We all know that networking is about building trust and getting people to know, like, and trust us. But sometimes we forget. We get excited and go right into our sales pitch. You should buy my widgets. (I use the word widgets so that I don’t offend anyone. If you sell widgets don’t worry. I’m not talking about you.) Of course, when no one buys our widgets, we get mad and stop networking because it’s stupid and doesn’t work.

Let me suggest a different approach. Next time you attend a networking event, focus on helping the people you’re speaking with. Ask them a few questions about their businesses. Find out who would be good clients for them. Try to think of people you know who may be good referral sources for them and ask if they’d like to meet those people. Typically, people will be so excited that you offered to help them, without trying to sell them anything, that they’ll ask how they can help you. Notice that you didn’t have to ask for help. They volunteered.

You might be thinking, “But Kevin, what if they don’t offer to help you back?” That’s okay, just consider it a deposit in the karma bank. Never keep score or expect a referral from everyone you give a referral to. Life doesn’t work that way. Always do the right thing for the right reason and things will work out for you.

Watch today’s  video networking tip to learn more  The Golden Rule of Networking

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon at Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group and the New England B2B Networking Group please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.