Networking and Selling Made Easy
The reality is simple: You got into business to make money. Yes, you might have also gotten into business to help others or provide a fabulous product, but at the end of the day, your business needs to be profitable. In order to make money, you need to make sales and meet others. Networking can be a panic-attack causing activity and sales calls can feel dirty and forced, so what is a businesswoman such as yourself to do? Actually, networking and sales are very simple and it all comes down to being prepared and being genuine.
Be memorable, but not sleazy
Of course you want the people you meet to remember you, that goes without saying. Be engaging, be prepared, and be willing to share what you do with others, but don’t treat every individual you meet as a potential sale. Treat everyone you meet as a potential collaborator instead.
Have your elevator pitch
Amazingly enough, nearly two thirds of business women do not have an elevator pitch. The biggest reason women avoid this crucial lynchpin of networking and selling? They don’t want to come off as pushy or imposing for fear of driving away potential sales. An elevator pitch is nothing more than a smooth way to introduce what you do and how it can help others, and when you’re networking or making sales, you must have one. (Plus, you’re not being pushy – you’re being business minded.)
Offer solutions, not products
You’re not always going to be in a networking event with other business owners, in fact, most networking is not done at Meet and Greets or mixers. Most networking and sales opportunities happen every day, far from board rooms or Chamber of Commerce functions. When meeting people at the grocery store, church, daycare, or bar – what will you say to them? Will you start running through the list of products you provide or the services you offer like a late night infomercial? No. Offer solutions, not products or services. Which leads us to the next key to networking and sales.
Be ready to listen more than speak
This is the biggest mistake nearly every new business owner makes, and it makes sense. You have this amazing product or service, and you want to tell everyone about it and how it will help them, of course you want to scream it from the mountain top. However, sales and connections are not made by running your mouth until the other person relents and buys your product. It is critical to be an active listener for multiple reasons: It shows that you are invested in the person you’re speaking with, it provides opportunity to understand what their need is, it creates a genuine connection with your potential client, and can provide insight into other potential services or products you can offer. Women have an advantage in this field, as our natural intuition into social situations and physical body language is more honed than our male counterparts. Use this to your advantage and watch your sales skyrocket.
Follow up
Always follow up and follow through. Commit yourself to writing at least one note a day to someone you spoke to, worked with, or sold something to. Follow up every conversation and make good on any claims or assurances you made during your previous conversations.
Remember Your Why
Lastly, remember your WHY. Why did you get into business? Always have that thought in your head when you are speaking to clients or potential collaborators. Sales and networking comes easily when you believe in what you’re doing and the product you’re selling, and to do that effectively you must always remember why you got started. Be your biggest advocate and the others will follow.
Your time for personal revolution is now: Are you able, ready, and willing to seize it?
Until then, Be Limitless and Discover Your Next.
What’s Your Next?
P.S. Want to know how I can help you network and sell with ease and success? Click this link to apply to work with me and let's help you boldly and powerfully create and lead without limits: bit.ly/3Qp7CeR