Networking Reluctance Does Not Have to Be Fatal

How many ineffective or embarrassing things do you find yourself worrying about doing in business networking? With likely dozens of mistakes that many of us at time make in business networking, there are remedies for even the regretful, the ineffective and sometimes embarrassing ones. Regardless the reason for your networking reluctance, here are three more faux pas with easy to act on solutions.

I wait until I don't have any business prospects; then I get out there!

- Networking is not about selling. Does that take the edge off? Networking is about making contacts with potential clients or connecting with people who can connect you to clients. This takes time. Have a networking plan that you can regularly commit and act on - over time, not just when you are desperate. Then you%u2019ll attract people who want to do business with you when you need them.

I am too shy to approach people.

- Are you shy or introverted? Are you hesitant to start sales conversations? One reason is we may think we are the only one at a networking event to get %u2013 a business referral, a contact, a job. Instead, this is the truth: everyone is there for the same reasons %u2013 or because a boss sent them. Accept this and be prepared with a question or two to start a conversation; then approach smaller groups or others who are hanging around the edge. Be prepared to answer the same questions.

I forget to followup on promises I make to people at events.

- Two revealing statistics: 45% of all leads result into a sale for someone and over 50% of sales lead are never followed-up. There is less competition for you if you do follow-up! Decide who you most want to start a relationship with and focus on connecting with them for lunch or something for more discussion. Mail a handwritten %u201Cgreat to meet with you,%u201D note, within 24 to 48 hours. Then follow-up with a telephone call to meet with or talk further with people you made promises.

If you always get what you have always got, then before your next networking event, be prepared with these more productive, relaxing and confident approaches to get better results! Be on the lookout for the next Networking Faux Pas.



Networking Reluctance Does Not Have to Be Fatal - To learn more about this author, visit Patricia Weber's Website.

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