Don’t Sell at Conferences

My number one rule of networking: don’t sell. Or at least, don’t blatantly sell. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen someone approach a well known figure in the industry they have never met and the first thing they try to do is sell the established individual on a product or idea. I can relate to the urge to do this. After all, chances are you have invested your time and money into a project and this person has the ability to help you get investment to further development or get information about your product to a large and/or influential audience. They have the power to make your product a success, so how could you not approach them?

However, take a minute to step into their shoes. If you were constantly being pitched ideas and start-ups and someone you have never met before approaches you and starts to sell you on their idea, how would you react? Would you give them the time of day? More often then not, people wouldn’t.

Now look at a different scenario. One where your fan introduces themselves and tells you about their background and how you’ve helped them find the passion and work on their product. This person then takes the time to take a genuine interest in who you are and what you do so that they can get to know you better. They may even mention they are working on a project and ask for your feedback and input. After you have gotten to build a relationship with them, they ask you for some help with some aspect of their idea. Now how would you react? I’m guessing you would be more likely to help.

People will always help friends over strangers (obviously) so take the time to build a relationship with someone before you ask for favors and you will most likely receive a greater amount of aid from those you seek it from.