One of the easiest ways to increase sales is through networking, and one of the best ways to network is to do what comes naturally to you. 

Some ideas that can be helpful for networking are:

1. Join groups that you would be interested in joining

For example, if you like to run, join a running group; if you like to play bridge, join a bridge group; if you would like to go to church, become a member of a congregation. Joining a group just for the sake of networking generally doesn't work. You have to want to be there.

2.Volunteer to speak at events

You can start by speaking to small groups and then in time you can become more selective. Over time you'll be accepted to speak at larger groups and events. Toastmasters is an excellent group to help you improve your speaking ability.

3. Write articles

There is something that makes someone seem like an expert when they write an article on a specific topic. Articles are easy to write if you are passionate about what you are writing about. There are also hundreds of publications that are hungry for material. Again, you will have to start small with local publications and work up to larger publications. And if no one wants to publish you just yet, you can spend time building up your own blog.

4. Keep a Rolodex (or CRM) and keep it organized

Ideally include not only names and address, but also a few points of interest about the person and their business.

5. Keep in touch with people

The best way to do this is to know what interests they have and then send them personalized emails or notes with articles of interest attached. Do this with no intention of them buying. Because the more they know you, the more a lead will tend to buy over time.

6. Become an expert

Becoming an expert in any field is simple to do...but tedious. It takes time. First pick a topic that you are passionate about and then spend an hour a day reading trade journals; going to trade shows; and learning about that topic. Over time, you will become more and more of an expert in that field and people will turn to you for solutions.

7. Be generous

People tend to link happy occasions with gifts. So be prolific with gifts. Intend to give more than you receive.

8. Follow-through

If you are trying to sell a product to a lead, make sure that you follow up with them so you can make the sale. Many times people will provide the information on the product and will tell the lead that they will get back to them, but don't, so the sale falls through.

9. If you are going to be out there, work the room

What we mean by this is—why go to a function and sit only with the people that you already know? No need to sit in the corner when you can mingle with new people and get to know them. This skill does not come naturally to introverted people; however, it is something that can be easily learned by stepping out of your comfort zone.

People tend to buy from people they know. So become more known to sell more. This is one way smaller companies can beat larger companies, by having a personal touch.