Your business depends on customers to survive. Advertising and marketing strategies can become expensive, and some tactics turn out to cost you more money than the revenue that they generate. Business networking can cut your advertising expenses significantly while growing your customer base. You also do not have to be a good salesperson to network effectively, Just be yourself.
Networking is a good skill for any business owner to have, and knowing where to network can be just as important. Sure, family and close friends can help promote your business and be a great resources of referrals, but ideally you want to expand your network. Getting involved in community activities, volunteering at charity events and joining your local Chamber of Commerce are all ways of growing your network.
Volunteer and Get Free Advertising
Not only can volunteering be rewarding, it can also bring you new customers and referrals. Choose a charity that you like or an activity that you enjoy and participate as much or as little as you want. You can join more than one group and even participate in one-time or annual activities, like city or school fundraisers.
If your line of work involves a specialized skill like website design, event planning or construction work – see if you can share your skill and expertise to assist with the organization’s activities. This is an easy way to introduce your skills to others and become the “go to” person in your trade. Volunteer Match is a website that lists charity activities and event by type and location.
Networking Groups Make Marketing Fun
Networking groups do not necessarily have to be business-focused. In addition to being involved in trade and industry groups, there are alumni groups, sports and activity groups, volunteer organizations, social clubs and even regional associations. Meeting people with common interests makes it easier and more fun to network, so you do not have to feel like you are constantly marketing.
You can get involved in a very active group or one that meets less frequently, like once a month. Rather than simply showing up to group activities, you will be able to “market” yourself more easily by volunteering to be a chairperson or leader of some sort. The more effort you make, the more others will want to make an effort on your behalf.
Use the Internet with Business Social Networking and Other Sites
Social media is growing fast – and no wonder! This method of communication enables people to reach many people very quickly and stay in touch easily for very little cost. Whether you build your social media network around your business or other interests, you can use this popular strategy to casually inform visitors and followers about what you do for a living.
The key is to avoid blatantly promoting your business all the time. You do not have to share what you ate for breakfast every morning either. Share ideas, thoughts and news that will likely interest others and encourage them to return back or become a subscriber.
Websites like Face book, Linked In and Twitter are all online communities where you can connect your business. There is no cost to sign up and no computer experience is required to use these services. Some lesser known sites that are good for reaching other business owners include Focus, Tribe and Networking for Professionals.