Networking 101 - Believe in Yourself

 Networking 101 - Believe in Yourself

By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting (Pty) Ltd

Self Esteem  

Grace Hansen once said, “Don’t be afraid that your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin”.

Helen Nicolson says – “You have to believe in yourself enough to believe that you have something of value to offer in any networking relationship.”

If you really think that you are worthless and have nothing that anyone else will want, then that is exactly how other people will see you.  If you do not believe in yourself, you cannot expect anyone else to believe in you.

The way that you introduce yourself and your or service or product to people is of the utmost importance.  You have to be proud of who you are and what you do – this will show in the manner in which you present yourself.  If you are confident in yourself, your abilities or your product this will be evident to the person who you are talking to, conversely, if you are not confident in yourself, your abilities or your product, this will also be evident.

You have to sell yourself before you can sell your product.  People will have to “buy-in” to who you are in order for you to make the sale.  Even if you are nervous, act in a confident manner and have something of value to offer.  As time goes by, your confidence will improve and pretty soon you will find that you are not so nervous and that it becomes easier each time.

Be friendly, make eye contact and show interest in the other person too.

Always remember . . . you are enough!  

Now go out there and show them that!

Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za