17 May

“Networking? What a waste of time”

I hear "What a waste of time" so often when presenting, training or…networking.
 
Like anything we do if you and I don’t do it effectively then of course it can be a waste of time.
 
The reason people have this view, I think, is they do not take one or more of the following actions:
 
  1. They don't approach people and be proactive; they often wait for someone to come to them. Make the first move, go and talk to somebody on their own and introduce yourself.
  2. People often don't ask enough questions. We cannot create need but when we find out that someone has a problem and you have a product or service which can help then business will ensue. Ask good searching intelligent questions but don't ever start to sell at an event.
  3. When the conversation comes to an end with one person either offer to introduce them to somebody or if neither of you know anyone suggest you go and meet others together. If you are in a group and you have nothing to contribute or learn simply excuse yourself and move on. Don't waste your time where there is no future in the relationship ( but never be impolite)
  4. When you spot a potential opportunity to move the business relationship forward ask for that person's card and ask permission to call them. You're not going to do business at the event it is only in the days and weeks afterwards that something useful might happen.
  5. f you have asked permission to call ensure you do otherwise that really would have been a waste of your time. Lots of people do not like following up because of fear of rejection. You are calling to arrange a meeting and the worst that is ever going to happen is that they are going to say no.
 
When you avoid these networking ‘sins’ I believe you will create far more opportunities than you might have done before.
 
Will Kintish is the leading UK authority on effective and confident ‘people’ networking. If you’d like Will to speak at your conference, induction or training workshops, call him on 0161 773 3727. Visit www.kintish.co.uk and www.kintish.tv  for further free and valuable information on  face-to-face business networking.