Networkers are glorified prostitutes. You know the type.
“Hi, my name is Rick. What’s yours?”
“Steven Roddy.”
“So what do you do for a living?”
“I own an Internet marketing firm that makes people famous by generating traffic to websites and businesses.”
“Awesome! You should look into this product that my company has…”
Sound familiar? Of course it does, because this is what takes place at every Chamber event, Rotary Club meeting, and networking function that you attend. The only questions that are asked are the ones that are self-serving.
Do you want to successfully market your business through networking? Then do what everyone else is NOT!
The Greatest Networking Strategy
Make a goal to find 3 people at every networking function and help them. Do not help them by selling your product. Help them by giving them business leads, making phone calls on their behalf or just through a general word encouragement.
By doing helping others, and constantly giving of myself I have been hired some of the Who’s Who in the personal development world. And not only did they hire my services but they recommended my company to others in their circle.
Now this is not to say that I operate a perfect business, am the greatest Internet marketer and that I do not royally screw things up every now and again. But, in the area of giving value first I am good and looking back I have noticed that all of my clients has come as a result of me giving… FIRST.
Besides the stated, “Help others become more successful at networking events” here are 7 more small business networking tips to ensure your success at business events.
7 Small Business Networking Ideas
- Arrive at least 10 minutes early.
- Bring your business cards ~ Duh
- Dress for the occasion
- Remember the names of the people you meet. (I am bad at this. But, I have been making an honest attempt to be better. The result? I am getting better. You have to pay attention because the name is mentioned so fast)
- Know how to explain your business in 2 minutes or less.
- Be able to articulate specifically who your clients are and how the individuals you meet can help you find them.
- Remember that every event that you attend is a networking event. K-mart, Kroger or Krispy Crème are all potential networking functions.
People may not remember what you do, the name of your business or even your name but they will always remember someone who helped them get a client. Do that and you will have more than enough business.
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Steven, I totally agree with your philosophy. Sometimes we get too caught up in selling a product or service that we forget we are here to help people, to provide a solution, to serve.
So I wanted to say thanks for posting this a reminder to always focus on giving. It’s the best business practice you can get into.
Take care!
Victor
You are more than welcome!
Nothing is more frustrating than going to these events and suffering through a 10 minute conversation where the only one talking is the salesman trying to sell you on what he or she is selling.
Glad I could help and thank you for the comment
Hi Steven.. i am very glad to see your website and your articles on internet marketing.. I am very much interested on Internet marketing and i am going to start a small business on this. I want to talk to you. Please check out my small website.. It is not a famous website. Just I have tried it during my leisure times. I work in a software company. I do not have enough time to make my website big. .. I thought of encouraging new website owners with my comments and reviews so that they can improve their work. Glad to be here in your website..