Some marketing strategies get super charged during the holidays and others just fizzle. One of the best marketing strategies to use during the holidays is network. Just think about it - people are typically happier this time of year, they are more open and giving, and they are more social. What a perfect combination.
BUT WAIT! If you do not follow a few simple rules, this time of year can end up being the worse time for your business. So here are 3 tips to getting the most from your holiday networking.
1. Remember, the same people that you are being social with MAY be your next big client or refer you the next big client. Watch what you drink and say. Although you might be at a party, limit your alcohol consumption and be friendly, but stay professional. Avoid having too much and saying something or doing something that will hurt your reputation or leave the wrong impression in the minds of your new contacts.
2. Get to know people, but don't push business. People are more social now than any other time. Use this time to get to know them - not just about business. Ask about their family, holiday plans, favorite memories. Avoid going to a networking event with the typically networking attitude, slow down a little and learn about them.
3. Although it is the season to celebrate, don't forget about business completely. Find reasons why you might want to reconnect after the event and ask if you can contact them later. This will open the door to future business discussions when the time is right.
By using these 3 tips you will be able to meet more people, have them liking you and looking forward to talking with you at a later date.
Kimberly Deas is a Marketing Consultant that specializes in custom designing marketing strategies, providing virtual marketing assistants and an online marketing software for business owners. You can reach her at www.PromozillaMarketing.com.
Showing posts with label Business Networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Business Networking. Show all posts
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Small Business Tip - Referrals and Ambassadors
Here's more wisdom from my friend Harold Larson of Visiam ...........
“Referrals” - We hear the word all the time! It is true that in the age of communication, we must compete with the background noise of the internet, social networking and blogs, so any path that can usher your message to a potential customer is a cool breeze on a hot day. So today, I would like to introduce the concept of creating ambassadors as referral engines.
“Ambassadors” will look for opportunities to sell your services because they have a deep understanding of your value proposition and who you are. This is more than a satisfied customer that will passively endorse your product, give you a lead or act as a reference if it is convenient.
Granted many of your professional relationships do not have the profile or comfort zone to “sell” your services, however a positive comment or a recommendation from an introvert to one of your relationships could be understood as screaming your “value” from a mountain top!
So what creates Ambassadors and what fuels their participation in your success?
First, you should mirror the activity you would like to create or see in your ambassadors, by:
• Providing robust introductions - in a way that jump starts a personal and professional relationship so that they might afford you the same.
• Understanding their business – by respecting their opinion and professional journey to invite that same amount of interest in yours.
• Acknowledging their Achievements - and celebrate their successes so that they could take credit for yours.
Second, develop an offering that is of value specific to their relationships and not necessarily for them. If they receive a “thank you” from the relationship they referred to you based on their satisfaction with your product or services, it will fuel their desire to remain your ambassador.
Conclusion –Networking events, LinkedIn, blogs, chambers, industry associations are all part of the playing field. But it gets crowded!
My question: What could be so personal/priceless/valuable that would cause you to introduce me to your inner circle? Now you can start down the path to offer the same.
“Referrals” - We hear the word all the time! It is true that in the age of communication, we must compete with the background noise of the internet, social networking and blogs, so any path that can usher your message to a potential customer is a cool breeze on a hot day. So today, I would like to introduce the concept of creating ambassadors as referral engines.
“Ambassadors” will look for opportunities to sell your services because they have a deep understanding of your value proposition and who you are. This is more than a satisfied customer that will passively endorse your product, give you a lead or act as a reference if it is convenient.
Granted many of your professional relationships do not have the profile or comfort zone to “sell” your services, however a positive comment or a recommendation from an introvert to one of your relationships could be understood as screaming your “value” from a mountain top!
So what creates Ambassadors and what fuels their participation in your success?
First, you should mirror the activity you would like to create or see in your ambassadors, by:
• Providing robust introductions - in a way that jump starts a personal and professional relationship so that they might afford you the same.
• Understanding their business – by respecting their opinion and professional journey to invite that same amount of interest in yours.
• Acknowledging their Achievements - and celebrate their successes so that they could take credit for yours.
Second, develop an offering that is of value specific to their relationships and not necessarily for them. If they receive a “thank you” from the relationship they referred to you based on their satisfaction with your product or services, it will fuel their desire to remain your ambassador.
Conclusion –Networking events, LinkedIn, blogs, chambers, industry associations are all part of the playing field. But it gets crowded!
My question: What could be so personal/priceless/valuable that would cause you to introduce me to your inner circle? Now you can start down the path to offer the same.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
How To Schmooz Your Way To Success With Your Small Business .... Networking 101
I'll be honest with you, schmoozing (aka networking) isn't easy for everyone. I consider myself a rather introverted person, and the thought of having to talk to people about myself . . . well, let's just say I'd rather visit the dentist!
On the bright side, however, I've found the best solution to the problem. I guarantee your next schmoozing experience will begin and end a success if you follow some of these schmoozing 101 tips.
Schmoozing Tip #1 ....
When you first go up and meet a person, Never Ever start talking about yourself. People will pay attention for a few seconds and then start looking for any excuse to leave. You don't need that. If that happens more than once, you'll feel like exiting the building yourself. We all know that isn't going to help the future growth of your business.
Here's my secret to schmoozing and getting and keeping people's attention . . . Are you listening?
Schmoozing Tip #2 ....
During the first part of the conversation, only talk about the other person. Ask them what they do, how their business is doing, what do they do to find customers. Ask the kind of questions you are uncertain about with your business. This is a smart schmooze move for a couple of reasons.
First, by asking someone else for their know-how and experience, you never know when you might receive a "pearl" of wonderful advice in return. So listen carefully to what your new-found friend is saying. Don't just pretend you're listening. Look into their eyes, not around the room while they talk.
The other reason to use this schmoozing strategy? Hey, it's flattering when others want to hear about your ideas and business. Many people do enjoy talking about themselves, and encouraging them with questions and interested ears will keep them talking with you. Not many people walk away from a conversation where they are playing the leading role!
Once you've showed this interest in your new acquaintance, soon enough, you'll most likely be asked about your business and what you do. Bingo!
Schmoozing Tip #3 ....
Now, don't freeze at this point. Practice what you 're going to say. Rehearse in front of your spouse, friend, or Mirror. Make it interesting. Give the person a good reason to listen. Be funny, interesting, entertaining -- do whatever you feel is appropriate to keep the person's attention. Make your answers short and sweet. End with a quick exchange of business cards -- you never know when you might need that person's service or you may know someone you can refer to them and vice versa.
So, Schmoozing 101's bottom line: Spend a little time with each new prospect. Listen. Learn. Then end with your short spiel. Soon, you'll have a whole room who can't wait to talk to you, and you won't mind!
Schmooze Away!
On the bright side, however, I've found the best solution to the problem. I guarantee your next schmoozing experience will begin and end a success if you follow some of these schmoozing 101 tips.
Schmoozing Tip #1 ....
When you first go up and meet a person, Never Ever start talking about yourself. People will pay attention for a few seconds and then start looking for any excuse to leave. You don't need that. If that happens more than once, you'll feel like exiting the building yourself. We all know that isn't going to help the future growth of your business.
Here's my secret to schmoozing and getting and keeping people's attention . . . Are you listening?
Schmoozing Tip #2 ....
During the first part of the conversation, only talk about the other person. Ask them what they do, how their business is doing, what do they do to find customers. Ask the kind of questions you are uncertain about with your business. This is a smart schmooze move for a couple of reasons.
First, by asking someone else for their know-how and experience, you never know when you might receive a "pearl" of wonderful advice in return. So listen carefully to what your new-found friend is saying. Don't just pretend you're listening. Look into their eyes, not around the room while they talk.
The other reason to use this schmoozing strategy? Hey, it's flattering when others want to hear about your ideas and business. Many people do enjoy talking about themselves, and encouraging them with questions and interested ears will keep them talking with you. Not many people walk away from a conversation where they are playing the leading role!
Once you've showed this interest in your new acquaintance, soon enough, you'll most likely be asked about your business and what you do. Bingo!
Schmoozing Tip #3 ....
Now, don't freeze at this point. Practice what you 're going to say. Rehearse in front of your spouse, friend, or Mirror. Make it interesting. Give the person a good reason to listen. Be funny, interesting, entertaining -- do whatever you feel is appropriate to keep the person's attention. Make your answers short and sweet. End with a quick exchange of business cards -- you never know when you might need that person's service or you may know someone you can refer to them and vice versa.
So, Schmoozing 101's bottom line: Spend a little time with each new prospect. Listen. Learn. Then end with your short spiel. Soon, you'll have a whole room who can't wait to talk to you, and you won't mind!
Schmooze Away!
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