4 tips to raise sales networking up a notch in 2015

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As 2015 starts and the need for new business opportunities emerge, sales reps will be finding themselves at industry conferences and other meetings where they can  and should  be on their networking game. To optimize these opportunities, let’s look at some networking tips, so sales reps don’t end up spending their time in line to share a moment with a keynote speaker or attending yet another breakout session which is all about nothing.

So, what are some things to do or thoughts to keep in mind to make these events more than just another three days where no selling is going on?

First, determine your purpose for networking. For example, are you seeking to make new contacts? Generate  new leads from existing customers? Get a feeling for what’s going on in your area?  Promote a new product.  You can’t be doing everything, with everybody, all at once – focus is key.

Second, think about with whom you want to network.  Not all networking interactions are equal. Let’s take a look at 6 types of people you might meet when networking:

▪   Wallflowers  They keep their head down, avoid eye contact and are uncomfortable making conversation. It’s tough to engage a Wallflower, but this is a case where some homework can pay off.  Sometimes these folks may not be great at conversation but are key players in their organization.

▪   Handshakers  These are people who value quantity over quality. They are trying to find as many people to contact as possible and usually have a pocket full of business cards. With Handshakers, be polite but recognize it’s likely the conversation won’t go very far

▪   Socialites  People seeking social meetings – looking for or offering great parties – not business meetings. If you’re looking to have a good time at the meeting, then Socialites are for you.

▪   Power Networkers  These are high-level people who have connections and genuinely want to make a few more; they are buttoned up in how they approach networking. They seek 3-5 quality connections vs. a pocket full of business cards. These people can be a big help because their mindset is – “As I go through my day, I meet a lot of people; tell me how will I know when I’ve met a perfect referral for you?”

▪   Connectors  Connectors seem to know everyone and everyone seems to know them. They like to help others and they’re good people to meet at networking events. They attend because they need to, not necessarily to do any business. They’ll listen to what you do, ask intelligent questions and introduce you to others who might be helpful.

Third, once you know “why” you are networking and know “who” you want to target  Think about how you might interact with the people you’re be meeting.  Do a little informal pre-call planning.

Lastly some of the time will be spent in formal sessions so what can you do to optimize that time. In that regard a colleague of ours, Scott Nelson at Medsider, shared some tips on becoming a Conference Ninja. Here’s a quick look at some of the points on Scott’s list.

▪   Think about thoughtful questions you might ask during Q&A sessions  –  It’s a great way to gain 30 seconds of airtime and create a basis for subsequent networking post session.

▪   Use breaks as time to meet people – Don’t just snack on the munchies or chat on your iPhone.

▪   Be prepared – When you engage a target contact, know what you want to talk about.

Networking isn’t easy. Nonetheless, networking is critical in Sales. Whether formal conferences, informal association meetings, or other networking opportunities, salespeople must network – it’s one of the ways to generate leads.  So if you are going to do it – do it smart – make the time worthwhile.

Republished with author's permission from original post.

Janet Spirer
For more than 30 years Janet Spirer has worked with the Fortune 1000 to craft sales training programs that make a difference. Working with market leaders Janet has learned that today's great sales force significantly differs from yesterday. So, Sales Momentum offers firms effective sales training programs affordably priced. Janet is the co-author of Parlez-Vous Business, to help sales people have smart business conversations with customers and the Sales Training Connection.

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