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Networking Mistake Myopia

Written by: Patricia Weber

Article Overview: Many people who sell find themselves dreading it, doing it stressfully and being reluctant with networking. This is one of a series of articles to turn networking misconceptions into better understandings - and sales.

Networking Mistake Myopia

If you are nearsighted you know that without glasses or improvement in the overall health of eyes, seeing in the distance is blurred. Some people approach business networking with the same short-sightedness. Rather than be embarrassed or frustrated with such a perspective, turn each of these three networking mistakes into a better situation.

Networking is an event to attend and sell my product/service/self.

- Networking is a part of a system; a system by design. Networking is a part of selling. It’s process within selling. On it’s own networking can be anywhere in the process of selling – it could be the beginning, a continuation or the final event that leads someone to believe you have the best solution for their problem. Selling as an event does not usually happen in networking unless other “parts” in the relationship have come before.

All I need to do is network and my business will grow.

-Networking is one part of marketing! A newsletter, direct mail, an online website presence, a signature file at the end of an email, testimonials, a mailing list, press releases, being on a radio or talk show, taking a prospect to lunch, writing articles, asking for referrals, attending a trade show, giving seminars – all of these and a hundred more are marketing activities. Networking is one way to gain attention of those who can buy your product or service to solve a problem they have and help you grow your business.

I networked once and it got me nothing.

-Yes it's an exaggeration. Networking gets you something every time. The mistake is in the idea that networking is an event where the sale happens. The reality is that networking as a process gives many opportunities to help take a product and service to market. Networking is a significant event in a series of events adding up to a marketing plan.

Take off the glasses and bring the true value of networking into sight. You will reduce your frustration and increase your sales along the way.

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Related Forum Posts
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money? - Hi There, It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below: This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life. Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - [quote="burnsrunner":1zobscwk]I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?[/quote:1zobscwk] I am on Twitter and Linkedin, have not joined Facebook yet as my time is fairly limited and one needs a lot of time to devote to all these various networking platforms. Unless you do this full time (the networking I mean). MichelleJ
Trump Institute - Toronto - I agree, the Networking available at these courses and the people I can connect them with is what I love to do. Also, this one event is a stone's throw away from my place - I can't resist. Oh! I also get to walk away with some new reading material.
Re: Simple Idea - Great Advice. - What your success stories on Social Networking for more contacts and connections? Do you have any good business books to suggest? I love the idea of connecting and sharing with other entrepreneurs. Thank you for your input!


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