Networking is often looked upon as an inroad for salespeople to infiltrate into comfortable surroundings and subtly target potential customers – to the inexperienced eye, that is.
Have you been using networking events wrong all along? Are you the middleman in your business to whom ‘networking’ doesn’t concern? Well, I would like to share with you some of the benefits that could come as a blessing in disguise when you’re not necessarily there to pounce…
You’re building your company’s brand profile
Whether you are the relationship director or the person who organises the finances, when you step into a professional arena you are there as a representation of your company’s brand. It will actually speak volumes if your role is represented in an unexpected fashion, especially if other companies just send in the people whom they expect to strike a deal
You’re non-threatening
Suited and booted, sporting a particular swag about them; the average salesperson can be spotted a mile off and can run the risk of people avoiding a conversation as they presume they will be your next sale – and, as we all know, this is the case more often than not! So, when the non-salesperson swoops in and flares up a conversation the other person is more likely to have their guard down and open up to you, which is a much more laidback approach.
Making opportunities
From a non-sales role, you find yourself mingling with a variety of people with all kinds of status. You may not find yourself necessarily chatting to an MD, but you could speak with their PA, for example – this is a perfect opportunity to leave your mark about how fantastic your company is, without actually screaming SALES! Do this right, and you can pretty much guarantee that this will be fed up the ladder to the top decision-makers. So, it is great to mingle with all types of company employees no matter your or their status may be – every little helps!
Build your own profile
It is important to build up your own profile, as this will in turn build up your company’s brand. I found from networking that you begin to build relationships on a personal and business level and people start to remember your face, and along with this, the company you represent! I have found from experience that I am no longer ‘accounts’. I’m ‘Franky from Neil Walker Digital’; the personability and profile building speaks volumes.
So, next time you think that networking isn’t in your job role, remember that it is for everybody as long as you want your company to be successful!
If you want to get to know people and build your personal and business profile then get out there. You never know, you could be helping to bring in the next sale, when you aren’t even in sales! Can you afford to miss out?