Phil Bedford is the Middle East Master Franchise owner of The Referral Institute, an international referral training and consulting company with branches across the world. He holds a master’s degree and brings over a decade of experience in sales training, business development and consulting to his role as Master Trainer at the Institute. Phil helps professionals live more and earn more through relationship-based referral marketing. With his business acumen and extensive experience in the market since 1998, Phil is currently expanding the franchise across the Middle East region.

In recognition of his phenomenal business success and remarkable skills as a trainer, Phil was awarded the coveted President’s Award in 2009 by The Referral Institute.

An engaging and inspiring speaker, he regularly delivers key-note addresses both in the UAE and internationally. Phil travels extensively and uses his hugely successful blog at www.therebelnetworker.com to educate people on building their business by word of mouth marketing and ‘Creating Referrals for Life’. With his magnetic stage presence and unique delivery style, Phil instantly connects with individuals and captivates audiences around the globe.

Phil has also spearheaded the launch of some of the most successful Business Network International (BNI) chapters in the Middle East. BNI is the world’s largest referral organization and Phil held the post of Regional Director for the Middle East between 2007 and 2010. Phil is also a Certified Professional Behavioural Analyst (DISC) and a NLP Master Practitioner, and he combines this expertise to train people in the art of building their business by referral and lifelong relationships.

When Phil isn’t training or travelling on speaking assignments, he indulges his passion for food, enjoying his wife’s cooking and hosting dinner parties as well as teaching salsa. Phil is also a kitesurfing enthusiast and a qualified IKO level 2 instructor. He lives in Dubai with his wife Michelle.