How To Networking: Is It REALLY All About You?

So, as someone that is out and about quite a bit at networking events, one thing that still amazes me about most people at an event is that they don’t get what networking is about.

It’s about relationships, not a sales pitch.

If I want a sales pitch I’ll watch infomercials. At least they have better actors.

Now there isn’t anything wrong with telling people what you do if they ask. That’s expected. But, what amazes me is when I ask someone what they do and they go on for 20 minutes on how great their product is and how I should jump on board with them and that I’m insane for not already “taking advantage of this great opportunity”.

I actually had someone do that not that long ago. She was part of a network marketing company. First, let me say that I have no problems with network marketing. There are some awesome companies out there. But… She was trying to recruit me to be a rep for the company. She kept going on about how great the compensation plan was and how much money I could make.

Ok, so get this…

I wasn’t interested in another project (like I don’t already run 90 miles and hour already). She never asked anything about me to see if I was qualified to sell the product. She spouted of how when she gets involved with something people following her make a lot of money (VERY cocky!)

To make it even better, it was for a travel group.

I’m not much of a traveler. I like staying home and hanging out with the dogs. I don’t mind vacations some times but I am not much of a world traveler at all.

So how does she think I would do as a rep for a company. Someone that doesn’t really like to travel selling travel packages.

Doesn’t make sense does it?

She never asked. She never found out anything about me to see if I was a good fit at all.

The entire conversation was about her and how great she was.

End result, I really don’t care much for her and am not afraid to tell people so. I won’t buy from her when I am ready to go on vacation and I won’t recommend anyone to her.

See how this works.

Be sure to have a real qualification with the people you meet to see if they are a good fit before you run your mouth for 20 minutes on your product. Even if they aren’t a customer of yours, you could end up with a great relationship and get a ton of referrals down the road because the LIKED you.

It’s relationship marketing 101. People buy from who they know, like & trust. Not who can talk the most.

Try keeping it simple. Put it in terms that people will relate to. Not just how great YOUR product is.

Oh, and let the other guy talk too. Remember conversations are only conversations if they are two way. One person talking is a sermon.

And don’t pitch your product until you know if the person you are talking to might actually be a good customer. Without doing so, you are wasting their tie and yours.

If you liked what you’ve read so far and want to learn how you can build your list and grow your business using email follow up as a marketing tool for your business, check out my free report on the Top 10 Mistakes Most Businesses Make When Using Email To Market Their Businesses and make sure you aren’t making these same mistakes in your business. You can download the free report at http://marketingmentortraining.com/top-10-mistakes

About The Author:
Ely Delaney is a dad, author, speaker, marketing consultant and Founder/CEO of Your Marketing University. His goal is to teach marketing in a simple easy to understand format that businesses can use to help gain marketing ideas & market their businesses to boost sales.

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