Networking to Give

I was at a networking event and as I'm people watching, here comes another insurance sales guy looking to sell me with his infinite reasons why his product is just perfect for me. I start to feel uncomfortable. Another type A trying to get something out of me. You can’t blame him. He doesn't know any better. He’s might actually like what he does. Persistence is his strategy and he’s sticking to it! Ya he’s trying to sell me on something I might need, but am I really getting a benefit here or is he just getting another sale? You could say that both are occurring. But why do I feel like I’m giving up something? I look around and I see more of them. Sales people disguised as networkers trying to get hit sales goals. They just don't get it.

Sales people network for 3 things: Sales. sales. and sales.

Don’t be fooled... I didn't just use the same work over and over again. Those are actually 3 types of sales they yearn for.

Sales by the person they are networking with
Sales by that networker’s network
Or sales strategies to overall increase total sales.

But here is the problem: All of that doesn't make me, the networker, interested in actually buying.

What they need to do, or anyone who wants to network for that matter, should network by giving first and asking later. (Waaaay later)

It’s the whole harvest vs. hunting analogy.  You need to harvest by building relationships and an actual network of people rather than hunting sales.

You got to cultivate the bond.

This can’t be rushed. It’s a process.

You start by getting to know the person. Who are they? what are their troubles? what do they want to accomplish?

Next and this is the big idea.... you give in some way, and not in a way that monetarily benefits you.

It has to be whole-hearted, unincentivised giving.  

How do we do that you might ask?

Well first off, we all have skills that we are good at that can be crossed referenced among industries. For instance I am really good at online optimization. I like to test the nitty gritty out of the smallest thing on a page to see what gets people to convert more. I'm good at a bunch of other things too. Like awareness of all the cool apps and tools that help people become more efficient. It's important to note, that it doesn’t have to be related to their business. If you can get to know the person on a more personal level that you can help them in other areas of their life. like family life, hobbies interests or attracting the opposite sex... Yes Networkers are human and have other needs too.

It doesn't have to be advice ether, It can merely be a connection to someone else you know. Dig deep into your network and understand all their strengths and needs(write them down and review them often) When you’re the connecting body you become the spider of a thick web of ties and bonds.

Whatever you end up giving, Make sure it’s the best you can give. No room for half assing. It’s got to be really good or cutting edge so it can create new memory strands that you are directly imbedded in.

When you give you get. It’s proven. First off you’re going to love having all these connections and more importantly, you can lean on this web with whatever you need. And not in a--I scratched your back now it your turn to give me a massage--type of way. If they truly benefited from your connection they will be delighted to reach out and help you without keeping score. You become one of these kind hearted people that the world wants to help because subconsciously they know their world as well as society will move forward with people like you around. its magnetic.

Finally, keep up with your network. Find out otherwise to help them. Refer them to others. Get to know them more then on a business level. This will keep you fresh on their mind and warm their hearts for a very long time.