When you go out to a networking event, there is only one thing that you should be selling. Let there be no mystery about this. That one thing you should be selling is you. Not your product. Not your service. Just you.
Networking provides you a platform to build relationships. Most folks don’t like to be around pushy salespeople but they do enjoy being around friendly, interesting, positive people. Relationships take time, they take energy, patience, committment, and did I mention time? Just like in your personal relationships, your business networking relationships will prosper when you give them the proper attention.
Make the time to get to know the people you are networking with and let them get to know you as well. As soon as people begin to know you, like you, and trust you they will become advocates for you. And advocates are the best kind of marketing you can have for putting word of mouth marketing to work for you. I’m sure you’ve heard, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” I’m convinced that it really is more like, “It’s not what you know, it’s what you show” and “It’s not WHO you know but rather WHO knows you, remembers you, and tells others about you” THAT is your best sales tool!