Fat Guys in Diapers

Sumo wrestling is not only the oldest of Japan’s various martial arts, it also evolved into the most distinct and ritualistic. It is still heavily centered around the Shinto religion. When the sport was first introduced 1500 years ago it was performed mostly to ensure good harvests.

By the 15th century Sumo wrestling had adopted a set of strict rules and the most talented champions were offered aid by powerful feudal lords. In the early 1700’s “banzuke” or ranking lists, were established, a system which is still strictly adhered to today. The objective of the “sumotori”, or competitors, many of whom weigh between 250 and 500 pounds, is to either knock his opponent from a specially-sized ring or maneuver him so that any part of his body touches the ground. This is done by using one or a series of 70 accepted Sumo moves.

There is no weight class in Sumo wrestling so very often the “Rikishi”, or competitors, find themselves squaring off against a much heftier opponent. Often a match lasts mere seconds before the more powerful or agile opponent executes a deft move and tosses, pushes, slaps or in some other way disqualifies his rival.

The training regimen for Sumo wrestlers is strict and rigorous. There are numerous Sumo schools in Japan and young recruits usually enter as teenagers. Each youth must pass a weight class before acceptance. The schools teach rules, etiquette, basic techniques and the history of Sumo. Scouts from various “stables” , or Sumo training centers, visit schools to recruit promising students who they hope might become the next stars of the Sumo ring.

I recently received an email from someone who visited a number BNI groups over several years.  He had an idea that I’d like to share:

“I am interested in how I can provide my extensive list of contacts to a local chapter without having to attend the weekly meetings . . . we can attend a meeting once a month. . . while still adopting the BNI ethos and principles of such a well-structured program.”

His request got me thinking.

I’d like to win the Tour de France, but I’m really not a fan of the endless exertion involved.  I’ve also always thought it would be amazing to win an Olympic medal; the extreme workouts and conditioning. . . is all thatreally necessary?

I’ve also often thought I’d make a great medical doctor, and as soon as I figure out how I can do it without having to deal with the whole mess of blood and internal organs (Yuck!), I’ll get right on that!  And then there’s my dream of becoming a military general—I would love, reallylove, to do this, but I need the U.S. Military to realize that boot camp simply isn’t for me and that they should let me skip it entirely. (Is that really so hard to understand?)

Lastly, comes the most coveted achievement of all—the Nobel Peace Prize.  Winning would be amazing—it would be my crowning accomplishment.  The only problem is that winning would require that I change the world in some dynamic way.  Surely there’s something a bit less demanding that I can do to win the prize; changing the world is a big task!

If only wishing made it so, but it doesn’t.  The simple truth is, none of us can do less and get the same results.

If Only Wishing Made It So

BNI is the largest, most successful networking organization in the world because of its ethos, principles, and, yes, its “well-structured” weekly meetings.  If we start taking apart fundamental portions of the program and expect the same results, we are fooling ourselves.  It’s a little like taking a wing off a plane and trying to fly.

I’ve never said that BNI’s program is easy.  It isn’t.  It does, however, work—if you are willing to work the program consistently and effectively over time.  That, of course, begins with actually showing upevery week!

It may be tempting to gravitate toward some kind of “BNI Light” model, but there is no diet version of BNI that gives you all the benefits with less work.  Only BNI members who dedicate themselves to actively following BNI’s proven structure are the ones who will achieve optimum results and maximum referrals.

So, for those of you who want to be masters of networking, take heed to the phrase I’ve heard spoken to patients on episodes of “ER” when things are looking very grim (Yes, I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that my life as an M.D. will have to be lived vicariously through TV shows): Don’t go into the light!! Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

Called the father of modern networking by CNN, Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author. He is the founder and chairman of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization. His latest New York Times best selling book, The 29% Solution, can be viewed at 29PercentSolution.com. Dr. Misner is also the Sr. Partner for the Referral Institute, an international referral training company. He can be reached at misner@bni.com.