Networking


The best salespeople are always looking for new opportunities. Networking if one of the most effective methods to discover them. But networking successfully is both a science and an art.

There are many things that you have to do and remember, so that you can successfully build a good network of people, both online, and offline.

Network Constantly, wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, can be integrated into your network. From talking to people at your church, to the grocery store, or while you are waiting in line at the bank. But always remember, to back off if people show little to no interest in what you are talking about. Be sensitive to peoples feelings.

A good way to start up a conversation (or an email for your email marketing campaign), would be to develop a short 30-second conversation starter, or a short 500 words or less email. What you want your conversation or email to do is to be able to strike up a friendly conversation quite easily (or to have people respond to your campaign right away). You also want this short introduction to interest people in pursuing what you have to talk about. Also, don't give everything up upfront, make them ask you questions, let them interact with what you have to say, this will keep them interested as you reel them in.

Join committees, (or forums on the net), where people of like mind and interest will be found. And Volunteer for projects where there is a likelihood you will work with people who can assist you.

Find new places to meet people, who might want your product or service. There are many places out there that you can do this with. Like, religious organizations, industry associations; self-help groups, such as Toastmasters; community service groups, and of course, your chamber of commerce.

Don't wait for contacts to come to you, and don't leave your networking to chance. You must decide on a number of new contacts for each week, and actively pursue them.

FOLLOW UP FOLLOW UP FOLLOW UP, I can not stress this enough, you must follow up. If you offered to do something, make sure you do it!!

Keep all your new contacts organized, and remember to send thank-you notes to them whenever buy from you, or If they do something for you.

Make a game out of it, set a weekly goal, and challenge yourself to beat that goal the next week, and then again and again until you have grown to the size that you want.

And lastly, but defiantly not least: HAVE FUN!!!