Throughout the many years since I first became a
business owner in 1990, I have noticed the incredible value of having strong
relationships with contacts. Networking with these contacts, or approaching
someone new for networking purposes, is an important aspect of any marketing
plan.
Personally, I've run a household management service
company, helped manage a drum teaching and repair business, was a radio host,
blogger and a writer in several fields (reviewing, blogging, freelance,
published author). Many of the strong relationships we built in each of these
industries over these 30 years are still valued contacts today.
Understanding what networking involves is vital, you
need to know about and be prepared for the hidden behind-the-scenes activities
that make it all happen. Before starting out on a campaign, reflect on how your
communications need to reflect your company's image. This can include color
scheme, design, logos, links and other intricacies that reflect your branding.
Consider also the visual effect of your communications: whether it appears
clean, concise, appealing and uncluttered. Clean, crisp and simple is the best
way to go.
Networking means you need to have something to offer.
Will you include their name in your ad? Can you feature some aspect of their
business activities, policies or community projects on your customer
e-bulletin? Are you able to partner with them for a special sale, or get your
staff together for a volunteer activity? Can you offer them great resources,
for no other reason than to just help them out? Will you refer customers to
them? Perhaps you can be a mentor, provide advice, offer services, discounts to
their staff, coupon exchanges. Networking campaigns will vary over the years
and you may find that you have to come up with reasons to reach out and
re-connect with those contacts (at least annually).
It is equally important to have a plan in place so
that when someone reaches out and does something nice you can express your
gratitude quickly and efficiently.
Keep a brief record of communications you have had
with your networking group. It is easy to use a simple program like Excel to
create a brief worksheet where you can enter names, contact and latest campaign
project. Colour-code the worksheet so you can see at a glance who needs to be
followed up with. Each time you reach out, be sure to offer something - a
helpful link, a contest they might be interested in, a discounted product, a
gift of some kind, a networking idea they may want to join in, or check to see
if they need more content for their blog.
Finding new networking contacts is rarely an issue.
Start with your current pile of business cards, your suppliers, employees, and
customer lists. Don't forget your personal phone book where you have a list of people
you already know. Drop each of them a quick note letting them know how much you
appreciate them, what it is that you appreciate about them, and how you hope to
work together in some way, or maybe you are reaching out just to let them know
how you are doing and what you are up to.
Drop into local employment centres to learn about
businesses in the area that compliment or compete with yours. Small business
advice groups, workshops and events can be found through the local library and
government offices. Don't forget to network with the staff while you are there
- at least introduce yourself, invite them to reach out and give them your
card. If you go to any events, have a ton of business cards on hand. Write on
the back of your card (or theirs) a note about the conversation and what you
promised to do, i.e. you may have said "I'll reach out to you tomorrow to
let you know who my son's baseball coach is." and you've made a note of it
on the card he gave you too. After the event, it is easy to glance through the
collected cards remembering everyone you met and reach out, referring to the
conversation and fulfilling your promise.
Watch for articles and interviews with people who
specialize in a similar field as you - learn about steps they've taken,
successes and mistakes they've experienced, resources they might recommend.
Visit their websites and try to figure out why they chose that layout, the
design, the images, etc. Reach out to them to let them know they have
influenced you, that you liked their article or interview, or that you'd love
to connect with them on social media. Search like-minded websites for
resources, helpful links and articles. Check out their media pages to see where
they've gotten exposure; perhaps the media listed there would be interested in
you too.
Lillian and her husband Dave are the team behind
Brummet Media Group, high-fiving cheerfully as they pass each other on the way
from checking off one item or other from their long to-do list. Their business
includes Dave's music studio and percussion accessory products and graphic
design work as well as numerous award-winning non-fiction books and popular
blogs. Today we help them celebrate their latest book release - From One Small
Garden, with over 300 delicious, nutritious recipes! Visit the Brummets at
BrummetMedia.ca
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lillian_Brummet/13924
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10425990
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