Your network is like a secret chest that is waiting for you to tap into its hidden treasure. The crazy thing most people don’t realize is that you hold the key. You hold the key to unlocking more sales opportunities, business introductions, and bringing in new business, leading to extraordinary sales growth. I am going to dive into the world of leveraging your network for unmatched success.
Building and growing your network is not a fast or easy task, but I will provide you with the skills and strategies that will turn you into an experienced networker if you are willing to do the work. Let’s dive head-first into leveraging your network for unstoppable sales growth.
Your Sales Network is Powerful
Believe it or not, your network holds immense value and uncapped potential that can fuel your sales and business. Your network includes all your family, friends, colleagues, past clients, and acquaintances. Every single person in your network is a referral source to their own network, which allows you to unlock a plethora of networking opportunities that you might have overlooked. Your network has a rippling effect that goes beyond your immediate network of connections which can lead to new referrals and new business. By digging into your existing network and gaining access to their networks allows you to leverage and create connections that can drive sales growth.
The core of your sales success comes from building and nurturing these relationships in your network. In fact, your existing network already knows you and has some trust already, but this will give you a head start. People are more likely to do business with people they know and trust, so it is vital that you leverage your existing network to help you fast-track building trust with potential clients.
Activating Your Networking Skills
Most people think of networking as collecting a business card or going to an event and having a “small talk” conversation with a professional. Unfortunately, that is not effective networking whatsoever, and what will make you stand out when networking with people is making genuine connections. Here, I am going to explore the different networking skills and qualities that can boost your sales or business success for maximized opportunities.
Active Listening
I write about active listening a lot because it is so important in all aspects of life. If you cannot actively listen and truly understand someone’s problems or needs then it makes it difficult to communicate effectively. Active listening will establish a deeper connection with the person because they will understand that you actually care and want to uncover opportunities where you can provide value.
Rapport Building
Rapport building is finding common ground between yourself and the person you are talking to. In fact, sharing your experiences, interests, and industry-related topics will allow you to build more trust with the person you are networking with. People are more likely to buy something from someone they trust, so make sure you are someone they can trust and connect with you on a personal level.
Providing Value
In order to cultivate long-term relationships, not just seek immediate success, it is so important to nurture your connections by staying in touch and providing them as much value as you can. The best way to provide value to your network is to be your authentic self, offer assistance for a skill you are a master at, or make an introduction that can benefit both parties. There are many ways you can do this, so get creative and start providing value in some shape or form.
Follow Up
This is arguably the most important thing to do when you are networking. After speaking to an individual or attending an event, it is essential that you follow up with the individual(s) you connected with. You can do this by sending a personalized message highlighting the main points of your discussion and expressing your pleasure in meeting them. Asking to meet or speak again will keep the conversation going, which can lead to more business opportunities.
Networking Tips and Tricks
Networking does not work unless you do, so here are some things you can monitor and do in order to make sure you are more effective in your networking efforts.
Optimize your LinkedIn profile
It is important to make sure your LinkedIn is professional, clear, engaging, and effectively showcases your experience. Using relevant keywords on your page will make your page show up on more searches. Also, engage with your connection’s content and industry-related content by commenting, liking, and sharing.
Join industry-specific online communities
Your environment is everything and putting yourself in an online group or forum can put you around like-minded people. By having this source it allows you to collaborate with others within the group and can lead to potential new business.
Prepare prepare prepare
It is important you know a little bit about the person or speakers before you attend meetings and conferences. Understanding and talking about their interests will help the conversation be much more personal, which will help you stand out. Also, writing down your questions or having a list of questions in your head will make the conversation more smooth and allow you to get all the information you need out of the event.
Referrals Are Powerful Too
Referrals are like gold in the world of sales and networking in general. When someone reaches out to you from someone you already know and trust, it makes the sales and networking process much easier and less skeptical.
Generating referrals comes from nurturing your existing relationships with the people you know and trust in your network. Staying on top of trends, meeting their needs, and keeping in touch will allow you to build very strong relationships with your network.
Most people are afraid to ask for referrals, but there is no harm being done when all you do is ask. The only bad thing someone can say to you is no, which shouldn’t stop you from continuing to network and build relationships. When someone does provide you with a referral, it is important to show your appreciation, expressing genuine gratitude. Furthermore, once you get a referral, it is important that you treat them the same way you do to the rest of your network. If you can provide referrals back to someone that gave you a referral previously, this mutual exchange can go a long way and create a culture of support in your network.
Expanding Your Network
This is the time when you step out of your comfort zone and start reaching out to others, try and build relationships, and provide value to each other. Reaching out to someone you don’t know can be a scary task to do, but like I said before, your network doesn’t work if you don’t either.
This is about challenging yourself to try new networking methods, attend events, and connect with people you don’t know on a personal level.
Networking methods
Social Media
When most people think of networking they think of LinkedIn. While LinkedIn is a very powerful, free tool that can help you network with a vast amount of professionals. LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can be valuable resources to start building your network. These platforms also provide online groups that you can join and meet people through that too.
Specialized events
Attending events that are specialized in what you are interested in or what you want to do puts you in an environment of like-minded people that want to help each other. This will expose you to a more targeted and specific audience, which can be a great opportunity to make connections in the specific niche you want.
Expanding you network is very exciting and rewarding. In fact, its an opportunity to connect with professionals with different perspectives, unique opportunities, and collaborations. This will broaden your horizon and position yourself for growth.
Recap of Networking
Networking is more than just a buzzword, in fact, it is the strategic approach to sales that can transform your business. By leveraging existing networks generating referrals, seek new connections, and staying consistent in your efforts you will discover a vast amount of opportunities and resources come your way. Building and nurturing the relationships in your network is the key to sustainable sales growth because it establishes credibility and trust.
As we all continue our networking journey, it is important to realize that this is not a one-time event. With each connection you make, you need to take care of that relationship. When you take care of that relationship, you’re opening doors to endless possibilities.
Go forth with confidence and enthusiasm to leverage your network for sales growth. Your next big sale, unexpected opportunity, or game-changing partnership could be one handshake or connection away.
If you made it to this point I appreciate you more than you know.
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