 | Networking Basicsposted by Isis De La Torre, Group AdministratorSaturday, March 5th 2011 @ 4:37 PM (not yet rated) |
As a New York Business Networking Professional just starting out, you need all the help you can get when it comes to advertising your services. Though print advertising can be effective, it can also be expensive, which is why networking may be your strongest tool to help get the word out about your business. Not only is it cost effective, networking can also have a huge impact on potential clients, which in turn can directly affect the success of your business.
One benefit to networking is the opportunity you have to sell your services face-to-face. When you mail out a postcard, letter, or place an ad in a publication, it is possible that the recipient will look at it and take your business into consideration the next time they have a need for your services, but you can never be sure. When you speak with a person face-to-face, however, you can sense their level of interest, answer questions about your business, and determine which services may be of interest to them.
In my opinion, nothing beats the impact of a face-to-face discussion. Networking allows potential clients to put a face and personality behind a business name, and can help facilitate a stronger relationship. Plus, if you have a conversation with someone, they are more likely to remember you and your business the next time they see an advertisement for your services.
The value of networking lies in the opportunity you have to create a memorable experience for potential clients, which can only help your business in the long run. So where do you start? Before you head out to network with potential clients, take some time to think about your business, the challenges you face, and the goals you want to reach. Remind yourself of why you went into business in the first place, and put down on paper your ideas for selling your business to potential clients. What are your strengths, what sets you apart from your competition, and what services do you want to focus on when speaking to potential clients? Most of all, think about why and how your services would be useful to customers.
If you truly believe that you have a valuable service to offer, one that others need in their day to day lives, and that your service is better than that of your competition, chances are you will be more effective when marketing your business while networking. Your confidence in your business will come through in your conversations if you believe in what you’re selling. So take the time to remind yourself of why your business is valuable before you seek out venues for networking.
It is also a good idea to practice selling your service to others. Imagine yourself having a conversation with a potential client, and practice what you would say and how you would answer anticipated questions. You will likely offer a better presentation if you focus on a few main points. So rather than listing out all of the different services you offer, focus on a few main points that you want to highlight, and move forward from there.
Once you have had an opportunity to prepare yourself to sell your services, it’s time to choose the best networking venues for your business. Think about the industry you are in, and seek out venues that will compliment your services. If you surround yourself with people who may need your services, you will have a better chance of selling your services effectively. Also, if you focus your attention on a particular area of interest, your passion for the industry will come through in the conversations you have with potential clients.
Lastly, networking provides you with a great opportunity to begin building a database of leads for future mailings, so don’t be afraid to ask for contact information. That being said, make sure to follow up with any leads you have soon after you meet. Whether it is by phone, through a letter, or postcard, acknowledge your meeting by following up on your conversation. You can even add personal elements to your follow up materials by hand writing notes, or telling them how much you enjoyed speaking with them during the event. They are more likely to remember you and your business if you take the extra time to follow up with them regarding your conversation. This is a great way to reinforce your services to potential clients.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to networking. It is an inexpensive and extremely valuable way for you to market your services. It not only helps potential clients put a face to a business name, but also has the opportunity to create a lasting impression for your business. So whether you are just starting out, or just want to enhance your client base, networking can be a simple and effective way to turn your business into a successful venture.
