Sometimes, it’s not what you know it’s WHO you know. These words have never been truer than for those in business development and sales positions. And this is why I network. I want to discuss the importance of networking in a day and age where we are all glued to our smartphones, and social networks have taken human contact out of daily life. Sure LinkedIn, emails and blog posts are important – but if you are trying to grow your book of business, and increase industry knowledge, networking is crucial.
For many people, networking can be challenging… even frightening. But fear not because networking events are all about people meeting new people and trying to find ways to HELP one another. With this in mind networking is way less intimidating!
Here are the top 4 reasons why I network:
Build CONFIDENCE! Pushing yourself to talk to people you don’t know increases confidence.
Build FRIENDSHIPS! People like to do business with people they like. Go ahead make some friends at your next networking event.
Increase OPPORTUNITIES! All salespeople know the key to a successful business is a large sales funnel. Networking is a great way to increase sales opportunities. Also the more people who know about you and what you do, the more likely they are to refer you to others.
Increase KNOWLEDGE! Sometimes it is not WHO you know it’s WHAT you know. I recommend industry specific networking if you can. People in specific industries respect others that care and are knowledgeable about their industry. Increase your knowledge and you increase your credibility.
Think about these tips the next time you find yourself entering a room where you don’t know anyone… and leave with some new connections, and maybe even some new friends.
Contributed by former Business Development Manager, Joe Gastony