Networking matters: The speaker doesn't

A colleague recently told me he finds out who the speaker is at an event, and then he makes his decision to attend. Wrong. Of course I attend to hear the speakers, but they could be talking about cardboard, and I’d still be there. I go for different reasons. I want to meet people, learn about them, build relationships, and continue to expand my sales network.

Showing up counts, but only if you show up regularly and become involved. Err on the side of joining fewer organizations and attending each networking meeting. All groups need volunteers. By volunteering, you will get to know people, and they will know you as someone who has good ideas and follows through — respected characteristics in any endeavor, but especially in sales.