5 Ways To Improve Your Networking
Everyone knows the key to sales is people. The key to people is networking, but for small businesses, small networks can be a challenge. So how does a small business reach out to more people and improve the network it is marketing to? Here are five simple ways to try.
Join the Local Chamber of Commerce
The value of joining local organizations catering to small businesses and connecting business owners with others cannot be underestimated. Most Chambers have regular networking events and numerous committees on which you meet so many other local people from your business community. There are often even offers of cross-promotion between businesses. An additional value to Chamber membership is an opportunity to work alongside other businesses to support local efforts and legislation that will benefit the community and promote economic opportunity.
Networking With Social Media
Social media is a great way to increase your networks if you use it consistently, appropriately and responsively. Whether your business is done online or in person, having a good internet presence is expected in the information age. Your potential customers are part of your network so being responsive to them and providing beneficial information through your social media helps to strengthen their trust in your company and share it with others. After all, sales come from those customers and their networks.
Be About Substance
Flash and style are memorable, but not always in the right way. If you’re sincere and have substance to back you up – and to back your product and service – people will remember your small business for all the right reasons. Be knowledgeable about what you are selling and why people need it, but don’t treat every contact like a sales pitch. People know when the sale is your main objective and that doesn’t impress them. Instead, make sure you take the time to listen to their interests and needs. Remember that just as you want them to join your network they want you in theirs so pay attention to ways that you can support them just as much as you hope they will support you.
Build Relationships
Networking is all about the relationships. Do not mistake your attempts to build a network of superficial casual contacts. Be selective in your targets and take the time to build a real reciprocal relationship there. Your network should be quality. Remember, the network isn’t only about the sale, but also the potential partnerships.
Show Community Engagement & Commitment
As a small business you have a unique opportunity to show community engagement in a more meaningful way than large corporations. Big companies may be able to donate more in resources and time but it often is assumed to be a public relations scheme. Small businesses, however, are able to partner with others, get their hands dirty and directly impact their local community in a way that gets your brand, face, and service or product in front of your customers and more. Start out supporting the charity events of other organizations and businesses to build your network with the people involved. You can also partner with a local non-profit to begin your own campaign or service to the community.
The key to your network is the people and the time you take to cultivate the relationships and ensure they are quality relationships. This means you must remember to do your duty as a member of their network as well. Build it slowly but thoughtfully and you will find your circle and influence begins to expand in ways that serve your business well.
Small Business Networking Resources
Book: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi – some great ideas for the solpreneur