Network - BNI, Chamber Of Commerce, Meet-up, Next Door, Church, Gym, Bar, Restaurant wherever you are be talking to people to find out what they do and how you might help each other share business through referrals.
It is likely going to take some time. I would network and network some more. If you can afford it or even if you can't, join BNI and the local Chamber of Commerce. Join a church or synagogue. Volunteer for worthy organizations. There are also many low or no-cost networking groups now forming.
You may need to hire a business or marketing coach who knows the territory if you need to move quickly. Angie's List or other local/social advertising groups might help? Networking is a long-term process in most cases. It is rare that people will buy from you after first meeting. However, if you stick to it and your contacts become your friends, business and referrals will be coming your way!
Two suggestions that work for us. We do direct mail with post cards picking the communities we would like to service. Next we find if they have a publication that the residents receive & place an ad in it. Doing this "consistently" is the key. Do this every month for at least a year & you will find a following.
Drive the area and look for businesses that would use your product/service. Go into those businesses and introduce yourself to the business owner or primary decision maker. Begin a discussion not necessarily a business but if it comes up jump on it. Take them to lunch. Take out an ad in a local paper to get your business name out there.
All business is about relationships so by establishing solid relationships through caring about clients and rendering good services, you build a solid referral base. Taking your principles, work ethic, product/service and referrals into new territory is a function of networking. As you meet people, let them know about your business and also let them know it’s fine to pass your name around. Having referrals removes their risk.
I don't have to visit people as I have been in my field for 45 years. But your best bet is to make a list of potential clients and go there with a brief presentation and some info to hand out with your strenghts and contact info. Good Luck, Rick
Here's what I did: I focused on marketing, building relationships, got invitations to be a guest speaker at chamber-type events and worked on my niche (high net-worth prospects).
Answers (1-10)
Prospect - contact, email, follow-up
Network - BNI, Chamber Of Commerce, Meet-up, Next Door, Church, Gym, Bar, Restaurant wherever you are be talking to people to find out what they do and how you might help each other share business through referrals.
It is likely going to take some time. I would network and network some more. If you can afford it or even if you can't, join BNI and the local Chamber of Commerce. Join a church or synagogue. Volunteer for worthy organizations. There are also many low or no-cost networking groups now forming.
You may need to hire a business or marketing coach who knows the territory if you need to move quickly. Angie's List or other local/social advertising groups might help? Networking is a long-term process in most cases. It is rare that people will buy from you after first meeting. However, if you stick to it and your contacts become your friends, business and referrals will be coming your way!
Two suggestions that work for us. We do direct mail with post cards picking the communities we would like to service. Next we find if they have a publication that the residents receive & place an ad in it. Doing this "consistently" is the key. Do this every month for at least a year & you will find a following.
Drive the area and look for businesses that would use your product/service. Go into those businesses and introduce yourself to the business owner or primary decision maker. Begin a discussion not necessarily a business but if it comes up jump on it. Take them to lunch. Take out an ad in a local paper to get your business name out there.
Sorry I can not help you as my business is mobile and I only do events. Good luck
Getting the right person to help is good but I would say digital marketing is your best source. Everyone has a phone and is on it 24/7
Pick your location, age, gender, time of day and auto respond to all your contacts. Then you just follow up with people interested in what you have.
All business is about relationships so by establishing solid relationships through caring about clients and rendering good services, you build a solid referral base. Taking your principles, work ethic, product/service and referrals into new territory is a function of networking. As you meet people, let them know about your business and also let them know it’s fine to pass your name around. Having referrals removes their risk.
Prospect like crazy. Pick up the phone.
I don't have to visit people as I have been in my field for 45 years. But your best bet is to make a list of potential clients and go there with a brief presentation and some info to hand out with your strenghts and contact info.
Good Luck, Rick
Great question! Good comments already here.
Here's what I did: I focused on marketing, building relationships, got invitations to be a guest speaker at chamber-type events and worked on my niche (high net-worth prospects).
Here are relevant tips:
Marketing Checklist – Tips for Growth and Winning
Sales, Networking Strategies to Build Strong Relationships
How to Get More Opportunities as a Guest Speaker
Tips to Develop Relationships with High Net Worth Prospects