473 - Do you know how to network?

When I connect to new people, I like to meet with them shortly to learn more about what they do.

I had a scheduled call last week with a young woman who began pitching her sales the moment we connected. She had ignored my calendar and sent me hers.

When I got to her calendar, I had to answer specific questions about my business needs before being able to schedule a time.

I went ahead and scheduled a time knowing this could lead to nowhere.

Once we were on our call (phone, not zoom) she proceeded to follow her outlined script of what I should expect from her services.

I wasn't answering the questions but turning the questions around in order to learn more about her.

She was confused.

When I asked her if she was interested in networking to learn more about other people, she said "No, I don't do network marketing".

I explained to her that networking has nothing to do with network marketing. When you network with others, you learn more about their business needs as well as sharing your own.

The goal of networking is to provide value to both parties.

This completely stumped her. The idea that she would "have to" waste hearing other people's sales pitches.

NETWORKING IS NOT ABOUT PITCHING SALES!

I couldn't help but ask, "You mean like you are wanting to do to me right now? You want me to listen to your sales pitch, when the purpose of the call was for us both to learn more about our businesses to see if we could network together?"

She continued with her pitch!!

Needless to say, it was a short call.

Networking is a vital part of doing business.

Networking is about building relationships with a group of trusted business partners to pass referrals.

It is perfectly fine to say that you don't know how to network.

If you are not experienced, ASK FOR HELP.

There are also great articles on networking and business rapport on LinkedIn learning and YouTube.

But, please, do us all a favor and don't act like an expert when you're not.

Do you know how to network?