Somewhere along the line, we were led to believe that you absolutely SHOULDN’T try and sell to your network.

I believe the marching orders are that we’re supposed to give value (whatever the heck that means) and the rest takes care of itself.

I guess, the idea is that people will notice you, continually giving value and then they will buy from you and recommend you to others.

That’s a recipe for starvation and at a minimum, it’s how you get “friendzoned” by a bunch of people who, wait for it, wait for it, just want more free stuff.

The problem, as I see it, is that we’re thinking in extremes when it comes to our networks.

One extreme is that you become a total douche and try and “pitch” everyone, every opportunity you get. You know, like those idiots who send you an invite, you accept and then they try to sell you immediately.

The other extreme, is that you give, give, give (without selling) and people will reciprocate.

Instead Of Extremes, There’s Actually A Compromise 

Begin by giving but feel free to let people know, every once in a while, that you aren’t a not for profit!

What if, 80-90% of the time, you offered resources, help, referred business, did things to help them look like rock stars to their network etc and then . . .

Took a 10-20% liberty to subtly move the relationship towards a sale?

In other words . . .

Don’t Be Afraid To Sell, But Don’t Be An Ass About It!

I want to warn you about something (that no one ever wants to talk about).

When you give to your network, no strings attached, you’re still going to encounter idiots.

When you attempt to sell someone in your network (even if you give 99.9999999% of the time, you’re going to encounter idiots, for example . . .

When I launched Castain Training Systems, I sent a note out to my network to let them know what I was doing.  This was the only time, in 3 years of networking that I EVER tried to sell something to my network. I actually sent all kinds of freebies, offered free coaching sessions etc prior to hanging out my shingle.

I received a response from someone who was so offended that I would have the nerve to try and sell them something. He acted as if he caught me banging his wife or something.

What’s the moral?

None! I just like to tell that story. But seriously;

Whether you give without ever trying to sell or you give and occasional try to sell;

You can’t please everyone and as far as I’m concerned . . .

That’s OK I’m not going to let that get in the way of feeding my family!

Time Is Running Out!

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