6 Degrees Of Separation Between You And The Whole World

Social networking has been defined as the interaction between individuals or organizations within a social structure. Within an online social network, individuals or organizations which can either be casual acquaintances or closely related by blood can easily interact through messaging, blogs, picture sharing, chain mails, videos, music and a lot of other communication tools available in social network websites in the internet.

6 Degrees of separation

In the late 1960′s, a social experiment called small world hypothesis was done to prove that any two persons can be connected through a social network by 6 degrees of separation. This was done by successfully passing a message from one person to a target person through acquaintances of the people in the link. Although most of the links in the experiment failed to complete, the electronic version of this experiment as well as the online social networks today has proven that we can indeed reach out to almost anyone in the world through our contacts.

Social Networking Websites

Social networking websites have recently become very popular in connecting people sharing the same hobbies or interests. These social networking websites can be, in a way, regarded as online communities where different people from all over the world can share their opinions, views, thoughts and generally everything that can lead to the development of relationships or friendships. To make it easier for people to integrate themselves into these social network sites, groups or organizations can often be found in social networking websites where you can meet people with the same interests, religion, locality, view in politics, etc.

Upon completing the registration for these social networks, you can then begin to familiarize yourself with what the social network has to offer. This can be done easily through browsing the member’s profiles, reading the blogs or bulletin boards and chatting with the other people online. This way, you can make friends with other people you wouldn’t have the chance to be friends with in the real world because of geographical, political, social and other limitations. Interacting with the people online will also make you aware of the different cultures, religions and people present in the social network which will be very beneficial in expanding your knowledge about the world around you.

Dangers of Online Social Networks

Online social networking however comes with its own dangers and risks. There had been several incidents in which a dangerous person would pose as a different one in these networks and lure unknowing victims into meeting them. Because of this, most of the social networking sites have placed restrictions and limitations as to who could join the network and what the minimum age should be. Some social networking websites have also placed barriers for the registration of individuals having a criminal record and some schools have even gone as far as prohibiting the use of the social websites to their students.

Being aware of these dangers though, will help you enjoy and maximize the benefits you will get from these online social networks. So if you’re ready to test your own small world hypothesis, look up these social networks online now.

7 Ways To Network Your Way Out Of A Job And Into A Work At Home Career

Everyday you can read articles about how people network and find another job. You can find countless numbers of books and articles on how to create relationships to find jobs that might not otherwise be known. But what about people who don’t want to work?

I am not talking about a lazy person without any ambition. The person I am referring to is the unemployable, the serial entrepreneur or corporate refugee. If you are currently working in a job and what you want is not another job but to become a work at home entrepreneur networking can still be for you.

Here are 7 networking strategies you can use to catapult your work from home career.

1. Create your own Board of Directors. IBM and Microsoft are not the only ones who should have a boardroom team. As a home based business owner you want to have a group of people who you can meet with, mastermind and get advice from.

Often times they may see skills and talents in you that you might not recognize. Once you have identified what your business goal is you have the opportunity to leverage the power of six degrees of separation. Six degrees of separation is the principle that anyone on earth can be connected to another person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than five relationships apart.

2. Join Networking Organizations for Entrepreneurs. Successful business owners like to connect with each and expand their relationships. Look for organizations that have business owners in the same area of interest as you. Don’t just see them as competitors. Look for opportunities that you might be able to assist them in some way. Here are a couple of groups to consider:

The Chamber of Commerce

BNI (Business Networking International

Le-Tip

Rotary International


303Network

Each of these organizations have different personalities and cultures. Attend a few meetings before you call one of them home. Know what you ultimately want. Basil S. Walsh states, “If you don’t know where you are going, how can you expect to get there?”

First establish in very specific detail what you are going to achieve. Did you notice that I said going to achieve? Life will give you exactly what you expect from it. Start with the end in mind.

Now is the time to dream big and visualize what your life will look like when you are a successful business owner. Don’t worry about the how. Simply set goals by asking yourself some key questions such as:

A. What would I love to do even if I did not get paid for it?

B. How many days will I work each week?

C. What type of work from home business am I interested in?

D. Where will I live?

E. What do I like to do?

Determine what you need to happen to get out your job. Do you know how much you need to make in your business to leave your job? What is your financial freedom number? Your financial freedom number is the amount of income you need to have coming in passively each month to cover all of your expenses.

One of the reasons you want to know this is when you are looking at home based business income opportunities you want to choose one that has the profit potential you want and need. If your financial freedom number is $5000.00 per month you don’t want to choose a business that does not have the potential to net that on a passive basis.

As you are networking and meeting new people you can analyze the business opportunities that arise from a totally unemotional point of view because you are clear about your goals.

3. Remember it is better to give then receive. One of the biggest problems I see with networking is most people go in it to see what they can get first before they give. Always look for a way to be of service to the people that you meet first. There is a universal law of reciprocity. You will always get back more than you give out. As you get to know people think about how you can help to enrich their life or help them towards their goals.

If you read an article or run across something that might be of help to them send it. When you have a genuine interest in others success you are blessed through your giving.

Some people call it karma and others say you reap what you sow. My life’s experiences have been blessed more than I could have every imagined whenever I give.

So look for ways to contribute. You may be able to do this in a variety of ways:

a. Volunteer to work with them some way.

b. Introduce them to people in your network that could help them.

c. Send notes or articles that might be areas of interest or could help to increase their business.


4. Learn how to joint venture or strategically partnership. One of the fastest ways to get out of your job, launch a business or simply make some money is to create a joint venture with someone.

Joint Venturing is a way to take either yourself or two other people who could profit from working together but simply did not have the relationship. You profit from making the connection.

For example you know a veterinarian has a large practice with a list of over 700 clients. You also have a relationship with a new pet groomer in the city who is trying to increase his business. You put the two together and every time the pet groomer gets a new client due to your structuring this deal you get paid. We call this mail box money. Money comes in your mail box whether you work or not.

5. Set up a written networking plan. I am amazed at how much time and effort people will spend to find a new job. However, when it comes to designing a plan to exit the rat race they do it almost haphazardly. You will be much more effective if you have a written plan. The plan does not have to be elaborate. Here are some of the basic things you want to cover:

a. What is my goal?

b. Who do I want to meet?

c. What events should I focus on?

d. How often should I be networking?

6. Attend seminars and boot camp events. Specialized knowledge is one of the keys to being successful in a home based business. When you attend boot camps and seminars you able to surround yourself with like minded people as well as learn from the experts.

However, if you really want to make these educational experiences profitable do three things:
a. Introduce yourself to at least 3 people and get their cards. Ask them why they are there and what they hope to get out of the event. Exchange numbers and ask, “What is the single most important thing you need help in making your business venture successful?”

When you ask this of someone else you will genuinely get to know someone and you may be able to help them. In addition, out of respect they will want to know more about you and a new relationship may be formed.

b. Go to lunch with someone you meet at the seminar and tell them the things you learned so far and will implement. There is something about speaking your goal out loud that will make it real. If you immediately implement one single action every time you learn something the results will grow exponentially.

c. Introduce yourself to the speaker. Sometimes this can be difficult if the event is large. However, if there is a book signing buy their book so while they are signing it you can ask one question. My question is, “What is the single most important skill you contribute to your success?” You might like my question or you can come up with your own. The point is you have a great opportunity to network and learn from someone who is a master at their craft. Seize the opportunity.

7. Have a goal for every networking opportunity. Simply going to an event and “working the room” almost never yields any measurable results. Before you attend any event know what you want your outcome to be in advance. Are you going to meet specific person? How will you insure your introduction? Make sure you have crafted out a plan and enlist support from someone to help you execute if needed.

For example, if you want to meet someone ask the host of the networking event if they know the person and if they would be willing to introduce you. Your chances of success are almost guaranteed due to the nature of the event.

Networking is often an overlooked opportunity to find a way out of the rat race. If you want to look for a work at home career, connections can be a key to rapid success.

Networking The Core Of Your Career

After you’ve created all your “self-marketing documents” and verbal presentations, you’re ready to take your job search “to the street” and begin networking. The goal is to contact people who can help you reach the hiring managers inside your target companies. Networking can be done on the phone, in person, via e-mail or even “snail mail.”

Ford Myers, M.Ed., president of Career Potential, a Haverford, PA-based career consulting firm and developer of the “New Year, New Career Power Plan to Achieving Career Success in 2006″ states, “Networking is a lot simpler and less scary than many people think. You do not need to be a good ‘schmoozer’ to network effectively. In fact, the best networkers are often great listeners, as opposed to great talkers.”

And no matter what, don’t ever let-up on your networking efforts. Ninety-five percent of my clients land great jobs through their networks. It’s not worth risking those odds to NOT be continually networking! Remember: If you’re in career transition, networking IS your job. It should be the primary focus of everything you do. The quantity and quality of your networking time is directly related to the personal, professional, and financial satisfaction you’ll have in your next job.”

Who should be on your contact list? Who should you be reaching out to? The answer is: everyone you know. Everyone? Yes, everyone! Every single person alive who knows your name should be on your contact list! (The only exception is people who clearly don’t like you)! It doesn’t matter what these contacts do for a living, or where they live, or how much power or money they have. The key is not to pre-judge people or make assumptions about who can and cannot help you. After guiding thousands of clients through the networking process, I have learned that most new jobs are secured through people who were least expected to be of help!

Let’s “de-mystify” the networking process, so it won’t seem overwhelming or confusing to you any longer. What follows is a highly-structured and purposeful approach that consistently produces excellent results! Using your Contact List to focus on the specific people to contact, here are the basic steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Build Rapport. State, “I was referred by (give name of mutual friend/colleague), or “I was referred by our mutual colleague/friend (give name), who suggested that” …. (Find some area of common interest to discuss). I’m contacting you about a career matter, but let me assure you that I am not calling to ask you for a job – nor do I expect you to even know of any job openings. Let me start by telling you a bit about myself and my professional background….

2. State “where you’ve been” by using a Positioning Statement. This is a succinct, pre-prepared verbal statement that explains “who you are” professionally. Example: “I am a senior Financial and Operations Professional and graduate of Western General’s Financial Management Program. I have more than 15 years of experience in the Manufacturing and Services industries. My strengths include analysis, problem-solving, communication and innovation. I have specific expertise in Financial Analysis and Reporting, Cash and Risk Management, and Productivity Analysis. I am seeking a leadership position with a focus on Financial Reporting.”

3. Share “what happened” with an Exit Statement. This is a concise explanation of why you’re no longer at your previous position, or why you’re interested in leaving your current employer. Example: “As a result of a merger between two business units, over 1,500 positions have been affected, including mine. I now have the opportunity to explore other career options in Financial Services that will leverage my proven strengths in analysis, problem-solving, communication and innovation.” The Exit Statement must be expressed in positive terms, so there will be no suspicion that you “did something wrong” to lose your job.

4. Ask for help. “Would you be willing to help me?”

5. “Decompress” – take the pressure off – reassure your contact again that you are not asking for a job. Reiterate, “As I said, I am not asking you for a job, nor do I expect you to know of any appropriate positions. However, I am interested any advice or guidance that you could offer, in addition to any networking contacts you could provide. (Give name of mutual friend/colleague) told me that you’d be a great person to talk to for this purpose. Would you be willing to review some of my credentials, and give me candid feedback? I could send the materials right over.”

6. Ask again for help, i.e., expanding contact network, guidance, advice, feedback. Leverage the notion of “six degrees of separation” – ask for contacts from your contacts! And always “come from generosity.” This means you should be on the lookout for opportunities to offer something of value in return.

7. Share your main documents, and set a time to get back to them. State, “I’ll e-mail (or fax) a one-page Professional Biography and list of Target Companies to you. Then I’d like to follow-up and have another conversation – when would be better for you, Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning? I know your input will be of great value, and I appreciate your willingness to help. Follow-up after your networking meeting and keep the conversation going with two-way value exchange. Note: if the contact is a “center of influence,” try to have your follow-up discussion face-to-face instead of on the phone, unless the contact is outside your geographic region.

It’s a smart career move to always be networking, no matter what’s going on for you professionally. If you don’t need help at this time, build-up your networking power by helping others. In general, people will want to help you. It makes them feel good about themselves. It boosts their self-esteem to be considered “a connector” of people with opportunities and information, and it makes them feel important.” Networking is a great investment in your future, and over the long-term, it always pays big dividends!

Get Better Leads ? How to Evaluate Your Referral Relationships And Get Better Referrals

Would you like more leads and referrals? How about better referrals?

Read on for a key 7-step strategy that will help you get both more and higher quality referrals that are a better fit for you.

You’ve probably heard it before. To get more of what’s working for you… do more of what’s working. It seems almost too obvious but it’s surprising how most of us miss this and instead keep trying to come up with something new. So the good news is… you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to reap huge benefits:o).
So how do you figure out what’s working when it’s coming to referrals? Start tracking your results. One of my favorite sayings is “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” So start measuring your referral success by scheduling a coffee date with yourself and complete the following seven steps to get even better referral results.

1. Make a list of all your referrals
Start by making a list of all the referrals you’ve received in the past 3 – 6 months regardless of whether or not they resulted in any business. Make a note of which referrals you’ve received that did NOT turn into clients. This is a key step you don’t want to miss if you want better leads and referrals.

2. Consider how did you get those referrals?
Next, for each referral, record detailed information about who referred them. In addition, write down what follow-up you did that may or may not have resulted in a sale.

3. Add the product and service(s)
List which products and services each referral purchased and the total value. Also note if they become repeat clients.

4. What do the successful referrals have in common?
Now go back over your lists of all referrals — and look for a pattern. Look at the referrals who became clients as opposed to those who didn’t. What seemed to have made the difference? Did they come from specific referral partners or referral sources? Were they looking for or purchased a specific product or service of yours?

5. What do the referrals who did not buy have in common?
Do the same for those referrals who did not end up buying. What happened? Was there a specific reason they did not buy? Were they looking for something else? Make a note of who referred them.
6. Which referrals became your ideal clients?

Now look back over the list of successful referrals and pick out those clients you’d consider as your ideal or best clients. What makes them different from your other successful referrals? Who referred them? Did they come through a specific referral source or were they referred by other clients?

7. Follow up with everyone who referred you
First of all, thank everyone for their referrals once again. You hopefully thanked them when you first got the referral! This time, though, also take time to give them some feedback on the outcome of the referral – even if the referral didn’t turn into a client. This will give you the opportunity to share information that will help them find more and better fitting referrals in the future.

How would you like to get more and better leads and referrals?

Access Sue Clement’s FREE webinar on networking success and on getting more and better referrals, and get ready to watch your business grow.

Turbo-Charge Your Business Networking!

Do you ever wish you could make networking pay off more quickly? You know that you’re not supposed to be too fixated on your bottom line when it comes to networking. Instead, you’re supposed to be helpful and focused on making connections.

Here’s a secret – you can be helpful AND still improve your bottomline at the same time. It’s a matter of giving back, and building goodwill – with the right people.

Here are seven tips that can turbo-charge your networking results…

1) Network in the right place
The key to productive networking is to be in the right place at the right time. When you spend time and money on going to networking meetings, make sure these meetings are filled with people that are good connections for you.

How would you know? Ask yourself a few questions…
* Who comes to the meetings
* Are there enough people you connect with?
* Do they share or service your target market?
* Can you comfortably pass referrals to other members?
* Do you have anything in common with the members?
* Do you enjoy the meetings and the people there?

For example, if you’re a financial advisor, you want to network in places where people have the kind of money that would allow them to invest in your services – or know many people who do. If you’re offering subcontracting services such as installing drywall, you’ll want to go to events that have a lot of builders and contractors who could hire or refer you.

2) Think quality over quantity
Whether it comes to selecting networking events or potential connections, always think quality over quantity. It’s not about how many networking events you attend each week, but about whether the ones you do attend have members who either are or know people who would be good connections for you.

The same is true about building relationships with people. You only have so much time, so be sure to connect with people who are or know people you can do business with.

3) Build relationships with super connectors
Taking this one step further, you’ll really be able to accelerate your networking results if you connect with super connectors. But don’t just toss your business card at them and ask them to send you referrals. Instead, treat them with respect and appreciation – show interest in what they are doing and develop real relationships with them.

4) Become a resource
Why not become a super connector yourself? You can do that by becoming a resource, which you do by getting to know a lot of people and then connecting them with each other. That way, you’ll find that your potential prospects will seek you out, and you’ll have more opportunities to be of service, which will pay off in an ever-growing range of connections.

And you don’t have to wait until someone asks for an introduction. Be proactive. Start by making a list of the people you know. Consider both your inner and outer networking circles. Then think of whom you need to connect and introduce to each other. Consider who their target prospects are and look for aligning opportunities. For example introduce a realtor to a mortgage broker, or your accountant to a biz coach.
Just by spending 30 minutes each week, you’ll be surprised at the number of introductions and referrals you can generate for your network.

5) Give testimonials and get more referrals
Another highly effective way to turbo-charge your connections and referrals is to give endorsements and testimonials to others. You’ll be amazed how quickly others will begin to endorse you right back. After all, what goes around comes around!

Go to your LinkedIn account today and find one of your contacts you can endorse – a few minutes are all it takes!

6) Follow up more than once
A lot of networkers find it hard enough to make even one follow-up connection. While making that call or sending an email is crucial, it’s even more important to follow up repeatedly. Make a second and third call, follow up after one-on-one meetings, and focus on building real relationships with your key prospects and prospective referral partners.

Too much work? Remember, this is about quality over quantity. Select a few key people and focus on developing deeper relationships with them, instead of making dozens of first phone calls each week.
Not sure what to say? Ask them what projects they’re working on, who would be a great referral for them, or any resources or people they may want to connect with. Don’t forget about the personal connections – family, hobbies, vacations etc. This isn’t a sales call – it’s a relationship builder.

7) Have an attention-getting introduction or “Audio Logo”
One of the most powerful tools for connecting with just the right people is an attention-grabbing networking introduction or “Audio Logo”. Make sure you have one you can use for either a typical networking event 60-second introduction or a conversational one for social situations.

A powerful audio logo will position you apart from your competition, keeps you top of mind and makes you easy to refer – you’ll attract clients and referrals!

The more of the above tips you put into practice, the more productive your networking becomes, and the faster you’ll get results. So get started today!

And if you’d like more tips on how to turbo-charge your networking, check out Sue Clement’s FREE Networking Makeover.

Business Networking Made Easy ? Five Tips for the Awkward Networker

Do you feel awkward when you’re at networking events? Are you less than thrilled to attend a networking event and would rather be home with a good book (or even housecleaning) than talk to people you don’t even know? There are ways to make networking more comfortable – and more productive – even for shy, nervous, or reluctant networkers.

1. Use your discomfort to your advantage
If you’re afraid you’re not a good networker because you’re not as talkative as some of your friends, don’t be. As it turns out, you have an advantage over your more chatty fellow networkers – you’re likely to be the better conversationalist!

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. When it comes to networking, that’s definitely true: Listening is a key skill, and the better you are at listening closely and paying attention to the person you’re having a conversation with, the better you’ll be able to respond and build rapport. And that’s the key to creating connections.

Someone who is a motor mouth talking non-stop (often all about themselves) may miss important clues – and miss out on potential connections.

Remember the goal is to be interested – not interesting!

2. Smile
The interesting thing about shy or quiet people is that they’re often perceived as aloof, which is just about the opposite of the truth. There’s an easy way to overcome that perception though: Learn to smile. Be friendly, and people will find you approachable and likeable, and they will be happy to connect with you.
As well, quite often the person you smile at may be just as uncomfortable as you are and will be grateful for your welcoming approach.

3. Take the Easy Way In
If you’re at an event by yourself and feel too shy to approach people, position yourself in one of the following strategic places for an easy way in…

* Get into the buffet line or the beverage line – it’s easy to get into conversations as you’re waiting together in line.
* Stand near the door, the registration table, or the name tag table, and greet new arrivals. It’s the old “act like a host” trick – and it works every time.
* Volunteer to help with raffles or name tags. It’ll give you an excuse to talk to people, and that makes it much easier to follow through and be social. Plus you never know whom you’ll meet.

 4. Take the lead
When you’re alone at an event, look around for others who’re also by themselves. Then walk over, smile, offer a handshake, and introduce yourself. They’ll be glad you took the first step.

Come prepared with a few simple questions that get the conversation rolling and the relationship started. After the initial weather/sports/hot current events comments, you’ll want to have a more meaningful conversation. Here are a few ideas to get you going after the traditional “what do you do?”

* How did you get started in your business/industry?
* How long have you’ve been a member of this group/association/chamber?
* What do you love most about what you do?
* What was the strangest or funniest incident you’ve experienced in your business?
* What significant changes have you seen take place in your profession/business recently?
* Who is your perfect customer, in case I can refer you business?
* How has the economy affected your business?
* What have you found to be the most effective way to promote your business?
* What other groups do you belong to?
* Where else do you network?

Just remember, it’s a conversation, not an interrogation, so keep it relaxed and be genuinely interested.

5. Remember to circulate
As much as you delight in having found a person you enjoy talking to, don’t stay with that person for the rest of the event. You’ll do yourself and them a disservice. Exchange cards, agree to follow up, and move back into the crowd. Go back to the list of strategies above, pick one, and start up a conversation with another person.

As you can see, you don’t have to be “Chatty Cathy” to be successful at networking. You can succeed even if you feel shy and a bit awkward. Of course, the better you are prepared, the better your results. And the more you practice, the easier and better you’ll get.

Ready to get more out of your own networking efforts? Join Sue Clement at her upcoming FREE webinar on networking and referrals and get ready to take your business to the next level: http://www.sueclement.com/webinar

Business Networking Strategies ? Five Networking Mistakes that are Costing You Clients

Are you networking to grow your business?  Are you constantly looking for more prospects?  If you’re wearing yourself out attending scores of networking events and still have very little to show for it, it’s time to try something else.

A good way to get started is by learning from your mistakes…

How many of these five mistakes are YOU committing on your quest for more sales leads?
* You go to networking events “expecting” to find clients.
* You try to pass out as many business cards as possible at every opportunity.
* You don’t like to waste time with ‘chit chat’ and instead tell people about what you have to offer as soon as possible.
* You try to close the sale right then and there — after all, you may not have another opportunity.
* You follow up with everyone, making them an enticing offer they can’t refuse — and are puzzled that they decline anyway.

So what should you do instead?

1. If you’re going to networking events focusing on getting clients, you’ll miss out on what you COULD find: connections.

Focus on getting to know people instead.  They may not buy your product today, or ever, but in time they may send numerous people your way who could – but not unless you develop a relationship with them.

2. If you think passing out business cards is a numbers game, you’re sadly mistaken.

Instead, focus on getting to know people — and get their cards as well.  Quality is far more important than quantity.  Make sure that you have made enough of a connection that people actually remember you when you call later or see them next time — and remember you in a positive light.

3. Don’t jump in with your offer.

Instead focus on the other person, get to know more about them and their business. Start by building rapport and connections. Try and find ways that you can be of service or help them, make introductions and refer them if you can. Ultimately, just get to know them.

4. The hard sell is dead.

If you want to chase away prospects, this is exactly how to do it.  It’s ok to talk about what you do or offer, the problems you solve and outcomes your clients get. Where you cross the line is when you assume what you do is what they need and start selling and pushing your product or service on them.

If the person you’re talking to is interested in your services – schedule a sales appointment. You’ll be much more likely to make the sale once you’ve established a relationship.

5. When you follow up with people after networking events, don’t start selling them.
Again, develop the relationship by finding out more about them, seek to be of service and continue to build that relationship. If your follow-up is by email – don’t send a sales pitch. Instead reference a point in your conversation and offer them something of value – an informational article, resource link or introduction.
Keep thinking about ways to build “relationships” and be of service. You’ll find your networking will start yielding more connections, friends, referrals and opportunities!

Ready to get more out of your own networking efforts? Join Sue Clement at her FREE webinar on networking and get ready to take your business to the next level: http://www.sueclement.com/webinar

How To Take The Stress Out Of Networking And Get Better Results

Do you find networking difficult or stressful? If so, you’re not alone. Many business owners barely tolerate or even actively dislike networking because they find it challenging. And generally, they’re also fed up with their lack of results. 

And there’s a reason for that – if you consider how most people approach networking, it’s not surprising they find it less than fulfilling.

Picture yourself at a typical networking meeting…

Have you ever felt like you’re being sold to – as if everyone is pitching to you? Perhaps you’ve had someone zero in on you as if you had a giant target bull’s eye painted on your chest. I bet you have. And how did that make you feel? You wanted to run in the other direction, didn’t you?

Now consider this… If your idea of networking is pitching your service or product to as many people as you can, you’re taking the ‘hunter’ stance. Trying to find clients while networking turning people off and it’s not likely to help you with making sales.

The good news is there is a better way. There’s no need to turn your networking into a “pitch fest” or to make people uncomfortable with your unsolicited sales approach. Instead of viewing your prospects as prey (something to hunt), why not view them as interesting people to meet? Once you focus less on the sale and more on getting to know people, you’ll feel less pressure, and the experience will be much more pleasant.
But what about the sale, you may wonder. Well… we’ll get to that in a little bit.

First, let’s look at some ways to reduce the pressure even more:

1. Not just at networking events
You don’t HAVE to limit your people meeting activities to just formal networking events. Instead, be open to meeting people anywhere and anytime. Once you stop feeling pressured to meet as many people as possible before the hour is up, you’ll be much more likely to actually connect with them and make a positive and lasting impression. After all, you can meet people 24/7 anywhere you go!

2. Stop thinking about making a sale
Yes, I said that! If you feel that you HAVE to make a sale, you’ll naturally feel stressed. In fact, not only does that place a lot of pressure on you, but it’s also pretty much guaranteed to fail. So there you are, trying to make a sale that you know is really likely to fail. No wonder you’re not enjoying yourself. And the less you’re enjoying meeting people, the less successful you are in meeting them.

Ever been in a retail setting where the sales person you’re talking to is constantly scanning the shop looking for better prospects. Doesn’t feel good does it? Well, you don’t want to be that sales person.

3. Stop playing the numbers game
Whether or not you’re making a sale, you’re also probably trying to make the most of a networking event by making contact with as many people as possible. Some people act as if they could win a prize for gathering the most business cards in the shortest amount of time. And maybe they can, but that’s not the prize that’s likely to get you more clients.

Instead, focus on the quality of the connections you make. Focus on building quality relationships with a few select people instead of shaking as many hands as possible.

This is truly the case where less is best – yes, I said that too! It’s taken me years to figure this out. I know it seems counterintuitive, but when you have fewer yet higher quality connections you’ll more easily be able to do a meaningful follow up, be remembered and gain a valuable connection – not just a meaningless business card.

But what about the sale? I’ve found that when you really connect with people and get to know them, they’re much more likely to refer or buy from you than when you push for the sale up front.
After all, people buy from people they know, like, and trust, so once you’ve given them a way to know, like, and trust you, they’ll be more open to buy from you or recommend you when they or someone they know needs the kinds of services you provide.

My best advice is to stop worrying about networking and instead just focus on connecting – it’s more enjoyable and you’ll gain more prospects, referrals and yes… clients!

Ready to get more out of your own networking efforts? Join Sue Clement at her upcoming FREE webinar on effective networking and get ready to take your business to the next level: http://www.sueclement.com/webinar