With the arrival of 2012, it’s important to reach out to new potential buyers and sellers in the marketplace and marketspace. Regardless of whether you’re in a small and large market, being part of your local chamber of commerce is important. Many will hold community seminars and meet-and-greet events with business leaders and owners in the area. Remember, even with all the new technologies that we have at our disposal today; it’s not only what you know, but who you know that gets you through the door.
Networking with relevant decision makers and other industry insiders will help you earn new business, especially when you start hosting seminars. Make yourself the industry expert through using programs such as Twitter and other marketing efforts.
Another area that helps is through generating a compelling story and goal to focus your efforts. Once you grasp the concepts behind business networking, present it when you host an event. People always are looking for a way to connect with others. This includes:
- Offering introductions between contacts who could benefit from each other’s expertise;
- Blogging;
- Podcasting; and
- Volunteering in the community.
Through your networking efforts, you can communicate with prospective clients and not undervalue your services. Always remember to be approachable and open to new opportunities. Even if there are no obvious ones, create your own that are a win-win for everyone around you. If you take the small steps now with networking, you will be able to achieve your goals.