Is Your Gatekeeper Closing Doors?

This is going to sound strange because we are all so busy, but, your no solicitation rule may be killing your chances for new networking opportunities.
If you had the opportunity to meet with 10 top networkers every week, imagine the possibilities for increasing your networking. You probably already have them coming to you and you may even be sending them off abruptly (maybe even rudely).
Remember, "We reap what we sow", treat others as you would have them treat you. If you take no interest in what others do or offer, how can you expect anyone to listen when it's your time prospecting.
Whether I intentionally do it or not, I am much more inclined to recommend a restaurant to our members of Dine Wilmington Online.com if the Owner or Manager has been respectful and considerate to our staff and others. I know those who have been rude, obnoxious and sometimes deplorable - I keep a mental note and it is a personal choice that I do not support them. On the flip side, keep the negative to yourself and make an effort to choose who you want to be when you leave an impression.
A sales call can not only lead to an unexpected networking opportunity but, a reciprocal relationship. Chances are that when someone gets to your name or your door, it's not the only one that they have been to. In fact, if you are not always trying to reach out and make more connections in unique ways, you may just stay in the same circle that you have been in and failing to find new opportunities. The one caveat you should adhere to - honesty! A good sales call will still want to meet for the opportunity of building a relationship even if you let them know that you may not need their services. It is always a givers gain, whenever I accept an appointment I always try to provide an excellent qualified referral for them!
So open your mind and your door to new opportunities and instead of not being interested give someone a couple of minutes from your day to find out about their business and let them know about yours.