09/01/2026
Episode 144 – 20 Years of Networking: Why He’s STILL Growing His Business | Miguel Contreras
What can 20 years of business networking teach you about referrals, leadership, sales, and growing a successful business? A lot more than you might think.
In this episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, Ed Wilson sits down with Miguel Contreras, residential Realtor and founding member of BNI Partners in Excellence, as he approaches an incredible milestone: 20 years in the same BNI chapter.
But this conversation isn't about simply showing up for 20 years. It's about what happens when you refuse to become complacent.
Miguel shares the lessons he's learned about building business relationships, generating referrals, becoming a better public speaker, developing leadership skills, and creating the momentum necessary to keep growing—even after decades in business.
His message for seasoned entrepreneurs? Don't coast.
🚀 In This Episode You'll Learn:
✅ How Miguel helped build a BNI chapter from the ground up
✅ Why their original launch attracted more than 100 people
✅ Why experienced business owners should NEVER go into "cruise control"
✅ How leadership roles can make you a better entrepreneur
✅ Why public speaking is a skill every business owner should develop
✅ How BNI became Miguel's training ground for communication and leadership
✅ Why Feature Presentations can lead to more one-to-ones and referrals
✅ How to make your networking presentation more memorable
✅ Why repetition is one of Miguel's most effective referral strategies
✅ How to create momentum instead of waiting for opportunities
💡 “You’ve Got to Create Your Own Momentum”
One of Miguel's biggest lessons after nearly 20 years in BNI is surprisingly simple: Momentum doesn't create itself.
Think about pushing a stalled car. Getting it moving requires serious effort. But once the car has momentum, keeping it moving becomes much easier. Business works the same way. Networking works the same way.
You don't stop pushing simply because you've become successful. You continue creating the relationships, conversations, referrals, presentations, and opportunities that keep your business moving forward.
Or, as Miguel likes to say: “Momentum, mo' money.”
🎤 The Business Skill Most Entrepreneurs Need to Practice
Public speaking.
Miguel admits that when Partners in Excellence launched, he didn't even want to become president. Speaking in front of the room intimidated him. Nearly 20 years later, he credits those experiences with helping him develop one of his most valuable professional skills: the ability to confidently communicate with a room. And he's STILL practicing.
Miguel shares why he records his presentations, watches them back, identifies where he can improve, and continues working on his craft after more than two decades in real estate.
His philosophy: Don't worry about being perfect. Practice getting better.
🤝 Advice for New AND Experienced BNI Members
For seasoned members: Stay engaged.
Take leadership roles. Mentor newer members. Volunteer. Give presentations. Keep developing your skills. Remember that newer members are watching the example you set.
For newer members: Get involved before you feel ready.
Volunteer to speak.
Become Education Coordinator.
Give Feature Presentations.
Practice your weekly referral request.
Take opportunities to lead.
You don't need to be perfect.
You need repetitions.
Because the skills you're practicing inside that networking room can eventually transform how you sell, communicate, lead, and grow your business outside of it.
👇 JOIN THE CONVERSATION
If you've been networking for several years, what's the biggest lesson you've learned?
And if you're new to networking, what's the skill you're currently trying to improve?
Tell us in the comments!
👍 LIKE this episode if you're committed to becoming better at your craft.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for weekly conversations about business networking, referral marketing, entrepreneurship, leadership, sales, and professional growth.
📤 SHARE this episode with a business owner who's starting to get a little too comfortable.
Have a topic you’d like us to highlight? Please share with us via email at [email protected].
