5 Lessons to Increse Your Networking Skills

With the increase in business networking events over the past year it is amazing listening to the different results the attendees are getting, but it is unfortunate to see the majority come and go without even realizing what they are missing out on. Networking business to business, and business to consumer is, in my opinion, the easiest and least expensive form of advertising out there, period. But why does it work so well for some and not at all for others?

The answer is very simple. Networking is more than just going to events and passing around cards and pitching your product or service, it is about selling yourself as a valuable person. If you are out meeting with people for your profession you have certainly heard “the customer isn’t buying the product they are buying you.” This is the name of the game, but rarely do you hear people talk about how they are able to help others rather than giving a plug for their business.

Here are 5 imperative lessons you must put into action immediately if you want networking to be a useful tool in your business.

1) Your goal is NOT to see how fast you can give out all of your business cards.

2) When you are on your way to an event begin to think about what other business you have met with in the past and what they are looking for so when you are mingling or listening to others commercials you can identify a great lead for someone else immediately. (If you are just starting networking and don’t have a large network yet be prepared to, listen, listen, listen, to what everyone else is looking for so you can begin increasing your value.)

3) When someone asks what you do, don’t vomit all over them. Have a short pitch or commercial that “plants a seed” with your new FRIEND. Your goal is to build rapport & curiosity as fast as possible, with minimal talking on your part, and turn the focus from you to them. Your goal is to learn about others and how you can help their business.

4) Allow your goal at every event be, how many ideas, leads, and referrals can I get out that will help others advance their business. NOT how can I get more business for myself.

5) Don’t email everyone you met after the meeting with a mass email saying how great it was to have met you and I am looking forward to seeing you again. This is a waste of your time and the other attendee’s time. If you are not willing to make the effort and send personal greetings don’t bother sending anything.

Your objective is to make FRIENDS. People do business with people they know, like, and trust. Do your friends know, like, and trust you? Wouldn’t they be inclined to help your business? A must read is “How to Win FRIENDS and Influence People,” if you haven’t read this book get up right now and go buy it, don’t order it online, get off your ass, go to the store pick it up and read it as fast as possible.  It will benefit you more than you can imagine.

Good luck and happy networking!