by Kent Keller
I loathe networking, as the title of this article very clearly states. Those who actually know me are pounding their fists on their desks and screaming, “bulls&%#t! You don't hate it liar!” They’re likely saying that because I love to talk, and they know that…but I still loathe “networking" as most of us know it.
Networking (net-work-ing): "The process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contracts.”
When it’s done properly you come away feeling great and like you just made a new friend that you can help and vice versa. But most of the time it feels like a dozen small unenthusiastic and unrehearsed sales pitches. You walk away feeling drained and hating the world (in my experience). I'll give you 5 tips below that will benefit you, your conversation partner, and your mental state.
So how do you do that, without coming off “salesey?" You want your business to grow. but if your business growing earnestly helps another business grow at the same time, that's what we're going for! That doesn't mean it has to grow right at that very second with a bunch of sales jargon and pitches.
Here’s what I do when I’m networking and it’s proved successful, please steal these and try them yourselves. The key here is you have to actually embody these tips and not just check them off the list.
1) Listen First, Share Later
Shift the focus from you to them, from selling to understanding. Ask questions and genuinely listen to what others are saying. This builds an actual connection and shows you care about and value their story.
2) Be Authentically You
Forget the sales robot act. Stop “channeling” Gary Vee or Alex Hormozi (both great follows with amazing information by the way) and be you. Share your passions, quirks, and interesting background stories. People remember those who seem authentic and let their true selves come through. Authenticity breeds trust
3) Follow Up with Value
After meeting someone, send a quick message referencing your conversation. Add value! Share an article, recommend a book, or connect them with someone who could benefit them. It shows you care about establishing and growing a relationship, not just the sale or a transaction.
4) Create Shared Experiences
Attend events with a mission. Invite connections to join you at workshops, panels, or even casual coffee chats to elevate both of your brands. These are what create real bonds and lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.
5) Be a Connector
Don’t seek to just benefit yourself–introduce others in your network. Be the person who connects people. When you add value to others, they’ll remember you and likely return the favor at some point.
Remember that real networking isn’t about collecting business cards, practicing your sales pitch, or getting out of the office for a bit. Okay, maybe a little bit of the last one! Networking is about cultivating relationships and connections.
You either get a client, a partner in a like-minded brand, create a connection between your contacts, or “just” get your name, face, and brand out there in a wholly positive light. When you network with a mission and good intentions, you literally cannot lose as there isn’t a downside…just different levels of wins.
Kent Keller is a seasoned Brand Consultant, Social Media Manager, and Copywriter. He also acts as the Chief Executive Officer of OS Media Group. With over a decade of experience as a police officer and nearly five years as the Public Information Officer and Media Relations Manager for a prominent police agency, Kent brings a wealth of expertise to the proverbial table. His background, combined with his successes in developing numerous marketing campaigns and brand strategies, uniquely positions him to assist you in effectively engaging with your customers or community members. Reach him at Kent@OSMediaPromo.com or www.OSMGMarketing.com today.
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