Networking For Sales Success

Some love it, some despise it, and others fear it. But at the end of the day we all need to do it from time to time.

The reason many people either fear or simply don't like Networking is because they don't know who they are - what they stand for -and how they can add value.

Just as the bible tells us that 'My People Fail For Lack of Knowledge',  many people are not effective when it comes to networking because they simply don't know who they are.

The first thing I want you to understand is that Networking isn't just about meeting people at events and functions. You are networking every day - every time you go out - every time you attend a meeting. You're networking all the time without even realising it. The question is, what message are you giving people as you do so?

To effectively Network for Sales Success, three things need to be harmoniously working together.

1. What you do and how you add value.
Write down in one short paragraph what you do, and how you add value. Then whittle it down to one catchy and powerful sentence or phrase.
It is that phrase that effectively describes who you are, and how you can serve and add value.

2. Ability to build rapport quickly.
Get to know people. Forget about your own needs for a few minutes and just listen to them. You can learn so much by just listening.

3. Stand out from the rest.
Whenever I return to the office after a function or an event, I look through the business cards I've collected in order to assess which individuals / companies that my company can add value to. More often than not, I cannot remember most of them.

By standing out, you have a better chance of being remembered.

How?

Have a signature of some sort; maybe your dress style, or even the colours you favour.
By standing out from the rest, you stand a better chance of being remembered.