Hey there, fearless entrepreneurs! Brenda, The Soulutionist here, is ready to drop some truth bombs about networking. It is time to Stop the PITCH SLAP. A “Pitch Slap” is a metaphorical term that describes rejection or disinterest when you prematurely launch into a sales pitch or business proposal before establishing rapport or trust with the person you’re talking to, emailing, or messaging. I first heard about it from my friend Laura Morlando, The Stress Commando, as I complained about my experience on LinkedIn and other networking events.

We’ve all been there, that awkward moment when you launch into your pitch, only to be met with a blank stare, a hasty retreat, or an unanswered connection request. It’s like a “PITCH SLAP” to the face! But fear not, my friends. Today, we’re diving into the art of building trust before you make the ASK.

Why Trust is the Secret Sauce

Imagine this: You’re at a networking event and spot someone you’d love to connect with. You stroll over, flash a smile, and immediately launch into your elevator pitch. Record scratch. Not so fast, my friend!

Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, business or otherwise. Think of it like dating. You wouldn’t propose on the first date, right? (Well, most of us wouldn’t!) The same goes for networking. People need to know, like, and trust you before they’ll be open to hearing your pitch. I invite you to consider this the next time you seek to make a connection:

Action Steps to Build Trust

1. Be a Human, Not a Salesperson: Nobody likes feeling like they’re being sold to. Instead, focus on building genuine connections. Ask questions, listen actively, and show a genuine interest in the other person.
2. Find Common Ground: Look for shared interests or experiences. Building on common interests creates rapport and makes people more receptive to what you say.
3. Offer Value First: Don’t just focus on what you can get out of the interaction. Look for ways to help the other person. Share a helpful tip, make an introduction, or offer a listening ear.
4. Be Patient: Remember, trust is not built in a day. It takes time and consistent effort. Don’t expect to close a deal on the first interaction. Instead, focus on nurturing the relationship and letting things unfold naturally. This patience will reassure your potential connections and make them feel less pressured, knowing you’re not rushing them.
5. Follow-Up: After the event, take time to send a personalized follow-up email or message. This simple act shows that you value the connection and are interested in staying in touch, making your potential connections feel important and valued.

Brenda’s Bonus Tips

• Be yourself: Authenticity is key. People can spot a fake a mile away.
• Have fun: Networking should be enjoyable! Relax, be yourself, and let your personality shine.

• Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable: Sharing a personal story or challenge can help build deeper connections.
• Practice active listening: Put your phone away and give the other person your full attention.
• Be generous with compliments: Everyone loves to feel appreciated.

Remember, building trust is an ongoing process. It’s about creating meaningful connections and showing that you’re invested in the other person’s success. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a network of trusted relationships supporting your business for years.

In the meantime, go out there and start building those bridges! And remember, the next time you’re tempted to launch into a pitch, take a deep breath and focus on building trust first. The joy of successful networking awaits you!

Until next time, keep shining and keep solving!

Brenda The Soulutionist