Most of us have a great business idea, but that is where you are different than the average person. You have already transformed your idea into action. Now, the most challenging step is how to network your business to create a large client base and make your business a wild success! Networking is an essential skill for business people, especially in the highly competitive craft industry. Here are some strategies to help you improve your networking skills and take your business to the next level.
1. "Treat Others As You Would Like To Be Treated. It has been said, "All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust." So, although scrap-booking is a highly competitive industry, the highest goal should be to treat your prospect/client wonderfully. This will produce an overwhelmingly positive relationship that will turn an average client into a raving fan.
2. Ask questions of your potential client to better understand their business and their goals and objectives. This also helps in the rapport building process. Developing an excellent rapport consequently improves your odds of securing the sales relationship. The more you know, the more your business will grow.
3. Keep accurate notes on information regarding your prospects and their business. By understanding the clients background, goals and objectives, as well as their personal background… you can easily fit your product/service into their business. The fact that you care enough to retain their personal and professional information helps to build credibility and trust.
4. Let other people market your business for you. One of the greatest ways to generate new business is to develop an army of professionals to make you look great! As a business owner, you have an array for products that are fairly inexpensive at your disposal. By enlisting a talented design team, those artists are the best representation of your goods and services at a fairly low cost to you. Let their best work be your calling card.
5. Increase your visibility online by showcasing your products/services on a flashy website. Studies have shown that in the internet world, the site owner only has 40 seconds to thrill the viewer or the viewer moves to the next site! So, it is imperative that the site is visually interesting, current and user friendly.
6. Make sure that the marketing materials that you distribute are eye catching. Again, presentation is everything in this marketplace. If you are using direct mail or email marketing, make sure that the piece you are sending out is the best display or your products and services.
7. Ask for help. In marketing your business, if you don't rave about it… who will? Email or call several sources (magazines, trade journals, online e-zines) and let them know about what you do in your business. Sell yourself and your services to these people who can best help you get the word out on your business.
8. Schedule events to promote your business. Seminars, interviews and workshops both 'live' and online are a great way to promote new business. It increases your visibility, creates new contacts and develops raving fans of your business.
9. Enjoy people's competitive spirit and let them compete for cash and prizes. By using the examples set by major players in our industry, you can create a contest that involves using your products/services. Scrappers are usually happy to use products in hope of the winning cash or products. Having a contest also maximizes your business exposure within the community.
10. Remember the little things. Always express your appreciation for an opportunity to pitch someone your business/services. Some people you reach may become customers today. But the greater chance is by cultivating your relationship, they will become customers tomorrow. By using common courtesy (like sending a thank you note or leaving them a voice mail) you will separate yourself from the rest of the solicitors they encounter.
"Fail to plan or plan to fail." Crucial to any success is planning. In promoting your business you must create specific strategies to success. Then, as though you are following a map to your goal… you must set out to initiate them. By systematically approaching your goals, you will surely have the success you desire.
Laura Solomon www.LLifeCoach.com Certified Personal & Professional Coach |
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