn’t doing less — it’s doing what works, more often, with more people.  🎧 Whether you’re brand new, a seasoned member, or considering BNI for the first time, this episode will help you think differently about growth, referrals, and ROI in 2026.  👇 Drop a comment: What’s ONE thing you’re committing to do differently this year?  👍 Like & Subscribe for weekly BNI insights  📩 Want to share your story? Email: podcasts@bnisd.com  Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at podcasts@bnisd.com.   Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter

    45 min

  7. FEB 3

    Episode 117 – Cybersecurity, AI & Scaling your business w/ Tommy Thornton

    From being invited for 24 months… to building a business that now spans 26 states and 3 countries — Tommy Thornton, founder of Automates, joins us to share how BNI became the single most transformative factor in his company’s meteoric rise.  In this candid, high-level, and eye-opening episode, Tommy shares how he:  ✅ Scaled from $300K to $5M+ in revenue in just 4 years  ✅ Grew from a 3-person team to 26+ employees  ✅ Went from fixing printers to disrupting the IT industry  ✅ Coaches 75+ other MSPs (Managed Service Providers) monthly  ✅ Landed on national tech magazine covers and shared stages with Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec    🔥 We also dive deep into the world of cybersecurity and AI:  — Why ransomware is the new battleground  — How solopreneurs and small firms can safely adopt AI  — What business owners need to know NOW about compliance  — The myth of “I’m too small to be hacked”  — Why every company needs a secure AI strategy in 2026    💡 “AI will make smart people smarter… and it’ll make lazy people lazier. It’s up to you which one you become.”  🎧 This is a masterclass in tech, mindset, and BNI-powered growth. If you’re serious about scaling, tune in.  📬 Want to share your BNI story? Email: podcasts@bnisd.com  💬 Comment: What’s one way you’re using AI or cybersecurity in your business?  👍 Like & Subscribe for more real-world BNI journeys  Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at podcasts@bnisd.com.   Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter

    37 min

  8. JAN 27

    Episode 116 - Get Uncomfortable, Grow Big: Confidence, Leadership & Legacy w/ Cameron Robinson

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Cameron Robinson, President of one of San Diego’s fastest-growing BNI chapters—BNI Carmel Valley—to hear his vulnerable, hilarious, and energizing story of transformation.    From running morning meetings in New York to facing down a Times Square speech gone wrong (hello, New York Yankees punter?!), Cameron shares how he rebuilt his confidence, leaned into BNI, and grew into a magnetic leader whose chapter is on the verge of hitting 100 members.    🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why public speaking confidence is earned through consistent reps ✅ How BNI Carmel Valley created a chapter culture that attracts top-tier professionals ✅ The power of “safe messages” vs. stretch moments in your weekly presentations ✅ What it really means to prepare a 30-second or 8-minute presentation (hint: it’s worth $$$) ✅ How chapter engagement, creativity, and leadership create compounding momentum  ✅ Why personal growth is BNI’s greatest ROI—more than just referrals    💬 “What if you listened to that little voice in your head and actually did the thing that scared you?”    🎧 Tune in to hear how Cameron uses BNI as a laboratory for growth—and how it’s skyrocketed his business and leadership impact.    📬 Want to share your story? Email: podcasts@bnisd.com  💬 Drop a comment: What’s your “get uncomfortable” goal this year?  🔔 Subscribe for new weekly episodes from leaders across BNI San Diego    Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at podcasts@bnisd.com.   Visit us online: https://bnisd.com BNI is the world's most successful organization of its type in the world. Members pass millions of referrals which translates to billions of dollars in business. BNI San Diego (619) 255-2620 Visit a chapter: https://bnisd.com/en-US/findachapter

    45 min
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4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast, the show where we bring you valuable insights and advice from some of the most successful business leaders and entrepreneurs in the San Diego area, and BNI Globally. Join our host, Ed Wilson, as he interviews a variety of guests, from seasoned business owners to up-and-coming entrepreneurs, to uncover the secrets of their success. From marketing and branding to networking and business strategy, we'll cover it all. Whether you're a small business owner looking to grow your company or an entrepreneur just starting out, the BNI San Diego Podcast has something for everyone. With expert advice and practical tips you can put into action right away, you'll be on your way to achieving your business goals in no time. So tune in to the BNI San Diego Podcast and get ready to take your business to the next level.

Information

  • Creator
    BNI San Diego
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 BNI San Diego Podcast
  • Show Website
    BNI San Diego Podcast

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