Small Business Networking
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There is often confusion in the mind of the Micro/HBB
operator as to just what does Marketing mean. Perhaps a simple way to think of it is that it is something you
do in business that creates or increases a demand for your product/service, such as small business
networking.|
No Cost I cannot stress enough the importance of measuring your results. So whatever strategy you run with, not only do you have to know what and when and how, but most importantly you have to know just how successful it was. When a strategy is not successful try it again at a different time, in a different place and see if it works better. A great example of this is; ‘what will work on the Internet may not work in other places’. Home business start up operators can access a FREE template to log Your Networking Strategy |
For example, with small business networking (the one area most home business start up operators say they achieve the best results) – you may be surprised at just what the outcomes are. You need to record such things as:-
* How many times you attend a small business networking function
* How many contacts you make
* How many times you follow up with them and how (phone, email, meet)
* How do they assist you (references, provide a solution, purchase a product)
* How many sales are made directly to the small business networking contact
* How many sales are made to the contact of your original contact (domino effect)
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Case Study of Small Business Networking
for I make a point of meeting the key speakers, committee members, government officials etc when at a small business networking function - in other words, I target the VIP’s. This is because when I need to be able to approach someone for sponsorship or special support I can go straight to the ‘top’ and have a better chance of success. If the person I meet cannot assist, I ask them if they can refer me to someone else (I know that VIP’s know other VIP’s - so I am likely to be referred on to another person who has the ability to help). In this way I am known to many VIP’s, and as I NEVER make a nuisance of myself by asking for too much too often, I am respected by these contacts. |
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TIP #1 for Small
Business Networking for A marketing plan is just that - a plan. To put together a plan, don’t worry about exactly what to do - just how often and roughly what e.g. advertising in e-magazines. However, it is important to put a timeline to it. You need to be able to see a blueprint to what you intend doing over a year. |
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TIP #2 for Small
Business Networking for Having more customers does not automatically mean you will have more sales. If a number of customers only purchase small quantities it may be an advantage to your business to either increase their sales or to drop them as customers. Micro businesses do not like to take these actions as they feel it is to much of a ‘hard sell’ situation or will be seen as a ‘non caring’ approach. You will have to make the decision – but if you decide to try to increase sales to your customers, consider offering some incentives e.g. customer loyalty programme. |
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Low Cost
Once you join this association you will be able to network with like-minded businesses. |
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