Let’s talk about business networking success. I have a story for you:
So, a fellow was speaking at a networking event where about 900 people were in attendance. He asked, “How many of you came to this event to do business or make some sales?”
Nearly the entire audience raised their hands.
He queried the audience again, “How many of you came here to buy something?”
Not a single person raised their hand.
Do you see the disconnect here? First things, first: business networking success is not selling or doing business. Networking is about building relationships. Tweet that.
When you are networking, whether that is at an event or on social media, build solid connections. Do not pitch your product or service. The focus is to build a rapport with someone so when you follow up with them, they will remember you. They actually want to meet you for coffee or lunch because you didn’t try to sell them something immediately after learning their name.
10 Tips to Business Networking Success
Build relationships instead of conducting transactions. That relationship is a lot more valuable than a measly sale in the long run. Think of it like building your email list. You don’t gain subscribers by selling them something. You hook them by giving them something of value. This works the same way.
Give something before you ask for something. Be helpful in whatever way you can. Do your businesses compliment each other? How can you serve them?
It’s not about you. It’s about building that relationship. What can you do for them? Even if you’re only pointing them toward the restroom at the venue.
Build quality, not quantity. Don’t fall for the vanity in numbers. Make a few strong relationships rather than a ton of acquaintances.
Know your goals. Don’t just attend a business networking event just to be there. Have a goal to build lasting relationships. This is your chance to lead a network. Don’t blow it by walking in blind. Set that goal!
Listen. The more you listen, the more you are focusing on creating that connection and less on yourself. Listening is key in business networking. You do not want to miss what a person has to offer you and your business.
Leverage your contacts. Friends of friends can easily be friends of yours. Leverage that because it’s an easier way to build relationships since you have common interests and mutual friends. Not to mention, this expands your network to include friends and new friends. Sounds like a fun dinner party!
Put your business cards away. You’re not there to collect cards, so put yours away unless someone asks you for it. The quality of the relationships are what matter, not the number of contacts. Anyone can get a stack of contacts. Contacts do not a network make.
Connect people. Just like leveraging your own contacts, don’t be afraid to bring people together. You’re likely to be the ice-breaking topic of conversation. This just another great way to expand your current network. People do not forget when you connect them, and that connection is mutually beneficial.
Follow up and follow through. You set out to network, make sure you follow through on your goals by following up with the people you meet. If you don’t, you’ve dropped the ball in a very large court, and someone else will end up with your goals.
Wrap Up
Not every networking opportunity is good. We’ve all been to events that were poorly planned and the set up wasn’t much better. Your business networking efforts don’t have to be a total wash because of it. Instead, you could be the star by just remembering a few of the tips above. Did I miss any golden business networking tips? Leave me a comment!
