Networking is NOT about making sale

Nobody goes to a networking event to be SOLD something. To the contrary most people attend networking events with the hope that they will meet a potential prospect or client. They want to make a sale!
How many times have you attended a networking event or business function only to find yourself cornered by a zealous “salesman” recounting the incredible value of their products and services and trying to persuade you that, even if you are not currently in the market for what they have to offer, you should take their card and call them when you, or someone you know, is in need of their particular brand of widget!
Perhaps you have even found yourself – with your Yellow Pages AD firmly fixed to your forehead touting the worth of your products and services to anyone willing to listen.
It is this “sales pitch” mentality which has given Networking such a bad reputation. Nobody likes being on the receiving end and most small business owners also dread doing it. After all most small business owners also hate to sell.Worse still if everybody is there to sell and nobody is there to buy then the likelihood of achieving a WIN WIN outcome is slim indeed.

But what if - instead of looking for potential clients at networking events, you were to start looking for other business owners who share your target market and who might be interested in working with you on a WIN WIN referral program, joint venture or other strategic alliance?

Which would you prefer to meet -
1. A potential client
2. A potential strategic alliance which may result in tens, hundreds or even thousands of potential clients for your business?

If you answered the second one you are on the way to becoming a SMART Networker and the people you meet will be happy to network with you because a good strategic alliance means a win for everyone.

To learn which businesses would make great strategic alliances, where to meet them and how to go about identifying ways that you can work together visit Networking World today so you can start networking SMARTer, Not Harder..