A tip about Networking

At a large networking event in London last summer (2010), with more than 500 people attending, one of the speakers asked the audience: “How many of you came here hoping to do some business here today–maybe make a sale?”  More than half the people in the audience raised their hands.

He then asked, “How many of you are here hoping to buy something today?”  Not one single person raised a hand !

This is what BNI founder, Ivan Misner, calls the networking disconnect.

If you are going to networking events hoping to sell something, you are going to be dissapointed.  Don’t confuse direct selling with networking. Effective networking is about developing relationships.

By the way, did you know it is International networking week 7th – 11th February 2011 – make the most of it !