Let’s call it out … Far too many people rock up to networking events thinking that showing up is enough. Like, “I’ve got a name badge, I’m shaking hands, where are all the clients?”
They’re treating networking like it’s a sales activity. It’s not. Sales is when you’re offering your product or service to someone who needs it. Networking is when you’re building relationships, and if you’re in the room just for yourself, you’re doing it wrong.
The truth is, networking works. It’s a proven method to grow your business—through recommendations and strategic introductions. But only if you know how to do it properly. And here’s the kicker: most people don’t.
I see it all the time. Someone tries a bit of networking, doesn’t get results in a few months, and bins it altogether. But that’s like saying, “I joined the gym twice and didn’t lose weight so the gym doesn’t work.”
Come on.
And while we’re being honest… I’ve been to enough events now to see the same mistakes over and over again.
• People turning up late,
• wearing yesterday’s clothes,
• not even a smile on their face.
• Some don’t know how to hold a conversation,
• can’t explain what they do in a way that’s even remotely compelling,
• have no one in mind to promote,
• show up alone with no game plan,
• leave before the real connections happen,
• or worse, spend the morning gossiping and bad-mouthing others in the room.
The list is longer, believe me. You might read this and think, “Well, I don’t do any of that…” But do you really? Honestly?
• A lawyer studies law.
• A plumber learns plumbing.
So why is it that when it comes to networking, one of the most powerful business development tools out there, people just expect it to magically work with no training?
You’ve got to learn how to do it.
• Learn how to build trust.
• Learn how to help others in the room.
• Learn how to spot a good referral opportunity.
• Learn how to stay in touch.
• Learn how to be valuable.
And once you learn it, keep learning. Lifelong learning isn’t just for degrees and formal stuff. It’s about always improving the way you do business. Always looking for a better way.
If your marketing efforts aren’t giving you a return, ask yourself … ”have I actually invested in learning how to do this properly? Or am I just ticking the box?”
At Asentiv, we run a program that does exactly this.
Teache business owners how to get predictable results from strategic partnerships…
…from strategic partnerships, referral marketing, and networking. Our next intake kicks off on 27th June 2025.
You don’t have to train with us, but train with someone. Learn the skill. Because networking does work… once you know how to work it.
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