Often I get clients that confess to me that they aren’t happy with joining a local chamber or women’s business association because they haven’t gained any business referrals. The first thing that I ask them is how much time had they invested in relationship building with key people who could help grow their business? The usual reply is they attended a couple of networking events or they try to attend occasional monthly association meetings but no real involvement!
Well, don’t expect people to become warm and fuzzy with you if they don’t know you OR in business terms… don’t expect them to buy or promote your products or services if they don’t know YOU!
People buy from people who they know and trust! Let me REPEAT; people (the folks that could be helping you in the growth of your business) buy (your product or service) from people they know and trust (you)! One of the most important points that I convey to my clients is NOT to expect business referrals if they haven’t spent time massaging relationships!
Here are 4 smart tips for YOUR business success:Find innovative ways to keep your business at the forefront of your customers. Whether you are sending links to articles or blogs, a weekly empowerment quote, a monthly e-newsletter filled with updated information about your company, great deals or tips they can use OR regular correspondence like birthday, thanksgiving or Christmas cards, they will remember to call you when they need your services.
Smart Tip 1: Stay in Front of Customers, its Key!
Give customers the opportunity to experience your product or service.
Have local media take a look behind the scenes of your company. Let them spotlight how you interact with your clients. Make sure it is news worthy! Getting in the news is a great way to gain free exposure.
Smart Tip 2: Get Out and Network
What is networking? Networking is a reciprocal process based on the exchange of ideas, contacts, advice and referrals. By networking, you are building professional relationships and generating new business. It is important to get out and meet with others that can provide a business support structure for you. Don’t think you can do it all by yourself; by talking to others in business you will find out great ideas which is very motivating. Do you have a plan for working the room? If not, consider the benefits that you can contribute to others; those who could benefit from your products or services and complimentary businesses for potential collaboration or bartering.
Target Industry Leaders: This is a must! You need to make it YOUR business to get in front of the right people, and get to know decision makers.
Smart Tip 3: Stay True to Your Core Mission and Values
As a successful and growing company, you may have to make operational changes to remain competitive and successful, but remember the reasons that you went into business and always maintain a high level of integrity. Your company’s mission and values should always remain intact! This will result in a strong brand identity.
Smart Tip 4: Work/Life Balance Tips
As a business owner, it is imperative that you keep a ritual in your life. Whether it’s taking an hour for girlfriend time, practicing yoga or some form of meditation, reading a good book or out to lunch with your spouse, it is important to STEP AWAY from your laptop and blackberry and take time for yourself, everyday!
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Sylvia Browder is CEO of Browder Consulting Group, a virtual small business consulting and coaching firm. She is currently employed as a Project Director, business coach and consultant for the Women’s Business Center, Inc., a non-profit economic development organization with a mission of empowering women to start and grow successful businesses. She also serves as a volunteer SCORE counselor, an organization dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. She is also a Technical Assistant Provider for SBA’s Community Express Loan Program. For FREE weekly articles go to Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneur’s, www.sylviabrowder.com. She can be contacted at info@browderconsultinggroup.com..
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Sylvia Browder is CEO of Specialty Home Services LLC, a Home Improvement Company; a Small Business Consultant at Browder Consulting Group, a startup consultancy firm to help women with startup assistance, marketing, website and graphic design work and other support services. In addition, she has co-authored several published books; publisher of ‘Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs’ a lifestyle blog; and publisher of ShopSpendBlack.com Business Directory & Blog platform created to help consumers find black owned businesses in a searchable format. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years; 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren; church; friends and motorcycle riding.
