Face to Face networking is often the preferred marketing idea when people set up their own business.
In a larger business you probably had lots of contacts, and a yearly calendar of events, such as awards, exhibitions and conferences where you would keep up with what is happening in your niche. In a small business working on your own – even if not in the back bedroom – life can seem easier but you may find some of the structure is missing.
To be sure you are rid of the politics, the promotion pressures and the people you did not get on with. But on the minus side you miss the people you did get on with, there is no chance of promotion, and no gossip or coffee conversations. There isn’t even a commute to moan about .. and you certainly don’t want to start complaining about the boss!
Face to Face networking offers a way to plug the gap.
If it is local you get a chance to meet a whole new community of business people who effectively become your peers. It is much more pleasant to meet others in the flesh and have a conversation rather than trying to sell.
When they know like and trust you they are more likely to buy from you, and you have a chance to get to know them gradually over a period of time. Unless you are a born salesman or woman this can seem a more authentic and enjoyable marketing idea than cold calling or even starting to write about what your business does.
It also gives you a chance to practise different ways to talk about your business within a comparatively safe environment.
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