subject: Sell Yourself and Nothing Else When Networking [print this page] If you take a good look at any marketing or business plan, you will notice that there are milestones along the way to the ultimate goal. There is the initial stage, followed by an action plan and definite dates which mark progress. If something is not accomplished by the set date, it signifies being off track and is a clue to adjust and improve the plan.
The bottom line is that it is a realistic plan set up with a time frame and actionable parameters. If a professional networks and implements a self marketing plan similar to the above, the reason to market one's self opposed to products and services becomes clear. It is merely a stage of a bigger, more elaborate plan.
Furthermore, if you consider the normal relationship cycles of people, doing anything otherwise is probably counter-productive. Business networking is about building quality relationships that could prove commercially productive in time. Whether that time be longer or shorter is dependent upon all of the factors within the alliance.
Business goals are established well before the networking even begins but knowing that one must form positive bonds with key individuals in order to achieve those goals, is further reason to simply "set the stage" for future milestones. Therefore, the average business person who is attempting to sell a product or service while they are engaged in a networking event, is showing their lack of vision for gaining a greater objective.
The above is further motivation and reason to proactively get involved in business networking with a networking goal in mind. You have probably heard it discussed many times that an individual should never "go networking" without a solid goal for the event. Taking a look at this perspective, it may make more sense to you now.
There are numerous ways to make a great impression and market yourself so that you can begin the likability and trust factor. These two elements are extremely necessary to tie down and ensure larger, more profitable things happening down the line. Profitable things that are the latter milestones in your grand plan.
