The power of networking is the key to success
The ‘myth’ about, "It’s not what you know, it’s who you know," is very true, some people just don't understand this; they think this ‘myth’ means corruption.
It is important for one to be skilled and educated, to read, but all this means nothing when you don’t have the ability to network and build relationships.
In sales most buyers buy from people they know or trust, not just some random person, so it is very important that if you want to succeed you need to polish your skills in meeting people who can add value to you or your business.
Here are some tips on the power of networking
When you attend events, or just in a room full of people who are there for business or it is just an event with high profile business executives or owners or government officials, make sure that you make yourself business cards, keep them simple, with your name, cellphone number, email address and social media contacts; you don’t have to own a business to have business cards or have a significant title.
When you get there, make sure you are dressed smartly or presentable, be well-groomed guys, ladies if you gifted don’t try to show off your goodies, because those can intimidate other women or distract men, so cover up and look elegant.
Know why you’re attending that event, get your hustler’s mindset on, that you are there to meet new people, that you hope to do business with or may help you get a contract or get you a job.
Have a target of how many people you want to speak to, say 10 people, when you meet your first prospect, give a firm handshake and look them in the eyes.
Do not be shy or look away; introduce yourself and tell them in one minute what you do, where you work, who your clients are, if unemployed then tell them what you studied and a type of work you would like to have.
Be specific, take minutes to ask them what they do, people love to talk about themselves, and while they respond, listen carefully and look for opportunities in what they say to you, when you hear of an opportunity then that is your chance.
Spend two to three minutes talking to that person, exchange business cards, if they don’t have any, keep a small black note book with you always, just to write down their contacts details.
Always make sure you build your network, it must be diverse and based on age, race, gender and different industries. When you have this data base you must ‘mine’ it.
Keep in touch with them either by email, SMS, phone call, Whatsapp and Linked-in. Set aside time every day, at least 30min, just to keep them posted. Remember, out of sight out of mind.
This may be taking it a bit too far, but try and know the important people in your network’s birthdays, what they like and send them Christmas cards, everyone loves freebies.
‘Mining’ your network takes time, commitment and patience, don’t expect to have overnight success, make networking a way of life, it’s about building real strong business relationships.
If you want to succeed in your line of work, your business or even find employment, take this advice, it works, trust me.
