The Three Foot Rule
In many sales-oriented networking books and course, people are taught that networking is a selling tool and part of that lesson is what’s known as the Three Foot Rule: “Anyone within three feet of you is an opportunity to make a sale.”
We feel that not only is this bad advice for the networker, one that seriously decreases the chance for quality connection (many “3-Footers” mysteriously find themselves unable to get within three feet of anyone in a very short period of time), but that it also creates a negative feeling to the whole concept of networking in the minds of others.
As a result, people begin to avoid any event or activity labeled “networking” because they neither wish to participate in this hard-sell technique, nor do they wish to be exposed to it, especially in a concentrated form, in doing so we all lose out on valuable opportunities for service, connection and growth.
So, in the true spirit of connection-based networking (adding value to interactions in order to create and strengthen our connections with others), we hereby present our own Three Foot Rule, and hope you’ll join us in finding ways to make it our mission for the future of networking:
“Every person within three feet of you is an opportunity to serve.” Dr. Ivan R Misner
7 Comments to “The Three Foot Rule”
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Is it bad if I come from the Hazelllllllllllllllllllll Walker school of like 3 centimeters rule? There isn’t a person within an eyelash that isn’t a potential mark. I don’t need to sell. I want to be-friend you. Let me help you, because I enjoy it – then I have someone in my backfield that is ready when I come calling.
I love your 3ft rule WAAAY better!
@coxymoney
[disclosure: Hazel is my #bizmom1 - because she's crazy awesome like that. I'm kind of lucky.]
I agree; I lean toward thinking everyone is someone I can help or make a connection for or even ‘serve’ but I guess I’m not hard core enough to think everyone is a sale. I also think I don’t want to work with anyone, I am kind of selective too.
I am always impressed when a person knows when they will say No to a prospect. Most business people will take anybody everybody and somebody. They are reluctant to say know. Good job on being picky about who your clients will be.
So glad to know that you are reading my blog and glad that I have the opportunity to mentors you!
Love it Hazel. I think Ivan puts the emphasis back where it belongs – and he does it 12 words to boot!
Imagine how networking meetings (or the world, for that matter) would be different if we came from service instead.
Rock on sister,
Shannon
Very good post. Thanks for this.
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.