Besides office work, let's talk about networking!

So last month I attended a networking event put on by Meeting Professionals International at the Phoenix Zoo. I was nervous going in. One, because it was the first time that I'd be perceived as the Event Specialist from Wingteam. And two, because I knew I'd have to do a 30 second commerical on my company in front of professionals with 10 plus years of experience. However, by the end of the night, I felt accomplished. Accomplished, because I tackled my fear of public speaking and answered questions with confidence regardless if I knew it or not. Okay, so maybe I lied just a little on questions I was unsure of. I had refused to say 'I don't know' for an answer.

So now I was put to the test again. On March 12th, I attended MPI's monthly meeting which was held at US Airways. As I arrived, there was hip hop music playing in the background and dancers performing on the stage. I had my business cards ready and single page leaflets to promote the company once more.

Although I have been wanting to learn sales technique, I couldn't help but to think how I have become a sales person, one of the people I hate. I don't like approaching people and talking strictly business. Why? Because, I don't like it when people see me as a dollar sign. I'd much rather get to know someone on a personal level and then talk about business.

Anyway, so I went around, introduced myself, talked about the company I was representing, and answered questions. I'm not sure how long Wingteam has been a member of MPI, but it was surprising that no one had ever heard of Wingteam. One lady made the comment: "You must have a lot of business especially during these tough economic times." I didn't know how to respond, because I didn't want to let her know we weren't doing so well, and I didn't want to say we were doing great. So I just said we were doing alright.

It was a difficult challenge for me to promote the company again, because I had not been trained to discuss the company's services more elaborately, or how to implemente sales techniques. A month had passed from my last networking activity and my skills had not progressed by any means. I am guessing I needed to be a little more persistent and creative. I recall the symposium from last month talked about partnerships. Now that I look back at the situation, I should have proposed to a professional the possibility of creating a partnership.

There is so much to learn about being the best sales person. Maybe I am just not suited for this position. I just wish I had the right mentor to learn from. I think then I'd be more successful in either bringing in business or engraving Wingteam in people's brains. Right now, I am not liking it so much. I am exhausted with networking. You can learn more about MPI (Meeting Professionals International) by visiting www.mpiweb.org.