Skip to main content

Think Big With Networking

If you think networking is something you do once a week or just during your local chamber's after hours, then you should understand why you network and what the results of constantly networking can bring. Perhaps we should take a more holistic approach to networking.

On average, each person knows 250 people. Wouldn't it be great if you could cast a wider net? What if you could double that number to 500? That's definitely a wider net. And if you could market to that additional 250 that would be great for your business. And if we look at the bigger picture, networking is great for other things as well, like looking for services, like a dentist or mechanic.

Image may contain: 11 people, people smiling, meme, text that says 'WORKING A ROOM LOOKING FOR PROSPECTS'

A few years ago, LinkedIn did a survey and 85% reported that they had gotten a job because of networking. That's a huge number. If you're looking for another job, or even a career, it would seem that networking could work in your favor.

Here again, don't just look at professional networking groups. Consider civic organizations, charity balls, weddings and other events.  Any event where people gather should be in your sights. Many people still fraternal organizations and lodges to do "old school" networking.

Networking, at its core, is just about trying to meet people. And it can be amazing how many people would like to meet you over a drink or a light snack. Keep in mind the basic rules of networking:


  • No selling! Just have a conversation. If you think the conversation is going well..
  • Ask for a business card. Also, mention that you'd like to continue the conversation over coffee and you'll give them a call 
Don't make it a difficult process, but do try to find all the networking opportunities you can. You make get business, a good business contact or even referrals.

Also, check out "You're Going To Be Great At This!" at  www.ChrisCastanes.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Changing My Scheduling Calendar For 2025

This blog usually has actionable sales tips and advice to help you succeed in your business. This time, I wanted to take a look at another part of your business, which is scheduling appointments or sales calls or whatever you need to schedule.  Having a scheduling calendar that your prospects can make your job so much easier. Instead of calling back and forth to pin a time to meet down, you can let your prospect/client pick their own time. According to FinancesOnline.com, online scheduling can lead to 26% more customers, so sharing your calendar is a real no-brainer. I have a Google calendar that I use to book appointments, but I have also been using Calendly and sharing it on my website and social media. The two calendars are supposed to sync up to avoid double bookings, but recently I discovered an issue.  I had blocked out a couple of days on my Google calendar for a business conference, but Calendly was still showing those days as available. After trying to find a way to f...

Introducing the "You're Going To Be Great At This!" Podcast

I was pretty surprised when I saw that my last blog post was several months ago. Time really does fly when you're having fun, or in my case, just having a busy workload. In the last few months I've been on the road for an approximate total of 9 weeks. Needless to say I get less than motivated to work in a hotel room after selling insurance for 8 hours, so blogging isn't on my "to do" list. While driving in my car during these trips I try to make my time productive my listening to podcasts on business and marketing. I'm not sure if someone was trying to tell me something but over the course of a week or so, I heard 4 episodes on how starting a podcast can help boost your business. After mulling this over and considering my options, I decided to take the plunge and start one myself. I've had a YouTube channel for a while which is fine, but I wanted to do something a little different. So I decided to start the "You're Going To Be Great At This!"...

Another Fun Podcast Experience

Over the last few years I have realized that I really enjoy being a guest on podcasts. I've been featured as a guest on about a dozen and they have always been fun. The hosts are as diverse as their podcasts. One host was apparently in the Middle East while others were comedians or local entrepreneurs.  Recently I was asked to share my experiences on the Sales Hindsight with Patrick Kagan of the PK Solutions Group. I met Patrick through a group on LinkedIn and he has been a great supporter of my work, even contributing a blurb for my newest book, "Nearly Motivated".  He's an internationally renowned author and speaker as well.  We had a great talk and I wanted to share it with you. We discuss branding yourself and using humor, among other topics. Patrick is a skilled host and makes the podcast informative AND interesting.  Take a listen here and let me know what you think. Ch ris Castane s is a humorous speaker and former comedian who helps sales people succeed thro...