Nikki Rausch is ready to teach you how to set networking goals by using her Stride 5 list on this episode of My Biz Bestie. Nikki is Your Sales Maven, a sales coach, author, and speaker. She teaches entrepreneurs and business owners how to sell without being salesy. Nikki prefers to build strong relationships in an authentic way before ever engaging in a sale. Learn how to build authentic relationships first by setting networking goals on this episode of My Biz Bestie.

Why is it important to build relationships first?

You may be thinking that building relationships prior to a sale is a waste of time, but it’s not. Making sales starts with relationships, so understanding how to build authentic relationships is important to the sales process. Consumers are constantly bombarded by advertising these days. They are much more savvy and skeptical and don’t want to buy from every person trying to sell them something. The selling process gets easier when you build a relationship first. Most entrepreneurs are not just selling a product they create a story behind it. When you can tell your story well it engages with your audience. And once your audience connects with you they are more likely to buy from you.

TWEET THIS: LEARN HOW TO USE THE STRIDE 5 LIST TO SET #NETWORKING #GOALS WITH @YOURSALESMAVEN NIKKI RAUSCH ON THIS EPISODE OF #MYBIZBESTIE.

What is the Stride 5 method?

The Strive 5 is method is a way to set an intention around the people you want to connect with. The next time you attend a live event make a list of 5 people who you really want to connect with and have an interaction with. The whole idea behind the Strive 5 is to dream big, In your wildest dreams who would you like to meet? Even the smallest interaction can lead to something bigger down the road. Nikki’s Strive 5 doesn’t always include people she wants to sell to. Often it includes people she simply wants to be around and learn from.

How to use the Stride 5 list to set networking goals

Networking at live events can be tricky. You only have so much time at a conference so creating a Stride 5 list and setting networking goals can help you from feeling overwhelmed. There are a million ways to get sidetracked from your true intentions if you don’t have concrete networking goals. The Stride 5 list is a way to focus your intentions on those you really want to meet. You’ll meet plenty of other people as well. But you can put yourself in situations or take opportunities to connect with the people on your Stride 5 list. Listen to this episode to hear Nikki Rausch explain how she uses her Stride 5 list to set networking goals.

What should people who are just starting out focus on?

When you are just starting out you may have different intentions than someone who has been doing this awhile. It is important to update your list frequently. You can even have multiple lists. When thinking about creating your list focus on the connections you intend to make. Why do you want to meet that person? What can you learn from them? What can you offer them? Remember that building a community is an important way to build your business. The stride 5 list is a great way to help you up your networking goals and build your community.

In this episode…

  • [6:12] What is her Strive 5 method?

  • [10:22] Having a premade list helps you push past your comfort zone

  • [16:44] Does she share her Strive 5 list with others?

  • [19:34] Even a small connection can lead to a bigger one later

  • [21:51] What should people who are just starting out focus on?

  • [25:22] What has come from her Stride 5 list?

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Nikki Rausch

Connect With Maelisa and Amber

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