Networking Habits

Developing Awesome Networking Habits

By Shannan DuShane

May 10, 2013

Everyone has a different perspective on effective marketing and sales techniques but there are a few standardized habits that everyone should know and pursue, no matter who you and what industry you are in, if you have been in sales for 1 year or 10 years; all of these methods will pertain to your business. 

Make it a point to contact a few new people per day whether via email, phone, written letter, or at a networking event; when you extend out of your comfort zone and influence new people every week, that would be over 300 new contacts or more per year. Now we all know that about 1 in every 10 people might get back to you, the point is that they you are visible to them and they now know you are there for assistance if needed.

Now is the time to follow up with your new contacts, but remember there are good and bad times to start following up. Normally when you call a contact or email them you are expecting some sort of recognition of that email or phone call to be the next step for an invitation to meet one to one to pursue further business transactions. This doesn’t always pan out. Remember that everyone is business and don’t take it personally, and don’t bug them repeatedly if you don’t hear back from them. Let them know that you would enjoy to getting to know them better and would like to know if it was ok to add them to your mailing list.  This will ensure that you stay at the forefront of their thoughts.

Rejection or Dismissal of your method is nothing new, this happens all of the time, I’ve been in sales for over 6 years and I almost come to expect the hesitation and rejection of the notion of a sale, this is a very healthy and positive outlook on being in a marketing and sales position, this will teach you that maybe there are different methods of getting consumer and different industry’s attention; besides everyone is busy and you are not the only one trying to get their attention.

Different methods of grasping their attention can be of the utmost importance, not every business owner or ceo will take to the first method of introduction unless they sought you out first.  Just remember you didn’t fail, you just need to get out there and be as visible as you can without being a pest. If you’ve already called them, try following up with an email or written letter and leave it there for them to take the next step.  Follow up in a month or so and leave it alone. 

Shannan DuShane is an independent blogger and graphic designer and a Marketing Director for the past 12 years. She is a social strategist, marketing enthusiast, internet specialist, and networking fanatic. You can normally find Shannan at numerous local networking events and conventions, or at sporting events and with her family. 

Feel free to connect with Shannan on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.