Have you ever had a moment that felt like something out of the song “It’s a Small World”? The whimsical tune, often associated with Disney’s iconic ride, captures a universal feeling of interconnectedness. Sometimes, life truly mirrors this sentiment in the most unexpected ways, as Dr. Ivan Misner, the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, discovered in a remarkable instance of accidental networking. This isn’t just a catchy phrase from a song; it’s a reality that can lead to surprising business opportunities, even from a simple wrong number.
This story, recounted by Dr. Misner himself, perfectly illustrates how small the world can feel, especially within the vast network of BNI. It’s a testament to being open to unexpected connections and recognizing opportunities when they arise, even from the most unlikely of circumstances. Get ready to be amazed by this true account of a serendipitous encounter that started with a dialing mistake and blossomed into a valuable business relationship.
The Accidental Call Across Area Codes
Dr. Misner, in the midst of transitioning between California and Texas, found himself needing to return a call from the Claremont Police Department in California. Having recently acquired a new mobile phone with a Texas area code (512), his mind was perhaps still attuned to his new location. Without consciously thinking about area codes, he dialed the number provided by his assistant. However, he inadvertently omitted the California area code (909), effectively dialing a local Austin number instead.
Little did he know, this simple oversight was about to connect him with someone in the most unexpected way. Instead of reaching the Claremont Police Department, his call was answered by a gentleman in Austin. Upon identifying himself as Ivan Misner, he was met not with the expected formal greeting, but with a surprised, “Ivan? Dr. Misner with BNI?”
Wrong Number, Right Connection: A BNI Member on the Line
To Dr. Misner’s astonishment, the voice on the other end of the line belonged to Frank Davis, a BNI member in Austin. The sheer improbability of this connection is almost unbelievable. In a city of over a million people, what were the odds that a misdialed number would reach one of the hundreds of BNI members in the Austin area? It was a moment that underscored the “it’s a small world” concept in a truly tangible way.
Adding another layer to this serendipitous encounter, it turned out that Dr. Misner and Frank Davis had actually met just a few months prior at a BNI Leadership Team training session in Austin. This prior connection, however brief, laid the groundwork for what was to unfold. Frank Davis recognized Dr. Misner’s name immediately, bridging the gap between a mistaken phone call and a genuine professional connection.
Dr. Ivan Misner speaking at a BNI event, highlighting his expertise in networking and business growth.
Seizing the Opportunity: From Mistake to Meeting
Frank Davis, recognizing the unusual nature of this accidental connection and the potential for a valuable interaction, didn’t let the opportunity pass him by. With remarkable quick-thinking, he suggested a One-to-One meeting with Dr. Misner. He cleverly turned the awkwardness of the misdialed call into a reason to connect, stating that since Dr. Misner had inadvertently called him, they should take the chance to talk and meet.
For Dr. Misner, who at that point in his career primarily conducted One-to-Ones only on BNI Founders Day due to his busy schedule, declining this request seemed almost impossible. The sheer unlikelihood of the connection, combined with Frank’s proactive approach, made it a compelling invitation. He agreed to the meeting, demonstrating his own openness to unexpected opportunities and the value he places on BNI connections.
A Fruitful One-to-One and Lasting Business
The One-to-One between Dr. Misner and Frank Davis proved to be far more than just a polite gesture following a mistaken phone call. It blossomed into a meaningful professional exchange, uncovering shared interests and leading to tangible business outcomes. During their conversation, they discovered common ground in self-development training. Dr. Misner, recognizing a potential synergy, referred Frank to his long-time friend Jack Canfield, a renowned figure in the field. Interestingly, Dr. Misner later married Jody, who worked for Jack Canfield, adding another layer of interconnectedness to this story.
Furthermore, Frank Davis expressed a keen interest in the BNI Foundation, the charitable arm of BNI. Dr. Misner facilitated a connection with the relevant contact person for the Foundation, further solidifying their professional bond. Most significantly, this accidental connection led to Dr. Misner engaging Frank Davis for his legal services, resulting in a business relationship that spanned several years. What began as a dialing error transformed into a win-win-win situation, highlighting the power of unexpected connections and proactive follow-up.
Lessons in Serendipity and Connection
This anecdote serves as a powerful reminder that “it’s a small world,” not just in sentiment, but in practical reality, especially within a network like BNI. The statistical improbability of Dr. Misner accidentally calling a BNI member in a city of millions underscores the almost destined nature of some connections. It prompts us to consider the unseen threads that link us to others and the potential hidden in seemingly random events.
Beyond the sheer luck of the misdial, the story emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities. Frank Davis’s initiative to turn an accidental call into a One-to-One was crucial in transforming a potential momentary blip into a lasting professional relationship. His proactive approach exemplifies the BNI philosophy of networking and relationship building.
Moreover, the story touches upon the concept of synchronicity – the idea that seemingly coincidental events can have meaningful connections. Priscilla Rice, in the original podcast, aptly described the incident as “synchronistic energy.” The convergence of Dr. Misner’s misdial, Frank Davis being a BNI member, their prior meeting, and the subsequent business relationship suggests a confluence of factors that point to something beyond mere chance.
Embrace the “Small World” and Share Your Story
Dr. Misner’s experience encourages us to be more open to the unexpected and to recognize the potential in every connection, no matter how improbable it may seem at first. It’s a reminder that the world, especially within professional networks, can be surprisingly interconnected. Just like the enduring message of the “it’s a small world song,” this story illustrates that you never know where a chance encounter, even a mistaken phone call, might lead.
Have you had your own “it’s a small world” moment, perhaps a surprising connection that led to an unexpected opportunity? Share your stories of interesting, unusual, and surprising connections in the comments below. Your experiences can further inspire us to appreciate the interconnectedness of our world and the potential that lies in embracing every connection, expected or otherwise.
