A Networking "Hit & Run"
by CEO on April 25th, 2014
While driving, being a victim of a ‘Hit & Run’ would not be a good thing. It’s not a good thing in networking either.
What’s a Networking ‘Hit & Run’?
You can always spot them entering any networking event. The ‘Hit & Run’ networker is well armed with all their marketing materials: business cards, brochures, sometimes even contracts! Their hands are full. They scan the room looking for their first victim – YOU! They hit you with their pitch and materials then run before they have to engage in your side of the conversation.
I recently attended a networking event in Knoxville where a young woman offered me the perfect example of a ‘Hit & Run’. She arrived approximately 15 minutes before the event ended. She quickly scanned the room and spotted me. She very assertively walked up and asked me; ‘Have you ever heard of [the company she works for]? I answered ‘yes’. Her response: hand me several marketing materials, her card and to start into her pitch about their newest and greatest promotion. I really don’t think she cared whether I had heard of her company or not. When she was done with her pitch, she quickly ‘dismissed’ me and went on to her next victim, leaving me standing there.
I’ve not seen her at a networking event since then. She’ll be one of those people that say “networking doesn’t work”.
Good networkers always ask you what you do. Great networkers ask you what you do first! Networking is meant to create mutually beneficial relationships for business – NOT to sell.
Avoid being a ‘Hit & Run’ Networker
Put others first! Ask about them; have a real and genuine interest in whom you’re talking with and how to connect them with those that could be helpful to them (professionally or personally). The more you help others, the more they’ll want to help you in return. The benefit to you: you become the go-to networker.
To Bring Or Not To Bring
Always bring business cards and pen. Be willing to share your business card but don’t ‘give’ it to anyone and everyone. DO NOT bring marketing materials, brochures, contracts, etc.
If You Network Well, You Never Need to Sell ™
by CEO on April 25th, 2014
While driving, being a victim of a ‘Hit & Run’ would not be a good thing. It’s not a good thing in networking either.
What’s a Networking ‘Hit & Run’?
You can always spot them entering any networking event. The ‘Hit & Run’ networker is well armed with all their marketing materials: business cards, brochures, sometimes even contracts! Their hands are full. They scan the room looking for their first victim – YOU! They hit you with their pitch and materials then run before they have to engage in your side of the conversation.
I recently attended a networking event in Knoxville where a young woman offered me the perfect example of a ‘Hit & Run’. She arrived approximately 15 minutes before the event ended. She quickly scanned the room and spotted me. She very assertively walked up and asked me; ‘Have you ever heard of [the company she works for]? I answered ‘yes’. Her response: hand me several marketing materials, her card and to start into her pitch about their newest and greatest promotion. I really don’t think she cared whether I had heard of her company or not. When she was done with her pitch, she quickly ‘dismissed’ me and went on to her next victim, leaving me standing there.
I’ve not seen her at a networking event since then. She’ll be one of those people that say “networking doesn’t work”.
Good networkers always ask you what you do. Great networkers ask you what you do first! Networking is meant to create mutually beneficial relationships for business – NOT to sell.
Avoid being a ‘Hit & Run’ Networker
Put others first! Ask about them; have a real and genuine interest in whom you’re talking with and how to connect them with those that could be helpful to them (professionally or personally). The more you help others, the more they’ll want to help you in return. The benefit to you: you become the go-to networker.
To Bring Or Not To Bring
Always bring business cards and pen. Be willing to share your business card but don’t ‘give’ it to anyone and everyone. DO NOT bring marketing materials, brochures, contracts, etc.
If You Network Well, You Never Need to Sell ™
