Product Pusher V.S. Value Adder - Dan Lok

Summary

This networking event emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships over transactional exchanges. The facilitator highlights common networking pitfalls, such as product pushing and collecting business cards without follow-up. Participants are encouraged to 'Always Serve First' (ASF), focusing on helping others and adding value before asking for anything in return. A unique networking game is introduced where participants must ask meaningful questions and offer real assistance to others, promoting authentic connections. This approach challenges traditional sales-driven networking and encourages fostering trust and long-term business relationships.

Takeaways

• 😀 Networking events often become opportunities for people to push their products without establishing meaningful relationships.
• 😀 Many attendees at networking events are focused on collecting business cards rather than engaging in genuine conversations.
• 😀 Business card collectors rarely follow up after networking events, which results in wasted opportunities.
• 😀 Some people aggressively distribute their business cards without taking the time to truly connect or understand others' needs.
• 😀 Approaching networking with a 'product-pushing' mentality feels insincere, leaving others feeling like just a number or email address.
• 😀 Despite knowing that aggressive product pushing doesn't work, many people continue doing it out of habit or hope for a lucky business lead.
• 😀 Successful networking is built on adding value upfront, not on rushing to sell products or services.
• 😀 The core principle for successful networking is 'Always Serve First' (ASF) – focus on helping others before offering your product.
• 😀 Being 'needy' in networking situations, especially when desperate for clients or business, makes you come across as insincere and 'creepy.'
• 😀 The key to effective networking is to ask questions, listen actively, and offer real help based on what others need.
• 😀 In the networking game, the objective is to connect and add value by offering solutions, making meaningful introductions, or following through with actionable support.

Q & A

What is the main issue with traditional business networking events, as described in the script?

The main issue is that most people approach networking with the intention to sell their products or services immediately. This often leads to shallow conversations, no meaningful relationships, and ineffective follow-up, resulting in little to no business outcomes.

What is a common behavior of people at networking events, according to the speaker?

A common behavior is collecting as many business cards as possible without forming genuine connections or following up afterward. Many individuals believe that simply having more contacts will lead to business opportunities, but this approach typically fails.

What term does the speaker use to describe people who focus on pushing their products in networking events?

The speaker refers to these individuals as 'Product Pushers,' who prioritize pushing their products without building real relationships or offering value upfront.

Why does the speaker say 'needy is creepy' in the context of networking?

The speaker explains that when people come across as desperate for business or clients, it makes them seem insincere and overly eager. This creates discomfort in conversations and reduces the chance of forming meaningful connections.

What is the core principle behind the Vancouver Entrepreneurs Group's networking approach?

The core principle is 'Always Serve First.' Instead of focusing on selling products, participants are encouraged to add value upfront, build relationships, and genuinely help others without an immediate expectation of return.

What does the speaker suggest is a common mistake people make in networking events?

A common mistake is talking too much about one's own business, product, or service. This often leads to an unbalanced conversation and can turn off potential connections. The speaker encourages focusing on asking questions instead of promoting one's own business.

How should participants conduct themselves in the networking game introduced by the speaker?

Participants should avoid talking about their products or services and instead focus on asking questions to understand the needs of others. The goal is to offer help or value without the expectation of an immediate business transaction.

What role do questions play in the networking game?

Questions are central to the networking game. Participants are instructed to ask meaningful questions that help uncover the needs of others. The goal is to listen and offer help where possible, without talking about what they sell or offer.

What does the speaker mean by 'value adders' and how do they differ from 'product pushers'?

Value adders are individuals who focus on building relationships and offering value first, without immediately trying to sell something. Unlike product pushers, value adders seek to help others solve problems or connect with resources, which leads to more meaningful and effective networking.

How does the speaker suggest participants follow up after networking interactions?

The speaker encourages participants to offer tangible help right away. For example, if someone mentions a need, participants should actively connect them with resources or contacts they know. This kind of follow-through builds trust and strengthens relationships.