An effective and inexpensive marketing idea that has been around for decades is networking. Social networking via the internet including Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and many others seem to be the latest craze, although time and time again, face to face networking has been successful in bringing together many new contacts and business opportunities for professionals of all industries.
There are a vast number of social networking groups active today. The Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, the American Legion and Business and Networking International are just a few. They are in almost every market in the US and the world. The potential for untapped prospects in these networking groups are endless. Several of these groups require no fees or are minimal in annual dues.
Another option would be to start your own networking group. Likeminded professionals meeting once or twice a month at a pre-determined location to “tout” the services or products they provide. Starting your own group gives you control over the size of the group and the types of professionals who will be attending.
As business entrepreneurs, we want more prospects, clients, customers and the like. With the same goals in mind, we can share ideas and meet new and exciting people. Business success always begins with getting in front of people, communicating and sharing our knowledge.
Don’t forget your business cards when participating in a social networking group. Hand out two to every person you’re introduced to, one for them and the other so they can pass it on to a colleague or friend. If you don’t give them something to remember you by, they will most likely forget you.
At each meeting, you will be given the opportunity to give a one to two minute commercial about yourself and your products or services. Rehearse what you are going to say. Then rehearse it again. The spotlight will be on you and you want to make your first impression your best impression.
When researching networking groups or starting your own, try to limit the number of professionals within your own industry. In other words, if you are in the Real Estate business you wouldn’t want seven other Realtors in your group. The same would hold true for Insurance Brokers, Doctors, Contractors or other professionals.
Especially in today’s economy, face to face networking is very inexpensive. The success and knowledge you will be able to gain in a short amount of your time will be priceless. You will hear other success stories, meet new people, make a few friends and will be able to interact with one another to achieve your common goals.
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