Are you making lots of friends in your networking, but not generating very much business? If so, you’re not alone. I had the same struggle when I first started my business.
The networking groups that I attended were so supportive, and I fell into a trap that I see many entrepreneurs make.
In fact, in my upcoming masterclass where I teach you how to fill your calendar with speaking gigs, I go into more detail on what falling into that trap cost me. (Stay tuned if you want to know!)
What’s that trap? Using networking groups as a support system rather than a marketing system.
Now before you all go and throw tomatoes at me and say “networking is about relationships, NOT selling” – I AGREE! Always focus on relationship first, as you do need to build trusting relationships to build your business.
And part of that trust, is trusting that you are an expert at what you do and that you can handle the business they refer to you! If your colleagues see you as this amazing and nice person who is just getting going, they will champion you and support you, but they likely won’t buy from you, or refer business to you.
In short – it doesn’t matter how supportive an environment it is, a networking organization is not a mastermind or a coaching program!
Now that doesn’t mean you go in all fake and pretending that everything is amazing – nobody likes to be around THAT!
Look, we’re all human, and the entrepreneurial ride is indeed a roller coaster. Nothing wrong with acknowledging that!
What I AM saying though is to think about how you’re showing up and what it’s conveying about your business, your expertise and your ability to handle clients.
Authentically positioning yourself as an expert
I’ve prepared a free download for you to give you even more tips and ideas on how to position yourself as an expert when you’re networking! Just click on the button below to grab it!
And remember – making friends is awesome. So why not create a tribe and build relationships as a trusted expert so that you also make money?
If you found this episode helpful, I’d so appreciate you sharing it with someone you know needs it. I’d love to hear your thoughts – leave me a comment below!
And don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel – and if you’d like to talk to me personally – then please accept my invitation to join the Living Forward Facebook community – it’s totally free, and that’s where I play daily!
Manjit
Thank you, Nafissa!
This is exactly what I have been struggling with. Reading your article and watching your video reminded me, that I am not alone in this entrepreneurial journey :-)
I do video interviews and use networking events as an opportunity to show people that I am a great listener. Only thing is, many of these folks want to continue the conversation on a personal level instead of a business level. As a sole proprietor, it is not possible to meet everyone individually for coffee… but I can invite them to one of my video workshops… and continue to establish myself as an expert ;)
Thank you so much!
Manjit