Networking is one of the best, and most effective ways to make new business connections, and to ultimately make more sales.
Everywhere you look,
new networking events are being set-up, and this is testament to the fact that networking
truly does work – if you are willing to put the effort in.
Sure; it can at times feel like networking is more of a social event and you are
just having pointless conversations that are leading nowhere, but you have the
power to change this.
In this article, I want to share with you five simple tips to help you network
more effectively and to help you to sell more!
Turn Up
This is a given,
right? But if you aren’t turning up to networking events then you simply aren’t
going to make new connections! It is easy to sit back and feel a hint of
jealousy that your competition are photographed with your ideal client, but
only you have the power to book on, and attend.
Find the right networking events for you. Some out there are really structured
with some set rules. Some are more relaxed and chilled out. You have to find
the right ones that suit you and the way you work – and also where your ideal
customer spends their time too.
Consistency is key here too. You cannot go to just one networking event and expect everyone to fall in love with you and your business. You have to be willing to commit your time and develop a long-term affiliation.
Talk to NEW People
I see so many people
at networking events spend a lot of time with people they are already
associated with – people whom are considered friends at time. And although this
is good for a small amount of time, is it really worth spending 1/2/3 hours
with people you already know?
Look out for the people who look lost, nervous perhaps. Look for the people who
you haven’t met before. Look out for the people you haven’t spoken with before.
It is these people you want to develop relationships with.
Listen
The art of the
conversation requires you to listen more than you talk; so, don’t just overwhelm
everyone with your sales pitch and waffle on about how good you and your
business is! Listen to other people’s pitches, look to solve problems, look to
make introductions – but ultimately don’t over talk anyone and don’t bore them
with your pitch!
Have a Plan
There is no point in turning up to a networking event if you have no idea about what you are going to talk about, who you want to talk to, and how many meetings you want to gain from the event. A networking event is like any other business or sales meeting; plan out what it is you expect to gain and come up with a plan on how you will obtain that.
For example; you want to book in three meetings to pitch your services in more detail? Make sure during your networking you use this as a call to action and get to task!
Follow Up
Don’t just be a flash in the pan.
That pile of business cards you have gathered, don’t just let them gather dust in a draw. Send simple follow up emails and make them personal. Thank people for their time and discuss things that you spoke about at the event – anything ‘copy and pasted’ will look cheap and will do more harm than good. And for the love of God; DO NOT automatically add people to your mailing list! Not only is it against GDPR but is damn right annoying!
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We cater for any size business, and what makes us stand out is that we truly care. Our services can be catered for your business and our sales professionals will work tirelessly to ensure your sales targets are met. Be sure to visit our website for more details on how our sales solutions can help your business.
