.
3. Listening is learning
A conversation has to have two participants. Make certain you provide time to receive information from your audience.
That is the moment when the most meaningful connections are made. Try to find what you have in common and how you can assist each other.
The contact may not result in a sale but it may result in a referral. Make an attempt to follow up with another meeting or a phone conversation in order to further develop the relationship.
4. Can You offer a Little More?
Perhaps you can offer a sample product, a discounted price, a video. You may want to save this for a follow up meeting, but plan for it.
5. It Doesn’t have to be One or the Other
Online marketing will undoubtedly expand awareness of your company’s products and services, but it will not replace the value of a face to face meeting with a potential customer/client.
The body language, the eye contact, the conversation will NEVER be replaced by contacts made through an internet connection.
Face to face meetings are more likely to develop into long term relationships rather than transactional sales.
Do not overlook the importance of networking, but use your valuable time wisely.
And always keep in mind that sales and marketing are vital for success, but you need adequate time to address many other aspects of building a company.
Related articles:
Part 1: Small Business Owners- Make the Most of Networking Opportunities
How Connected Employees Can Boost Your Bottom Line
Dressing for Networking Happy Hour – The Smart and Agile You!
