Top Traits of a Network Marketer: Part 3

I’ll say it again. A top network marketer does more than just shaking hands and passing out business cards. Networking is really about building your “social capital.” Here are some more tips to be a top network marketer.

Network Marketer: Sincerity

Friendliness without sincerity is like a cake without frosting. You can offer the help, the thanks, the listening ear, but if you aren’t sincerely interested in others, it will show— and they’ll know it! Those who have developed successful networking skills convey their sincerity at every turn.

One of the best ways to develop this trait is to give your undivided attention to the individual with whom you’re developing a referral relationship. Don’t multitask when you’re on the phone; stop browsing the Web, balancing your checkbook, and shining your shoes. When you multitask, nothing gets your full attention, and everything suffers in some way; besides, people can tell when you’re not all there. Make eye contact when you’re speaking to them in person. Sincerely show that you care, and give your complete attention to the individual in front of you.

Network Marketer: Dedicated to Working One’s Network

As mentioned pre­viously, it’s not net-sit or net-eat—it’s net-WORK, and a top network marketer doesn’t let any opportunity to work their networks pass them by. They manage their contacts with contact management software, organize their e-mail address files, and carry their referral partners’ business cards along with their own. They set up appointments to get better acquainted with new contacts and learn as much about them as possible, so they can truly become part of one another’s networks.

Do you see the common thread in these points? You can also see that they all tie in to proactive long-term relationship building, not to stalking prey for the immediate big kill. People who take the time to build their “social capital” are the ones who will have new business referred to them over and over. The key is to build mutually beneficial business rela­tionships. Only then will you succeed as a top network marketer.