One of the challenges of marketing any Business is the inevitable budget dilemma. Just how do you effectively represent your brand, gain new customers and grow your business with little or no money for marketing?
One of the answers to this common dilemma of getting new customers with little or no budget is to network and exploit your word of mouth referral channels as much as possible. Here are my tips for next time you are out Networking.
Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve
When I invest the time and some money into attending various Networking Events, I do so with the objective of making 2-3 good connections from each function. I am still surprised by the number of people I meet who seem to have no purpose in attending. Are they there to meet new clients? To meet possible referral partners? Sometimes I just don’t know!
Smile and be nice to everyone
Business circles in cities are small and at networking events even smaller. As such, at these events it pays to be nice to everyone. If you find yourself lost for words or are a little nervous, the best tactic is to smile and ask the other person questions about themselves. Most people are happy to talk about what they do and while they are doing this, you have an opportunity to think of some other questions or to plan your exit strategy!
How to join in on a conversation – politely
One of the challenges of attending networking functions on your own is the prospect of introducing yourself to people you have never met. I find this extremely difficult. One of the ways that I introduce myself to a group of people who may be in mid-conversation is to smile and say, “May I join you?” It is a polite way of interrupting the conversation and breaks the ice. Try it – it works for me.
Don’t have too many wines
It may seem obvious, however, I am often amazed at the number of people who attend business-networking events only to have too many glasses of wine. Have your Friday night drinks with friends at a local pub!
The difference between SPAM and good follow up
One of the reasons marketers attend networking events is to make new business connections. This often requires a phone call or meeting follow up. There are many occasions where I meet people who I may not be able to do business with in the near future but are a contact for future reference nonetheless. One of the ways I keep in contact is through my regular e-newsletter. I do however; seek permission before I enter a new email address onto my database. The easiest and most cost effective way I have found to do this is to send off an email in the days following the event introducing myself again and asking if we can keep in contact through my e-newsletter. So far, I haven’t had any refusals.
Networking can be an effective and inexpensive way of building your brand, lifting your profile and attracting new clients. It is part of the marketing strategy for my business and had been a good source of new and potential customers. Kept in moderation, networking can be an effective way to grow and market your business on a shoestring!
Good luck networking and building your business!
The post Networking on a Shoestring appeared first on Next Marketing Agency.
