Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Networking Overflow

Springtime is approaching. In the great northeast, the snow is melting and calendars are booking up fast! Do you know how to work a room and make that full calendar of yours overflow with opportunity?

If you are scheduled to attend an upcoming event, here are some tips for networking:

  1. Stop trying so hard. (90% of the other people are not sure what to say either.)
  2. Go with the intent to help.
  3. Find out what the other person is looking to accomplish at the event, then see if you can help them first!
  4. Be sincere.
  5. Smile.
  6. Remember: Interested people are interesting.
  7. Listen actively.
  8. Laugh a lot.
  9. Nod and say things like: Really? No kidding? Tell me more? What about you?
  10. Strike up conversations by asking people about:
  • Hometown
  • Children
  • Family
  • Vacations
  • College
  • Sports Hobbies
  • Parents
  • Current events (Keep it light)

Follow these steps and remember: If you feel awkward at an event, chances are the other people do, too. Try to make others feel good about themselves and comfortable talking to you. They’ll appreciate you and want to be around you more often.

What’s the first rule of human behavior? “People buy from people they like.” Help people like you, and your sales pipeline will overflow with opportunity.

Happy networking to you!

For more information about sales development goto www.mytraininganddevelopment.com