When people tell me they don’t enjoy networking, I usually ask them one question:
“Are you going to meet people, or are you going to sell something?”
The answer often explains why they find networking hard.
After years of attending networking events, I know that the people who get the best results are rarely the ones doing the most talking, they’re the ones building relationships.
Stop selling, start connecting.
Many people arrive at networking events with a polished sales pitch and a pocket full of business cards. The most successful networkers do something different. They ask questions, listen with genuine curiosity and take an interest in the people they’re meeting.
Go expecting nothing.
Instead, focus on learning about other people and looking for ways to help. Strong business relationships almost always begin with genuine conversations.
Choose your networking carefully
Not every networking group is right for you.
Think about the people you’d like to meet, the conversations you want to have and the type of relationships you want to build.
Then keep turning up.
Time and again I’ve seen people expect results after attending one event. Networking doesn’t work like that. Trust grows through familiarity, and familiarity comes from consistency.
Successful networkers …
- Know why they’re there.
- Are genuinely curious.
- Keep their introduction clear and conversational.
- Follow up after the event.
- Keep showing up.
Remember, everyone in the room is there for the same reason … to meet people. Walk in with confidence and enjoy the conversations.
Make friends, not sales
One mistake I see time and again is people deciding within minutes whether someone is “worth talking to.”
The truth is, every person has a network you can’t see.
And another common mistake is trying to sell too quickly. People buy from those they know and trust, and trust isn’t built by pitching to them.
If there’s one thing I’d like you to remember, it’s this:
Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or making a sale.
It’s about making friends.
Because friendships become trusted relationships, trusted relationships lead to opportunities, and opportunities grow businesses.
Start there, and the rest tends to follow naturally.
And if you find walking into a room full of strangers hard, then get in touch!
I’ve written Successful Networking; A practical 90 day guide to build effective business relationships just for you!
