Increase Business Through Networking!

Looking for a way to meet new prospects? Go to a networking event!

It instantly creates personal relationships. You aren't just a name on a card or a business on the internet. You are a real person and the companies who are focusing on building personal relationships are the ones doing more business.

I attended my first one just two weeks ago. A monthly networking group put together by the Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center. There were about 75-100 people who attended and the cost is FREE. Businesses of different sizes and stages were there. Startups, established businesses, small businesses to large businesses. Yes, anyone can attend!

I had my reservations about going since I hadn't attended a networking function before. I had almost talked myself out of it, but decided I had nothing to lose and glad I went.

It was a great experience. The food was great, the people were nice. Everyone is there for the same reason making it really easy to start up a conversation.

They even had a quick 15 minute talk about tips on doing business in tough times. Then separated us up in small groups of 6-8 people where we were given 2 topics to discuss which made it easy to break the ice. We all passed out our business cards to each other and talked about our businesses and challenges and how we are overcoming them. There were some great ideas and it was reassuring to know that everyone was facing the same challenges.

In just 1-1/2 hours I walked away with 3 good contacts. One is placing his first order with me this week!

I am already thinking about what will make your business more memorable at these events. For starters wear a shirt with your logo on it. Seeing, not just hearing your company name will help your prospects remember you. Handing out a useful promotional product will keep your name in front of them and initiates the law of reciprocity. Everyone hands out a business card. Do something different!

There are several networking groups out there. I have been told www.infobayarea.com has great networking events. I was introduced to the owner, Cesar Plata, and definitely plan on attending.

There is a FREE networking class this Thursday from 8:00-9:30 through the Business Journal. Go to: http://sanjose.bizjournals.com/sanjose/event/6302 to receive more info. and to register.

If you have attended any free or low cost networking groups that you feel are will help others let me know and I will post their info. on my blog.

Find a networking group that your potential prospects attend and get out there!

To your success,
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
T:408.586.9464
F:408.212.9601
E-mail: shana@completeworkplace.com
http://www.completeworkplace.com/

Build your business in a slow economy! Part 4

This one is important whether you are in a good economy or bad, but it's vital during the bad. Guard and cater to your current customers! Everyone is looking to increase their client base for several reasons. Clients are cutting back their spending, going out of business, or they are price shopping and going with whomever will give them the best deal. Now is the time to make sure you are guarding your clients and catering to their needs!

Here are the top 5 ways to insure that you don't lose their business:

1. Find ways to constantly touch them without marketing to them. Send them a card on the holidays and their birthdays. Send them a "I've been thinking of you" e-mail, or an interesting article that relates to them or their business. Make it personal and show you truly care about them.

2. Talk to your clients. If you have a good relationship with them you will be able to ask them what you can do to help them. What you can do better and what you excel at. Then brainstorm and implement the ideas. Follow up the talk with a thank you card expressing your attitude for their honesty and openness.

3. Profit margins are going down and your clients are shopping around. What better way to entice them into spending some money.....implement a "24 hour customer appreciation" sale! Make sure the item(s) you put on sale are good quality and items that they want.

4. Always be available. If your clients normally call your office phone from 9am-5pm. Send your clients a personal note with your cell phone number and tell them that you want to be available when they need you so feel free to call at night or on the weekends. This will help build the relationship and loyalty with your clients.

5. Keep marketing to them. If you stop your marketing efforts you will be forgotten. Mix it up. An e-mail followed by a direct mail piece followed by a fax then a phone call. Keep it interesting. Do things that noone else is doing.

Keep things personal. It's your personal relationship with them that will keep them coming back to you and will prevent your competition from stealing your clients. Make your clients feel special because they are. Do things that noone else is doing. Your clients will notice and thank you for it.

If you would like help putting a promotion together to "touch" your clients contact me and I would love to help.

Promotions that get results!
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
Milpitas, Ca