B2Bridge

Although one should not network with the sole purpose of immediately doing business with the people one is networking with, it is a powerful means for getting introduced to people one does not easily get in touch with. And since business marketing is about direct sales and building a prospect and client base step by step, it is worth the effort to include networking in a business marketing plan.

Innovative suppliers who are in search of interesting business partners and new potential clients know that networking pays off. Although the one person you are talking to might not be a potential client, he or she might be in the capacity of introducing you to a third party that does need your product or service. Since an innovation is often regarded as a risk, people who feel that you are a trustworthy party will be much more easily convinced to buy.

I discovered the power of networking again last week, when I was on holidays with my kids. By pure coincidence, I got in touch with quite an important business man. We had lunch a week after our return and might be doing business soon.