Are you a Master Networker or a ....?

     Are you a master networker or are you a networking jerk?  This is not to be insulting, more of a lesson learned in behavior while networking.  If you are one that is focused on how many people you can give your business card to, but don't spend more than 60 seconds with one person before you move to your next contact.  Sorry but you are a networking jerk.  Focused on schmoozing and glad handing to build your rolodex full of people that have no desire to business with you now or anytime in the future.

    With all things being equal, and we all know they are never equal, you can be a master networker without being a jerk. If instead of focusing on the numbers we focus on developing the relationship with a select few during your meeting rather than having your eye wander to find the next contact.  Ask the first person you meet questions,  show genuine interest,  make it about them.  You may only meet a couple of contacts, maybe a few, thats okay!  If you add value to each meeting,  don't make it all about a sale, and find ways that you can poss serve them or someone they know either now or in the future. Before you know it you you will have a real contact list of people that you actually have a relationship with and want to do business with or help them with theirs.

     In focusing on individuals rather than trying to see how many business cards you can collect and hand out, your business will begin to grow.  Rather than having a bunch of people in your email list that mark you as spam while you fill their inbox with your updates and newsletters.  Try sending personal letters,  postcards,  and emails to individuals rather than bulk.  Make your contacts personal,  pay attention to their wants and needs rather than yours. Before you know it your client list and friend list will be virtually the same.  You will have your best salespeople on your team without having to pay them a dime if you pay attention and respect them, they will willingly sell for you without being asked. So go to your next event with the intent to meet and get to know one or two people.  The more you grow and offer assistance to others the more they will return the favor and help you and your business grow in turn.

Blessings. ..