Networking Isn’t Always About the Sale

One of the things that can be difficult to grasp as you head out to market your home business is that networking isn’t always about the sale. Whether you are using social networking online, or whether you are doing a meet and greet at the local Chamber of Commerce or whether you are attending a conference, networking may not always mean that you get a sale immediately.

Over at Sparkplugging, Susan Payton points out that always trying to pitch your new contacts put you on the fast-track to rejection. This is because you go to a conference or some other networking event (even online) to meet people. You don’t go to sell your stuff. Networking is about building connections; it’s not really about the sale.

Effective networking means that you meet people, make connections and let them know you are out there. Exchange business cards. Make small talk. Tell them what you do. But lay off on the sales pitches unless someone actually asks for one. In the end, if you establish a relationship with someone, the networking experience was a success. You may not get a sale until far down the road, or not at all, but at least the people you meet are aware of who you are, and what you do.