One of the main misconceptions of networking is that it is an avenue to generating business sales. It is this, plus much much more. Generating business is an element of networking, but gaining more knowledge, building your network, looking for synergy and keeping yourself informed about the current market trends and relevancy to the world is what real networking is about. A good network encourages you to excel beyond your wildest dreams, to look for new opportunities, to make you feel like anything is possible if you apply yourself. Furthermore, it helps you fulfil your goals with the connections you make, utilise their skills, hone your own skills, and share their contacts with your inner circle.
There are several other misconceptions about networking some are detailed below.
• Networking usually costs a lot of money Another common misconception is that networking has to cost a lot of money. This is simply not true as there are several free membership networking groups out there, if you look hard enough. There are also free membership groups that do not have a meeting fee either. Networking will cost as much as you are willing to invest into it. Remember, the key word here is INVESTMENT. You must look at networking as an investment and not a ‘bolt on’.
Try not to assume that it just takes up too much time that you would rather be spending in your business. Networking should be part of your marketing strategy and therefore is not taking time away from your business. It should be looked at as another valuable arm for it.
• You only succeed if you are in a clique You can choose to let this hinder you or be prepared to get involved by approaching people first and interacting. Do not look at it as a clique but as formed relationships. A ‘clique mentality’ creates a barrier of people who are not willing to let someone in.
• You will end up standing on your own for most part of it This will only happen if you do not actively engage and make the step to introduce yourself and get involved. Make your presence felt positively by making that vital first step. Radiate a positive smile and eye contact to show others that you want to engage with them.
• People only go to sell to the room This may be true for some people and in time, they too will learn this method only gets them so far. Experienced networkers understand the principle of “people buy from people” and that the initial interaction is about business relationship building, not selling. To avoid this pitfall, let people understand the value they can gain from your service or product after you have had that allimportant thing called CONVERSATION. Ask questions about your fellow networker, instead of making it all about ME, ME,ME. People engage better when you come across as genuinely interested. Although you are at the centre of all your networking, it does not need to be all about you.
• Networking results are instantaneous Wrong. It takes a while to build those business relationships. There are some old sayings that my father used to tell me such as “short cuts do not make it” and “it is never too late for a shower of rain”. This, in essence, means that things do not happen instantaneously. It takes time, but it surely will come to you if you are patient. As I say, there is a reason, time and season for everything and if you are patient it will become clear. The same can be said about networking, the right opportunity will come at the right time if you take your time and nurture relationships.
Head over to my shop to buy my book to learn more – Networking Personified.