Why do people hate networking?
For most of us networking is unnatural.
Think back 5,000 years.
If you were to walk up to another dude and try and shake his hand, he’d likely club you over the head with a heavy object as you’d be a threat to him.
“We’re not wired to meet new people. The human brain is actually designed to know a few people really well” – David Fisher
Society has changed quicker than the human brain has had time to develop and so it’s perfectly natural to feel a little nervous when you meet new people for the first time.
The ancient part of your brain is shouting DANGER.
The modern side of your brain is suggesting, calmly, that you NEED to meet new people in order to prospect for new business.
It’s your job to constantly remind yourself that it’s this process of prospecting that puts food on the table and petrol in the nice car you drive.
So how do you overcome this irrational fear of danger?
Overcoming the fear of networking
The simple answer, the one that you really don’t want to hear.
The one you’re probably reading this post to convince yourself that there’s an alternative to.
The hard truth that everyone has to learn, is that the more you network the easier it gets.
There are no shortcuts.
“Most people dread networking because they don’t have consistent success with it” – David Fisher
For salespeople in particular the best thing to do is to throw yourself in the deep end.
Find an industry conference or event that is appropriate for the product you sell, beg your boss to send you there and then speak with as many people as you possibly can.
You’ll do more networking in a day than your colleagues have done in years and you’ll see immediate benefits when you’re back on your home turf.
This is a sure fire way to break the cycle of being nervous, speaking to someone, it being awkward and then avoiding speaking to anyone else.
All strong networkers agree that the first person you introduce yourself to and small talk with each day is the hardest.
After the 3rd or 4th it becomes easy.
Meeting new people is fun.
It’s the 5th or 6th where you start to pick up leads.
It’s at this point simply smiling and holding your hand out is making you cold, hard money.
The Expert
David Fisher’s passion for growth and development has allowed him to influence thousands of others during his professional career. Today, as a coach, speaker, author, and president of RockStar Consulting he continues to create a powerful impact on individuals and organizations as he works to help them become RockStars!
Learn more – IAmDFish.com
For more expert sales training check out – SalesSchool.org
