Networking Can Be Fun!

Are you paralyzed at the thought of going to a networking event? As an entrepreneur, it is extremely important that you get out and meet new people. Remember, doing business is all about building relationships and the way to build relationships is to get out there and meet new people.

Why should you network? Why stretch your comfort zone and network with people you don't know? Here are some reasons you should network on a regular basis.

REASON #1 - PERSPECTIVE. 

You will gain new perspective when you get out of your office and are around other people, especially new people. When you continue to work in your own little bubble, it's impossible to stay on top of trends in the marketplace.

REASON #2 - IT IS FUN. 

Make it a fun experience! When is the last time you really did have fun at work? You can make it fun by playing games with yourself. Set some goals about who you want to meet. Practice a new 'elevator pitch' to see how it lands.

REASON #3 – INCREASE YOUR NETWORK. 

When you are actively networking, you increase the number of people you know. Remember the old adage, it’s not about what you know but who you know. Well, it’s also about who knows you and who those people know. Making connections can lead to other connections, referrals and new business. 

3 Simple Marketing Tactics to Attract New Clients

Some small businesses invest a great deal of their marketing budget into advertising, which can be expensive and not always reach your target audience. Radio, television and newspaper ads are great ways to get your message out to as many people as possible.

However, this mass marketing eliminates the personal connection you want to create with your customers. Radio, television and print ads are usually very general in content and used for informing people about sales and promotions.

As a small business, your marketing should be about building relationships with your customers. There is a place for mass media, but if your budget is tight, here are three simple marketing tactics you can immediately implement.

1.     Newsletters – Collect the email addresses of your customers when they purchase your product. Use this information to stay in contact with your customers and keep them informed about what you’re doing, new products, promote sales and events, and even introduce new employees.

2.     Network – get out of your office and meet new contacts. Attend local Chamber of Commerce events. Join an association and get involved. You’ll meet potential new clients and alliance partners at networking events.

3.     Blog – Become the “expert” in your field by blogging about your business. Your voice will be heard by many people when you blog.

Marketing is necessary for your business to grow. Implement several different tactics consistently to see results.