Monday, April 29, 2013

How To Build Lasting Business Relationships Using Free Networking Events

By James Kupe


Meeting with business owners who share a similar customer demographic or psychographic profile to yours is one of the easiest ways to find new customers for both of you. Once you have built a relationship, it's really easy to refer clients or customers to each other so you can both benefit. Here's how to get it done.

If you are like most business owners, you probably don't get out of your business enough to do any kind of networking, because you feel you are too busy with the day to day operations to do anything about it. The thing is, getting out of your business regularly and seeing what's happening in the outside world is critical if you want to keep growing and prospering in a world that where competition is increasing all the time. Here are three ideas you can use right now to get started.

1. Do Most Of Your Network Building Online

LinkedIn has grown a community of over 100 million people since it burst onto the scene a few years ago. Initially it was pretty much ignored by the business community, but recent changes have made this online platform one of the best opportunities for meeting other business owners of all time. You should start to spend some time on the site each week and when you do you'll start to see opportunities everywhere. Linkedin is an amazing time saver when you want to in touch with people, especially if you approach them initially from a position of service instead of trying to sell them something.

2. Your Elevator Pitch Should Be Succinct And Compelling

Don't confuse people you are talking with at networking events with complicated plans or explanations. Develop a short, punchy 'elevator pitch' that explains who you serve and what you do. That will help people 'get' you and your business immediately. They should be able to quickly see how you can help them, or they may know somebody else who needs your product or service.

3. Approach Other Business Owners From A Position Of Service

When you decide to do this and start meeting with new business owners once or twice a month, it's really important that you first of all show the how much you could be of service to their business. Don't go talking about yourself and your business, but instead ask them questions about themselves what they do instead. Give them snippets of valuable info they can use improve their business right away, and they'll pretty quickly see you as someone who can help them rather than just a person who's out to push their own interests.

The Future Of Business Growth Lies In Relationships

So take a few minutes out of your schedule some time today, and create a clear, compelling description of what your business is and does. You'll then use this as your Elevator Pitch whenever you meet new business owners. Visit Linkedin and meet some prospective networking partners by offering to help them with something first. By doing this, you're going to start finding people who can refer clients to you, and you can refer people to them. Business networking done the right way really is a win-win for everybody.




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