3 Mistakes Most People Make When They Meet a Stranger

3 Mistakes Most People Make When They Meet a Stranger

By Darlene Willman

When you network, you are planting tiny seeds of possible business with each person you meet. There's no guarantee that you'll gain business right away but over time you'll harvest a large crop!Over the past 20 years, I've noticed a few common mistakes that most people make while they network. In the beginning, I made them too until I realized how to properly grow my own network.

Don't assume that someone is interested in learning all about your business. I know how tempting it is to want to do all the talking and explain all there is to know about you and your company. Unfortunately, the person you're talking to wants to do the same thing so this can pose a problem. I believe in holding your posture while you're networking so you don't come across as too aggressive. There's a time and place for doing a sales pitch and it's definitely not when you meet a stranger. You might have heard the term, "Verbally Throwing Up on Someone" and no one likes that too much. It's a known fact that if you tease someone with just enough information that piques their interest, you'll more likely get another chance to go into full detail. Take some time to figure out how to offer a sample or appetizer while networking instead of providing the main course.

Never bring up someone that you had a negative experience with or engage in gossip. After you start networking, you'll discover how connected people are and you just might be talking about someone they know. Worse yet, they might be considering doing business with them and you may cost the other company money if they lose the business. You might even find out that person is somehow related to the one you are talking about! My advice, simply talk in general terms without involving names.

Try not to be overbearing with someone you just met. Every person has a different way of communicating and responds differently to meeting total strangers. If you happen to be a Type A individual that talks in a rush and wants you to just get to the point, the person you meet might need more information. Don't expect to do a one, two punch with someone that needs everything spelled out. Be aware of the different personality types and do your best to "mirror" them to communicate in the best way they receive information. If they talk slow, you should too. If they are a bottom line person, cut to the chase.

If you are aware of these three mistakes, hopefully you will have better success networking with total strangers and start growing your business!

About the Author: Darlene Willman, aka The Sassy Networker, is a keynote speaker, author and coach, specializing in small business networking and referrals. She provides resources, connections and support to entrepreneurs, small business owners and other professionals that have a strong desire to promote their companies through relationship marketing. She will show you how to build an incredible network of people who refer business to each other plus so much more.

You can start receiving her eZine, The Networking Focus (a $67 value) by visiting http://www.sassynetworker.com/. Contact our office today at (636) 387-3000 to book Darlene Willman as your next keynote speaker.