When you are new to business, you need to build a network of prospects. Without that network, you’ll have no sales, or a lot less than you could. This post includes 5 tips to help you get in front of business owners. Because once they get to know you, they’ll begin referring you and your business, and everything will naturally fall into place.

Fortunately, some groups or networks provide tips on you can succeed through networking.

But if you think you don’t have time to take the proven steps outlined in this post that will help you succeed through networking, you may be setting yourself up to fail.

Here are the things you must avoid:

• Ignoring interpersonal discussion. People who do this leave piles of print collateral everywhere and hope people will get their message. (Have you ever seen a network marketing business card on a urinal? <g>) Literature may important, but talking with, and being interested in other peoples business goals is golden.

• Expecting a deal, right off the bat. Though you may have just enlightened the group with a wonderful elevator pitch, if you forget that the fortune is in the follow up, prospects won’t come running to you. Building relationships that result in business takes time.

• Strutting your stuff. Rookie networkers fluff their accomplishments with embellishments, dropping names and expecting other business professionals to be impressed right off the bat. Instead, show some humility and trust that if you show interest in their business, they will show interest in yours.

• Being overly aggressive. Rookie networkers interrupt and talk over people. They don’t have time to listen to others. Men and women both hate this tactic. Instead, try asking “What might I hear that would trigger me to know a prospect would be a good referral for your business?”

• Assuming that social media networking is all you need. You can tweet industry influencers all any time, but if you don’t bother building relationships in person, even though you’ve completed a profile for every major social media platform, you’re never going to hit pay dirt.

Now you have the golden keys to succeed through networking. Just avoid using these rookie networking failures: 1) avoiding people, 2) unrealistic expectations, 3) showing off, 4) rudeness, and 5) networking exclusively through social media.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also want to check out these others:

5 Small Business Marketing Strategies that Really Work!
How to Use Facebook Marketing to Boost Sales
5 Reasons to Redesign Your Business Website for 2016
4 Social Media Goals That Can Supercharge Your Business
3 Ways to Increase Your Business Without Resorting to SEO
How to Target Large Clients with Little to No Money
15 Website Mistakes You Should Avoid (Part 1)
5 Tips for Successful Business Networking
Is There Still Gold in Cold Calling?

This article is published by Will Sherwood | The Sherwood Group |Website Design | Graphic Design | Marketing Communications: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large. Our clients range from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 firms, in nearly every business sector, from across the street to around the world (and yes, even Europe, China, and South America). Our goal is to create advertising,  graphic design, website design, and marketing communication that still looks fresh and relevant 10-15 years later. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering,  Now what do we do?”  We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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