Steve Fretzin, Founder and President of Sales Results, Inc., has put together a list of the 5 tips that will ensure you're making the most of your networking efforts: * Decide Where to Spend Your Time: Try out a number of events before you decide which one to join and make sure to speak with the people who actually run the groups. Before you arrive, ask yourself "Who am I looking to meet?" and consider who your best prospects and potential strategic partners would be. * Understand the Basics of a Networking Event: Remember, while there may be great snacks and fun people, you're there to work so make sure you don't lose sight of your goals. Don't be a wallflower, you need to be the one to approach new people and introduce yourself and when you do, start off by first asking them about their business. * Listen, Listen, Listen!: When meeting new people, the best thing you can do is to listen to what they have to say. Ask pertinent questions and make sure you're really listening to their answers. This will give you an opportunity to let them know how you can solve the challenges they're facing. * Find Natural Affinities: One of the easiest ways to establish a successful rapport is to find out where your common interests lie. This takes off the pressure of the sell and allows you to gain your prospect's trust. * Refrain From the Hard Sell: A networking event should not be a platform for a hard sell where you talk about how great you and your product or service are. Instead, practice a soft-sell approach where you first find out about them and their needs and then insert yourself into their solution. For more information visit www.salesresultsinc.com | 
