Businesses need customers to stay in business. Marketing is not always cheap, and some strategies end up costing significantly more than the revenue that they generate. Connecting with others can help you lower your marketing costs significantly and get your more clientele.
Although networking itself is nothing new, many people shy away from it because they don't know how easy it really can be. Networkers don't even have to be good salespeople. Just be yourself.
Networking is an essential talent for any small business owner to possess, and knowing where to network can be equally as important. Sure, family and close friends can assist in promoting your company and refer new customers to you, but ideally you want to expand your network. Community and charity events as well as the Chamber of Commerce can help you expand your connections.
1. Do Charity Work and Let Others Help Promote Your Business in Exchange
Not only can volunteering be rewarding, others are likely to reciprocate the favor. Choose a charity that you like or an activity that you enjoy and participate as frequently as you like. You don't have to limit yourself to a single activity, and you may want to also consider annual events such as fundraisers.
If your trade involves a specialized skill like website design, event planning or fabrication work - look into ways that you can share your skills and knowledge to assist with the organization's projects. Helping out is an easy way to show off your abilities to others and become the expert in your field.
People like to do business with those they like and trust, so getting people to like and trust you is the first step to winning clients. Sites like Volunteer Match show places you can volunteer by type and location.
2. Make Marketing Fun Through Networking Groups
Networking groups do not necessarily have to be business-focused. Of course there are trade and industry groups, think about alumni groups, sports and activity groups, volunteer groups, social clubs and even regional associations. Meeting people with common interests makes it easier and more fun to network, so marketing doesn't have to feel like such a chore.
Work with a group that meets frequently or an organization that meets monthly. Rather than just making an appearance to group activities, taking a leadership role can help you get to meet more people. The more effort you make, the more other people will want to make an effort on your behalf.
3. Take Advantage of Social Networks
Social media is growing fast - and no wonder! This method of communication enables you to reach many people very quickly and stay in touch easily for very little cost. Whether you start your social media network around your work or hobbies, you can use this tool to casually inform visitors and followers about what you do for a living.
The key is to not be too "sales-y". You do not have to share what you ate for breakfast every morning either (unless that's you're line of work of course). Offer your thoughts and news tips that will likely interest others and encourage visitors to come back or even become a subscriber.
Websites such as Facebook, Linked In and Twitter enable you to connect with potential clients. There is no cost to sign up and no computer experience is required to use these services. Some lesser known sites that are good for reaching other business owners include Focus, Tribe and Networking for Professionals.
Let others get to know you as a person rather than trying to sell to them. When you are involved in activities, you can show members that you are dependable, skilled, easy to collaborate with, friendly, etc. At the same time, these are all traits that someone wants in a business relationship, one reason why business networking can work so well.
Although networking itself is nothing new, many people shy away from it because they don't know how easy it really can be. Networkers don't even have to be good salespeople. Just be yourself.
Networking is an essential talent for any small business owner to possess, and knowing where to network can be equally as important. Sure, family and close friends can assist in promoting your company and refer new customers to you, but ideally you want to expand your network. Community and charity events as well as the Chamber of Commerce can help you expand your connections.
1. Do Charity Work and Let Others Help Promote Your Business in Exchange
Not only can volunteering be rewarding, others are likely to reciprocate the favor. Choose a charity that you like or an activity that you enjoy and participate as frequently as you like. You don't have to limit yourself to a single activity, and you may want to also consider annual events such as fundraisers.
If your trade involves a specialized skill like website design, event planning or fabrication work - look into ways that you can share your skills and knowledge to assist with the organization's projects. Helping out is an easy way to show off your abilities to others and become the expert in your field.
People like to do business with those they like and trust, so getting people to like and trust you is the first step to winning clients. Sites like Volunteer Match show places you can volunteer by type and location.
2. Make Marketing Fun Through Networking Groups
Networking groups do not necessarily have to be business-focused. Of course there are trade and industry groups, think about alumni groups, sports and activity groups, volunteer groups, social clubs and even regional associations. Meeting people with common interests makes it easier and more fun to network, so marketing doesn't have to feel like such a chore.
Work with a group that meets frequently or an organization that meets monthly. Rather than just making an appearance to group activities, taking a leadership role can help you get to meet more people. The more effort you make, the more other people will want to make an effort on your behalf.
3. Take Advantage of Social Networks
Social media is growing fast - and no wonder! This method of communication enables you to reach many people very quickly and stay in touch easily for very little cost. Whether you start your social media network around your work or hobbies, you can use this tool to casually inform visitors and followers about what you do for a living.
The key is to not be too "sales-y". You do not have to share what you ate for breakfast every morning either (unless that's you're line of work of course). Offer your thoughts and news tips that will likely interest others and encourage visitors to come back or even become a subscriber.
Websites such as Facebook, Linked In and Twitter enable you to connect with potential clients. There is no cost to sign up and no computer experience is required to use these services. Some lesser known sites that are good for reaching other business owners include Focus, Tribe and Networking for Professionals.
Let others get to know you as a person rather than trying to sell to them. When you are involved in activities, you can show members that you are dependable, skilled, easy to collaborate with, friendly, etc. At the same time, these are all traits that someone wants in a business relationship, one reason why business networking can work so well.
About the Author:
Bob Garrett researches small business strategies for Home Business Center, Inc., an online resource for home business owners since 1997. Visit the site to check out a list of creative marketing ideas.
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