Do you struggle with networking? You have to network but you don't know where to start? You keep going to events but get nothing from them? If so, you're not alone!

Most people feel this way, so you're absolutely ordinary and normal. What makes things a whole lot easier is a winning networking strategy!

In the first of this multi-part blog, I'm going to dissect networking strategy for you so you really get it.

When done right, networking can be one of the best low-cost and no-cost forms of marketing there is. Trouble is, few people do it right!

Few people give any thought to networking skills and strategies. Most prefer to cold call and sink money into advertising. Nothing wrong with those, of course. But what about the leads you can generate and business you can win through face to face and online networking?

Whether tweeting on Twitter. looking on LinkedIn or fraternising on Facebook, you can raise your profile, build relationships and enhance your reputation. Conferences, seminars and networking events can be powerful opportunities to make an impact and create business opportunities.

After years of observing and training world-class networkers, I've discovered that there are Five Elements of a Winning Networking Strategy. I'm going to talk you through them over the next few weeks.

Step 1. Know What You Sell

First you've got to sell yourself. Ask yourself:

• How do I generate any kind of impact and create a good first impression?
• How do make myself engaging and memorable?

To become ‘extraordinary', recognise that good networking comes out of knowing the right events to go to, having the right things to say and implementing them with the right actions.

Second, you've got to sell your products and services. You need a pitch or opening. An elevator speech. The pro networkers have a strong proposition. Ask yourself:

• What is it about what you're selling that makes you special?
• Why should I choose you above and beyond all of my other choices, including doing nothing?

In a crowded, predatory marketplace, you're looking for attention. You're looking to stand out in some small but significant way. Differentiate or lose!

1. Are you the first, best, cheapest, latest, oldest, newest, fastest, closest, biggest, smallest or safest?
2. Are you the most radical, convenient, innovative, experimental, strategic, thorough, global, positive, entrepreneurial, relationship-based, profit-centric, results-focused or customer-led?
3. As well as the stuff your competitors do, are you also an author, thought leader, innovator, campaigner, speaker, coach, mentor, consultant, connector, referrer, philanthropist, problem-solver and comedian?

You've got to have some edge. Some hook. Something to set you apart. Only needs to be slight. Just enough.

The next video will expand on this - The Five Elements of a Winning Networking Strategy (Part 2).