When starting your own business, one of the hardest things to do is bring in new clients.
The fact is, you are probably an expert in whatever it is your business does, but bringing in new clients may not be your strong suit.
It is extremely important to make sure you have a steady stream of new business, however, and one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to do this is through networking.
Before the age of the internet, there was only one kind of networking...
face to face.
Now, thanks to sites like Facebook, Twitter, and others, the online world of social networking has come to be.
For the purposes of this article, we will stick to local networking and how to build clients and referrals via face to face networking.
First of all, it is a good idea to lock into a specific organization.
This can be your local Chamber of Commerce or simply a leads or referral group.
While attending random networking events is a good idea, belonging to an organization that will allow you to build solid relationships will do much for you in the long run with respect to getting referrals and repeat clientele.
Secondly, study the fine art of RELATIONSHIP MARKETING.
When starting your own business, you want to focus as much attention on those whom you are speaking with as possible.
While you may want to spend all your time talking about your new business, this won't endear you to others...
listening to what THEY have to say will.
Everyone's favorite subject is themselves, so let those you are speaking with talk about what interests them and when the time comes, it will be your turn to talk about what you do.
The more you focus on others, the more highly they will think of you...
this works almost every time.
Folks will even refer you business even if they have never done business with you...
try it for yourself! Next, you will want to attend networking events on a regular basis, one a week if you can manage it.
The more you are out and about, the more people you will meet.
Focus your attention on them and build the relationship.
That is the most important aspect of networking.
Finally, make sure to FOLLOW UP! Chances are, when get home after attending a networking event, you will have a pocketful of business cards.
When starting your own business, these cards are like GOLD! Make sure to call, email, or mail a note to each person you met referencing the conversation.
Email or a note can be good because you can include info about your business on the email or note, but a phone call is much more personal and more likely to build and deepen the relationship.
Just make sure to follow up.
Don't expect people to call you just because you gave them a business card...
use THEIR card to stay in touch with them.
Remember, networking can be a great way to get people to become clients and referrers, but you have to follow the tips above to make it work for you.
Get out there and meet some people and build your business!
previous post
next post