Sales networking is an absolute necessity when it comes to building relationships with other professionals, growing your business, and making a massive amount of sales.
While it might seem a little confusing at first, sales networking isn’t that complicated at all. In fact, you can master the very basics of this powerful technique in just a few steps.
In order to get business from your connections, you must make sure that they remember who you are and what you do.
You should make sure that your business is clearly stated on any business cards you hand out during the networking event.
The very best way to stand out at a sales networking event is by giving without expecting anything in return. The more time you give away, the more other professionals will want to work with you later on down the line.
A great tip for building strong relationships with other professionals is to make sure you don’t look like a used car salesman.
Avoid being the pushy guy, who gives nothing back in return; you’ll end up looking like a desperate salesperson. it’s much better to give other professionals the chance to ask questions and then answer them professionally and concisely.
Remember that networking events should be fun; if you’re not enjoying yourself, then it’s time to find a new event or even an entirely different networking group.
You should always have somebody else there with you when you’re attending sales networking events, especially if this is one of your first events.
Table of Contents
How To Find Networking Groups?
One of the best ways to find good sales networking groups is by simply asking other professionals.
If you’re already doing business with somebody, don’t be afraid to ask them where they network and who they network with.
The internet is another great way to find sales networking groups; just do a quick Google search and you’ll get more than enough results. There are also popular websites such as Eventbrite, which focus on meetup groups and events.
Social media is a great way to find networking groups as well. Also, set up a Linkedin page so people can learn about you and what you offer.
To make sure your profile stands out on Linkedin, make sure you include your current title and any certifications that are relevant to what you’re offering.
Having online access will allow you to look up any organization and will provide all the free resources you need to find the relevant networks you’re looking for.
10 Things You Need To Start Doing At Networking Events
1) Look presentable and wear something that stands out!
For example, wear a fashionable tie or really nice shoes.
It’s common for other people to come up to you and compliment you on what you’re wearing and how you look.
When this happens, guess what, there goes your quick and easy connection. When you do this enough, you’ll build huge amounts of relationships.
2) Smile and look approachable!
When you network, you don’t want to come across as standoffish or too intimidating.
If you walk past a person you don’t feel like speaking with, simply smile and keep walking. This leads to the following step
3) Introduce yourself to everyone!
Even if you don’t think it’s worth your time, you never know who this person is or what they do.
You may have heard of the company, you might be able to help them out, or maybe they can help you.
Don’t worry about how good-looking the girl is, if you go up to her and introduce yourself, guess what happens next? More conversation! If this conversation goes well, there’s a chance she can introduce you to some of the other girls in the group.
And yes, the same concept applies to guys!
4) Make sure your business cards are professional-looking.
You don’t need anything too fancy. No need for a Patrick Bateman level of obsession here — just make sure they’re easy to read and your contact information is easy to find.
5) Make sure people understand what you do, in short terms!
If someone asks you about your business, make sure that the answer only takes one sentence. You should be able to clearly tell someone what it is you do, in one or two sentences or less.
6) Offer advice where you can!
This is not a sales pitch but an offer of help or guidance to another person.
Let’s say somebody asks you for your opinion on what kind of car they should buy. If you know anything about cars, tell them why they should go for a specific model.
If you don’t know anything about cars, but somebody walking by does tell them to go ask that person for their opinion because they know more about the subject.
7) Keep up with your conversation topics.
Be interesting and engaging! Try to keep the conversation going by asking follow-up questions about what the other person just said. Learning how to keep a conversation flowing is an excellent skill to have, and will take you far in your networking journey.
8) Keep your interest levels high.
Don’t be the first one to stop talking! Try to stick around and see how well you do at keeping this conversation going.
9) Always try to give a good handshake!
It’s common sense, but always shake hands with the right hand, make sure your palm is facing upwards, and always shake firmly.
10) Lastly, be relaxed, don’t expect anything, and enjoy your time out!
Worst case, if you did not get anything out of an event in terms of connections, you at least had some free food and drinks!
How To Follow Up After a Networking Event
What’s the point of going to networking events if you don’t end up following up? Learning how to follow up politely and professionally is just as important, if not more important, than going to these events in the first place. Here are four solid ways to connect with someone after an event.
1) If you exchanged business cards with somebody, always send them an email, text, or call to continue the conversation, shortly after the event.
2) If someone says they’re interested in what you do, tell them exactly how they can get in touch with you.
3) This one might be simple – but don’t forget to add your networking contacts to your phone book, Linkedin, and wherever else you have a public profile that you connect with others on.
4) Ask them for referrals. In addition to connecting with them and thanking them for their time — don’t be afraid to ask if they know anyone that would be able to work with you.
Don’t feel like you’re annoying people by following up. Remember that everyone at a networking event literally signed up for this.
If there’s not a match, or if someone is not interested, no big deal, move forward.
Out of all the people and professionals that you network with over time, all you need is a small, select few that can give you referrals and do business with you.
Your Network is Your Net-Worth!
Most people think of networking as a way to find a job or to make new sales.
Those people are missing out on what networking can really do for your life: build relationships and strengthen existing ones.
Networking isn’t just about business, it’s also about building trust and having a good time with like-minded professionals in their field of work.
If you’re not comfortable talking to new people, that’s okay! Find somebody you already know and talk to them first; it’ll make you feel more comfortable.
You may not make a million dollars or land your dream job, but networking can help you reach those goals.
A strong network is like a good support system: always there for you and ready to back you up at any time.
If you want to succeed in any career or business, invest your time and energy in networking.
I can promise you, that it’s worth it. As they say, your network is your net worth.
How to Network Remotely in Sales
With the advance of technology and the rise of the digital age, more and more salespeople are starting to use online sales and networking.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these two items should not be used as replacements for traditional networking; they can still work together!
1) In order to network remotely, you need to be willing to put yourself out there.
Are you comfortable with the idea of asking for an informational interview? if not, then maybe online networking isn’t your forte.
2) Make sure that when it comes to social media, you’re following rules and guidelines in order to keep your personal life separate from your professional life.
On LinkedIn, you should always have a professional headshot as your profile picture and lead with your most recent position.
3) You need to be proactive! Respond to profiles, reach out to people who are in similar fields as you, and try not to bore the people that you’re networking with.
4) Don’t be afraid to go on an informational interview!
A lot of people are scared, but it’s really just a casual conversation with somebody in your field who is willing to give you information.
Just remember that if the person doesn’t want to be contacted again for some time, they will tell you that straight-up.
5) Finally, if you’re not doing online networking for work purposes, stick to social media!
You can find groups of professionals on LinkedIn or your favorite form of social media and create relationships with like-minded people.
Before long, you’ll feel like you know these people personally even though they’re thousands (or maybe even millions) of miles away.
BONUS: Extra Networking Do’s and Dont’s
There are certain things that you should always do when networking, but just as importantly, there are also certain actions that you shouldn’t take. Here are a few extra’s for you to remember the next time you go out to a networking event:
1) Don’t be pushy! Everyone knows what it’s like to have a salesperson on the phone who is trying to “close” you within the first few minutes of talking to you. Don’t be that guy. Spend this time genuinely getting to know the other person, their interests, and what makes them who they are.
2) Ask questions! Asking questions is not only a great way to get the conversation flowing, but it also shows the other person that you’re interested in them and their career.
3) Be genuine! Be yourself, be professional, and show some personality through your questions and conversation!
4) Don’t walk up to people with a notepad! This is probably a bit rare – but I’ve seen this happen before. Let me just tell you, walking up to a person at a networking event with a notepad while writing notes on everything that is said is just flat-out weird. Don’t be that person.
Be human in your conversations and allow everything to flow naturally.
5) Don’t drink too much! A lot of people drink at networking events, but this can easily lead to an embarrassing situation.
You want to come across as professional, which you are. So don’t go around slurring your words.
Conclusion
Networking is a skill that can be used in all aspects of life, but it’s especially effective in the business world.
No matter if you’re looking to make new contacts or further your career, networking should always be on your list of things to do.
Remember that it doesn’t hurt to ask questions and show interest in the other person, but also remember that you are looking for a win-win relationship.
If you work hard, are professional, and go about networking the right way then there is no reason that it can’t be one of your most rewarding skills.
Networking in sales gives you an edge because it allows connection with multiple people which can help in your sales process.
Just keep the do’s and don’ts in mind, be yourself, work hard, and always remember that others are doing business too.
So go put yourself out there and start making some connections!
