What do you do if you're making common networking mistakes in outside sales?

2 Mistake #2: Not doing your research

Another common networking mistake in outside sales is not doing your research before reaching out to someone. If you want to make a good impression and show genuine interest, you need to know who you're talking to, what they do, what their pain points are, and what value you can offer them. Doing your research will help you avoid generic or irrelevant pitches, ask better questions, and create rapport. You can use various sources of information, such as LinkedIn, company websites, social media, news articles, or mutual contacts.

3 Mistake #3: Not listening enough

A third common networking mistake in outside sales is not listening enough to your prospects and clients. Networking is not just about talking and selling, but also about listening and learning. If you want to build trust and credibility, you need to show that you care about their needs, challenges, opinions, and feedback. Listening will help you uncover valuable insights, identify opportunities, and tailor your solutions. You can improve your listening skills by asking open-ended questions, paraphrasing what you hear, and avoiding interruptions or distractions.

4 Mistake #4: Not following up

A fourth common networking mistake in outside sales is not following up with your contacts after an initial interaction. Networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of building and nurturing relationships. If you want to stay top of mind and move your prospects and clients along the sales cycle, you need to follow up with them regularly and consistently. Following up will help you reinforce your value proposition, provide additional information, overcome objections, and ask for referrals or testimonials. You can use various methods of follow-up, such as email, phone, social media, or handwritten notes.

6 Mistake #6: Not adding value

A sixth common networking mistake in outside sales is not adding value to your prospects and clients. Networking is not just about taking, but also about giving. If you want to stand out from the competition and create loyal customers, you need to add value to your contacts by providing them with useful information, insights, resources, or solutions. Adding value will help you demonstrate your expertise, establish your authority, and generate referrals and repeat business. You can add value by sharing relevant content, offering free consultations, solving problems, or making recommendations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?