Networking and stuff

[mythteller]

I went to a networking cocktail event tonight to push the biography business. It was being hosted by BNI Fusion, a networking group in the West Island. Happily, I ran out of business cards by the end of the evening and spoke to many interested people. Now I need to follow-up and maybe close a deal or two.

A big shout-out to the lovely and talented karine who was also present at this event. It was nice to see a familiar face in the crowd.

Generally, I dislike these networking social events. I feel like I'm being pushy when I speak to strangers about my business, but I realize it has to be done if I want my business to succeed. It just pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me uncharacteristically shy. But if I squirmed too much in my corner, I just repeated the mantra "Comfortable oysters do not make pearls" and went over to speak so someone I didn't know.

Still plugging away.

Comments

[hoppibadge.livejournal.com]

Generally, I dislike these networking social events. I feel like I'm being pushy when I speak to strangers about my business,

gah! Didn't we have this conversation already? I see another brainwashing.. er... I mean motivational session in your future.

Congratulations though on pushing yourself to do it. You'd find it a lot easier if you'd drop your negative attitude towards it. You also need to get past your uncertainty as to whether or not you can make a profitable business out of this. Don't confuse the business with the product. When you meet people, your selling the product (which you believe in). The big picture of the business doesn't interest potential clients and it shouldn't interest you. It just gets in the way.

Sales is about offering a win win solution. You're not there to kid anyone into buying something they don't need or want. The sales people who think that's what they're doing are the worst kind. If you don't believe in what you're doing, it will show.

p.s. You never sent me your business plan. My time is pretty tight just now but I can make time to look at it if you send it to me.

Congrats again. Got to run.

[lunar-phoenix09.livejournal.com]

I can understand this. At our annual broker party for work that I organize, I also have to do this. I find it difficult but I tell myself that I am doing this for the company and it is work. I put my personal self aside for the evening and do what the job requires. Also I find it helpful to sell the people rather than the product... Our business is very relationship oriented, and if th client doesn't like you... No matter how good your product is, he won't buy from you. Just be your normal self and you're bound to succeed. What's not to like? You've got a great sense of humor. Use it to your advantage!

xoxo

Huzzah!

[emeraldblack.livejournal.com]

1stly, congrats on going to the event. Though I am (I'm told) very good at sales I loathe selling with a passion. All the theatre training in the world can never take away the feeling of crass commercialism seeping into one's veins. (Shudder). However, I seem to have made a discovery! You and I went to the same high school I believe. Egad! Who knew? I hope to see you on Feb. 11th.

Re: Huzzah!

[jdhobbes.livejournal.com]

Egads! You went to Katimavik High School?!? When?

Re: Huzzah!

[emeraldblack.livejournal.com]

I was supposed to go to Katimavik at one point but several of my teachers insisted I stay at QHS. I thought you might have gone there actually, I can't see you being a St-Pats type. Wow, Been a long time since I heard (saw) Katimavik in any context! I had no idea you were a Ste-Foyer! Cliff-side picnics (and other shenanigans) by the Aquarium!

Spreading the word

[(Anonymous)]

A friend of mine was telling me about this site: http://www.telltenfriends.com/

They help with the networking bit and it could come in handy.

Best of luck!