Networking for Introverts: 3 Ways to Start Business Referral Networking for the Shy
Posted by admin in Networking on October 8, 2011
Does the thought of networking at local business gatherings make you break out in a sweat, start your heart racing, and overwhelm you with nausea? Well, I guess we’ve figured out you’re not an extrovert. So, promoting your business in front of an audience is not your thing. But, guess what?That’s okay! You don’t have to be a social animal to build a successful business referral network. Here are some tips that can help you adapt business networking to your less “in the spotlight” personality.
Don’t worry about large social business settings. You can build an excellent business network by quietly helping to solve problems and as a result, make lasting business contacts. Here are three great ways to get you on the road to building an excellent referral network that can help grow your business:
1. As you come across prospects for a business with whom you would like to network, make the referral and send that business (owner or salesperson) an email or note letting them know you gave them a referral and who you referred.
2. You probably cringe at the idea of business networking groups and their breakfast meetings, but do you take part in any social activities? You can still network in social situations and use those activities to build your business referral network! Maybe you’re in a local recreational activity (poker game with friends; quilting), local organization or cause (church; non-profit fund drive), hobby (fishing; boating), or sport (tennis; cycling). It could be almost anything that you do or attend regularly. These are all opportunities to develop friendships with people who have a common passion or interest like yours, help each other on a social level and eventually develop some networking opportunities. I’m absolutely positive that at least some of these people you meet will own a business or be in sales and could use referrals. This is an example of “doing what you love” and using that passion to build valuable networking relationships. There are connections that can eventually help you get more referrals and grow your business. An important thing to remember in these situations is to have fun first, make friends, and enjoy the social activity. Use natural opportunities to seek referrals (both giving and getting)… and don’t force any situation. Building your business this way is often slow, but can also yield very good results over time. Read the rest of this entry »
49 Super Effective Sales Tips
Are you struggling to make a living in the world of selling? Here are 49 tips to help you unlock your true potential as a salesperson!
1. Spend as much time as possible face to face with prospects. You will make zero sales drinking coffee at the office or driving your car.
2. Be passionate during the sales presentation. Your passion (or lack of) will be transferred to the prospect.
3. Always try to close at least 3 times before you give up on a prospect.
4. Never argue with your prospect. Trying to win a discussion will only make you loose the sale.
5. Find the best performing salesperson in your company. Politely ask if you can join this person for one entire sales day. You will learn more from this experience than reading all the sales books in the world.
6. Be a good listener.
7. Never ever talk about yourself to the prospect.
8. Learn anything you possibly can about the prospect before you meet him / her.
9. Always keep a positive mental attitude, even in times you struggle to sell enough (especially then).
10. Learn everything there is know about your product.
11. When you make a sale, always ask if the person knows anybody else who are in demand of your product.
12. Always be smiling.
13. Never say anything negative about your competition. It will make you look unprofessional.
14. Never lie to your customers. They won’t buy from somebody they don’t trust.
15. Keep your body in tip top shape. Read the rest of this entry »