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Sales Technique Article - Networking Sales
Sales experts estimate that the vast majority of new openings are never
advertised or publicly announced, but sourced through word-of-mouth or
networking. The likelihood of an opening not being advertised at all increases
with the level of the client's corporate image. Yet, even with this knowledge,
most sales executives fail to fully utilise networking for all it's worth.
Networking means developing a broad list of contacts -- people you've
met through various social and business functions -- and using them to
your advantage when you look for a new client. People in your network
may be able to give you sales leads, offer you advice and information
about a particular company or industry, and introduce you to others so
that you can expand your network.
The best place to start developing your network is with your family,
friends, and neighbours -- and with their family, friends, and neighbours,
but don't stop there. Talk to co-workers, colleagues in your industry,
and those you meet at industry gatherings, such as trade shows and conferences.
Talk with former co-workers, bosses, and teachers.
The key to successful networking is deciding to put the energy needed
to make it work. First, you need to get organized (for example, keeping
a business card file or computer database). Second, you need to stay in
contact (for example, through regular phone calls, email, and PR campaigns).
Third, you need to set goals for yourself (such as 5 new contacts per
week).
The Steps to Successful Networking
- Develop a firm grasp of lead search basics. A good
place to start is to review the results from your first contact network
and look to expand this to a second tier, then a third and continue
until you get referrals back to your first tier. Then evaluate the results
and look at periphery contacts. This will bring you in contact with
outside businesses with interest in your core business indirectly, but
not always, some are building and are looking a lot closer at your industry
specialisation and may want to talk to you.
- Conduct a self-assessment. An honest review of your
strengths and weaknesses is vital. A good place to start is with the
main core element of your business and look at added value to none core
enterprises. You should also make some decision relating to the types
of sales leads you want and the types of companies and industries that
interest you. Unsure? Examine your successes and failures, re-network
back to the ones that failed and ask for advice, they may tell you a
few home truths or nothing at all, but if you don't ask you won't get
either.
- Prepare a strong presentation. If you don't already
have a presentation, now is the time to develop one. You should ideally
develop two types of presentations -- one in traditional high in content
with a longer delivery and one in short, concise format. You can practise
these presentations with friends and colleagues.
- Decide how to organize your network. This step is
crucial to your success. If you have ongoing access to a computer, the
best method is a database or spreadsheet where you can enter key information,
such as names, titles, company names, addresses, phone numbers, fax
numbers, email addresses, and dates of communication. Keeping an organised
collection of business cards, where you can write notes and comments
about your network, is another alternative.
- Communicate with your network. It is extremely important
to stay in touch with your network, which you can easily do by phone,
mail, or email. Don't be afraid to ask for their help. Most people like
helping others, and you must communicate your current needs with your
network in order for them to be able to help you.
- Initiate informational interviews. One of the best
ways to gain more information about an occupation or industry -- and
to build a network of contacts in that field -- is to talk with people
who are currently working in the field. The purpose of the informational
interview is to obtain information, not to get a lead.
- Follow up with your network. The key is keeping your
network informed of your situation and thanking them for their efforts.
Never take your network for granted.
This is a basic outline; from here you can develop your own network and networking
skills. Remember: No Network = No business.
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