Blog

April 2010 – Helen Sharkey writes…

Networking for Success!

Actively attending networking events should be an integral part of your marketing strategy. It gives you a chance to show off the public face of your company, it allows you the opportunity of meeting potential new clients face to face, and it ensures that those who you work with are able to put a face to the voice on the telephone.

Everyone knows that ‘people buy from people’. You might have a really clever strap line, bags of experience, or a shelf full of awards, but if you don’t get on with a potential client on a personal level, then they won’t use your services.

Networking gives you the opportunity to sell both your business, and yourself. A good networker selects 7 or 8 people from the attendance list that they would like to work with, and ensure that they speak to them all. Everyone else in the room is there for the same reason as you, so make your first impressions count.

It’s important to remember however, that more often than not, a networking event and the people you meet there will be a route to market, and not necessarily your direct market. If you make a good impression and strike up a rapport with someone, you may find that they have a colleague who may need your services in the future, and if your original target remembers you and likes you, they are more likely to recommend you.

Networking is also a great way to form alliances and partnerships, especially if you are a small business who doesn’t offer a full service in your area of expertise. It may be that, as a PR firm you don’t offer marketing, but when that prestigious tender comes along that asks for both, you are able to pick up the phone to someone you met at a networking event, and get them on board.

Some networking events are also a good opportunity for team building or for corporate hospitality for current clients. There are small groups, large groups, women-only groups, events with a speaker, breakfast events and many more to choose from. So figure out which best suits your business plan, and sign up today!