Every person I speak to who is just starting a business ALWAYS asks me what marketing strategies I recommend. Sometimes, I am not sure they like the answer because it is not an “easy” strategy to implement, especially as a new business owner. And that answer is NETWORKING.
I suspect the reason people don’t like to think about networking is because of the negative connotations it can have. If you have only been in pushy, “hard sell” networking environments, I don’t blame you! But networking does not have to be an “ugly” word and should include a range of formal and informal strategies.
Find a good local business group (not always possible), join an online network (Business Mums Network is one example), contribute to online forums relating to your field and build a great referral network. As Melissa Khalinsky relates in her blog, an informal method of networking is “name dropping”. She is correct when she says it is “a great way to grow your business by looking after your network. Recommending people in your network has a great way of paying you back, and in many ways you may not realise initially” . Incorporating this strategy into the culture of your business provides genuine, valuable relationship building, as opposed to shoving a business card in the hand of every person you see at your local business meeting!
Yours in Design
Michelle Grice
Networking is by far the most effective marketing I’ve used in my business. It is also very cheap!
A good habit to be in is to thank anyone who does refer potential customers to you – that way, even if they don’t get anything conrete out of it, they feel appreciated and may well do it again! Plus it is just good manners.
Networking is the best way to get started in business. Not only do you meet like minded people but it gives an opportunity for your business to reach people because as most of us know word of mouth advertising/promotion is very valuable.
Using the resources and people you have around is a gret way to gain an advantage over other businesses. Just think how many people you know. They then know more people and so it goes on.
You can also learn from others that you network with. Their experiences can teach you lessons good and bad and once again you can use that to your advantage.