Five Key Elements for Becoming a Network MarketerSo readily dismissed or underrated as a business skill to have, networking is a crucial way of establishing contact with potential suppliers, customers and braking into new markets. Successful networking allows for you to colonise and reach further niches of the market, as well as maintaining a strong, loyal customer base on which to rely on. I recently carried out a survey on some 2,000 people asking people to identify and list the various attributes they consider to be the most important to have in relation to successful networking the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships was identified as paramount to successful networking. I then asked them to list these traits in order of significance/priority and the results were very clear indeed: 1. Clearly distinguishing itself as the top dog of all the networking traits, the ability to chase up and act on referrals and opportunities is vital. It is human nature to want to help those who are helping themselves, and if a person is proactive and committed to chasing up business leads then this tenacity will be well rewarded. The converse is true, if a person is lackadaisical and delays in chasing up opportunities, or indeed does not do so at all, then this half hearted efforts will alienate people. 2. Remaining a positive outlook: people do not want to associate or deal with a negative person, a person who habitually sees the worst in things unnecessarily. Whilst being pragmatic and well attuned to potential and actual risks in the business world is an excellent skill to have, as it means you are realistic as to your assets and objectives, be careful you do not cross that fine line into pessimism. As the saying goes, misery may love company, but in the business world, it will be you and lonely self.
3. Being enthusiastic: Closely linked to #2, people who seem to actually enjoy their work are more likely to chase up leads, go that extra mile, and be willing to work that extra harder to secure the final deal. If people see that you thrive on business and are prepared to work extra hard, then they will be much more likely to do business with you, as they can rely on you to try your absolute best. After all, how can you sell a product, if you do not believe in it yourself? 4. Trustworthiness: A solid reputation is like gold dust in the business and referral world, if you have an excellent track record, people will be more willing to deal with you, even if competitors offer lower or more competitive prices. Be selective in your choice of affiliate partners, because you are both staking your reputation on the other. If one succeeds, the other benefits as well, but the consequences for failure are also equally shared as well. Being trustworthy will open doors, as more people are willing to put their faith in you.
5. Communication: Being able to convey information and process it in an articulate, efficient manner whilst working under pressure are vital skills to succeed. The quicker you and your business partners are able to understand one another’s requirements and limitations, the easier you will be able to establish a solid, reliable and profitable relationship.
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