A few days ago I did a video entitled: The Five Elements of a Winning Networking Strategy (Part 1).

It was an introduction to networking strategy and gave you the business case for a strategy - why do you need one? Why can't you just show up to networking events and win bucket-loads of business?

I also showed you how important it is to Know What You Sell. In this video, I expand on that.

Watch and you'll discover insights and tips and ideas to differentiate yourself from your competition so that you're motivated to network with the most compelling proposition!

If you want to craft a killer networking strategy that maximises your time input and bring you maximum return on your financial investment, then you've first got to sell YOU to YOURSELF! Ask yourself:

• Why should anyone buy from me if they need what I do?
• How can I make them choose me instead of my competition?

If you cannot answer these questions, you'll look and sound like everyone else. is that what you want?

Remember this:

If what you do is OPTIONAL, or what you do has COMPETITORS, people can choose not to use you.

So what is it about your proposition that comes out in your conversations, your marketing, your elevator pitch. The pro networkers have a strong proposition. To recap from Part 1 in this series, 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!

• Are you the first, best, cheapest, latest, oldest, newest, fastest, closest, biggest, smallest or safest?
• Are you the most radical, convenient, innovative, experimental, strategic, thorough, global, positive, entrepreneurial, relationship-based, profit-centric, results-focused or customer-led?
• 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?
  

There is a marginal difference in the recipes for coke and pepsi. Yet plenty of business for them both. Think about that as you go head to head with every one of your competition.

So before you go to your next networking event, tell me this. What are you selling?

Want to be coached and mentored to double and treble your networking business in 2011? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it about the Ultimate Networking and Referrals 90 Day Mentoring Program!