Networking to sell?
Here’s a comment I got recently:
“I took a full time job and am not involved with networking anymore.”
I was so struck by this comment, that I couldn’t stop thinking about it!
Here’s what I was wondering about:
- What does this person understands “networking” to be?
- Why does having a full time job make “networking” unimportant or unnecessary for this person?
I’d love to hear your comments about this.
In the meantime, here are my thoughts on the topic.
For most people, the activity known as “business networking” is really an opportunity to go out “prospecting”. In other words, these people attend business mixers and other networking events to look for prospects (people to whom they can sell).
That’s prospecting. Prospecting is very useful — it’s just that it’s not the same as networking.
For other people, “business networking” is a way to meet people who can help them find prospects. In other words, the focus is on building a “leads/referral engine” to get new prospects.
That would explain the attitude “no longer doing direct sales, so no longer interested in networking”.
So is this the only use for business networking?
Not for me!
- I have used business networking to find jobs in the past.
- Networking has helped me discover publicity opportunities for my business. (I used these to generate well qualified leads.)
- I have made good friends through this process as well. (Many of these people later recommended me to others, told me about opportunities, and given me valuable advice.)
And this is just a short list…
My impression is that most people limit themselves to just getting leads and referrals, when it comes to business networking.
I wonder why that is?
Not everyone likes networking. It is like anything, if you give it time, other things may develop.
I was not comfortable in the beginning so I gave it time. I got a little more comfortable and other things evolved. Friends from those friends came comfort…I got more comfortable since I started seeing more people I knew at events. Then came referals ects.
Now I love networking and get all sorts of surprises specially now for my business.
“I won’t need to network anymore when . . .” is probably one of the worst sentences I have ever heard! For me, networking happens 24/7/365 for both my personal and professional life. I love being a connector and encourage all my friends and acquaintances to turn to me and my network when they are looking for something specific.
When you take a new position that is one of the most important times to network – network within the new company – learn the clients, the company culture, etc. Networking occurs when you least think about it, but most people do not realize that networking happens every day of your life.
Recognize it and use it – to help others as well as yourself. I would love to read others posts and comments on what they believe networking actually is and what are they actually doing when they are consciously networking!
Yours in networking,
Carol Deckert, Networking Coach
Referrals Unlimited Network
http://www.runlancaster.com
“I won’t need to network anymore when …”
It seems highly likely to me that the person who thinks there is a point in the future where they might not need to network is someone who thinks networking is a part of selling. Truth is, for many true networkers sales are a minor side benefit.
I met my wife while volunteering on a campaign team at a convention. I met my best friend at a club meeting. My favorite restaurant was recommended by a friend at church. My doctor was recommended by a neighbor. Yes, I’ve closed some nice sales from networked referrals. But the true benefits of networking are such that I would network if I never needed to make another sale in my life.
Sri…I think everyday is a day for networking…as far as belonging to a group or going to a meeting sometimes I don’t go…when my life
is so full…I just have to step back and take care of myself
First…then I have a clearer mind and more energy to be the cheerleader for my talent…it seems life is a real balancing act at times…so …I guess all I can say is everytime the opportunity presents itself to me…I network…
Sri….Thank you for your input and caring about the people you help even… when we have never met you in person or even really worked with you…you give just by sending us some light in your emails and food for thought! Be Well and kiss that beautiful little girl!
Caite
I can’t believe anyone would think that networking has an expiration date.
Even when I had a job, I did informal networking with people in my company and companies I serviced. That’s how I got by with late invoices or getting moved to the front of the line on an IT project.
You can never know enough people. Who knows you may need a good plumber one day.