Be A Networking Star And Increase Your Sales

By Marlena Reigh

Over the last five years or so networking – that is, meeting other professionals with which to do business – has evolved into making connections in order to build relationships. With the old model, you arrived at an event, passed out your cards to as many people as possible while giving them your best impression of how great your product is, and hoped that some of the tactics would get results. Some people would even rate their success by how many cards they gave away.

But now, because more and more people sell the same products or service at comparably the same prices, competition is hot and building relationships is essential. The truth is that what we are selling is ourselves. Our appearance counts for 55% of first impressions and the quality of our voice counts for 37%. Words only count for 18%. Yes, we can be remembered by how we look, but what is even more powerful in being remembered by how we use our voice and how we’ve treated others.

One evening I went to a networking event in a different city. In the elevator I had a conversation with a woman. As we chatted, she asked me if I was going the networking event. I answered, “Yes, it’s my first time” in which she then asked me about my business and the kind of clients I was looking for. Tamera (her real name with her permission) was a regular and when we arrived she said, “Let me introduce you to the people I know.”

As Tamera took me around the room, she not only introduced me to others but also mentioned my expertise to each person. She used her voice in an enthusiastic and engaging way that opened up conversations. Her posture and eye contact were strong and confident as though I was someone special and they were special too, yet she was genuine. I felt Tamera was part of my team. It turns out she knew just about everyone there. In my eyes Tamera was a star, a people connector. She gained my admiration, respect, and I wanted to get to know her better so I could be on her team too.

That day I left the event truly inspired to take networking to a higher level. Building connections through helping others build connections, not by only introducing them, but by sharing what I know about them. Someone who others could count on as a connector and resource; Someone to be remembered and with which to stay connected.

7 Tips On How You Too Can Be A Networking Star:

1. Before the event warm up your voice and practice out loud.
2. Think of yourself as the host of “the party” making sure everyone is having a good time including you.
3. When you meet people look for ways to connect them to others.
4. Make networking about the other person. Talk less, listen more.
5. Have a voice that is genuine and truly interested in helping others.
6. Take risks. Meet at least five new people at each networking event.
7. If you see someone who is alone, introduce yourself and then introduce him or her to others.

In networking the goal is to increase your sphere of influence, helping others, increasing the opportunity to improve lives with your products, and assisting in more prosperity and success for all.

By the way, because of this encounter I got a radio interview, contracted a new client and secured a presentation, which Tamera attended and I, then, could acknowledge her to the audience thus giving her the kudos she deserved.

Marlena Reigh, international voice image specialist since 1992, teaches unique, effective and powerful voice communication techniques which are critical in getting results in any speaking situation. www.MarlenaReigh.com 2359 Prairie Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Marlena@marlenareigh.com (734)395.3553

©2013 M. Reigh Radiant Communications