How Sales Focused is your Networking?
Fact: when you come to any networking event, like it or not, you are there to sell yourself, your company or your product.
I find the more confident about your product/service you are, the more you believe in its value, the better you will be able to communicate it. I hate to sell. Everyone at Networking WA knows it is not something I am comfortable with, but as a fellow networker pointed out to me the other day (thanks to Travis Tremian from Days of Change for this insight) anytime you convince anyone to do something for you… you are selling. Did you convince your partner to go see a movie that they didn’t want to see? Or your children that they really wanted an apple instead of that candy bar?
There are plenty of ways to sell things too; some more preferable to others. I have been labelled a ‘nice seller’. As in I am so nice and sweet to people that they don’t want to say no to me and hurt my feelings. Even though I don’t see it this way I guess there is something to the conclusion.
There are those that are hyperactive, eager, energetic sellers who bound up to you and demand (always with a smile) that you join this list or become a member of that. They never lie about what they are doing, they are selling and they love it and it is often OK because they are passionate about it.
Then there are the people who, no matter what it is they are asking for, believe you should sign on because without them you are nothing. Not literally nothing but let’s just say you will be better off with them than without them. These people are direct, blunt and to the point, attacking you with a no nonsense approach.
Finally there are those that push. They sleaze, slime and stick to you like a 2 year old to a lolly-pop. The unfortunate thing about these sellers is that although they have a level of tenacity to be envied they are very rarely well received.
I admit there are plenty of shades of grey thrown in with the black and white personas I have just provided. But I think these are the most common and that many sales techniques stem from at least one of them.
The best thing you can do is come up with an elevator pitch yourself – it should be around 30 seconds to 1 minute and communicate clearly your best assets. Don’t copy someone else’s and don’t memorise your website because it will always come back to your enthusiasm, belief and authenticity.
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Thought Leaders WA Series Wrap
'With a focus on all things creativity'
Jason Clarke is a phenomenal presenter who pushes the boundaries and presents you with new, unique and stimulating ideas for business. Presenting with humour and intelligence, he is not someone you should miss.
If you haven't been to an event yet we really think you should consider coming along.
The Series will end with a bang! So whatever you do…don’t miss out! Buy tickets here.
2011 Events
Speed Networking Series
Speed Networking is a very popular Via Appia initiative. The unique format of these events allows participants to create opportunities, meet people, make contacts and generate business ideas in just one short evening.
Link to more information
Thought Leaders 2011 Series
The series will once again do its best to evoke new thought patterns and stimulate creativity, exploring the issues of leadership and innovation. The 2010 event series was a huge success – view the highlights film package here
Green Network 2011 Series
The Green Network supports research and development into new technologies that will see industry and business become more environmentally sustainable. By attending The Green Network you are supporting the companies that are supporting the environment AND receiving an excellent opportunity to network with like minded organisations.
Link to more information
Networking Events with a Twist
With attendee numbers ranging anywhere from 30 – 90, these events always provide guests with fantastic networking opportunities. Plus as these events are usually accompanied by a small presentation – you always take away a little something you never knew before as well.
Link to more information
Resource Panel
This event will bring together key industry leaders, opinion leaders and experts to provide you with up to date information on the issues currently surrounding the resource sector within WA and its lasting impact on the state economy.
Link to more information
Media140 2011
Media140 is focused on assisting individuals and organisations harness social technologies to help them develop and nurture communities. The event first brought to Perth by Networking WA in Feb 2010 and was attended by over 300 Perth Professionals and received rave reviews - view the highlights film package here
Well all, it is time to say goodbye: This will be our last newsletter until 2011. It has been a truly wonderful year full of amazing events and life changing opportunities. We can't thank all of our beautiful supporters, members and advocates enough - you all rock. We hope you all have a glorious festive season and we hope to see you all again soon in the new. Until then... Keep In Touch!
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