Donald Trump may not have the best hairstyle (more on that in a bit), but he knows something all small business owners should know about networking. What's that? The time is now to become successful!
The Trump Institute is getting ready to host a number of seminars in the Seattle area (my stomping grounds), so late night television is crawling with his current infomercial for 'The Donald Trump Way to Wealth" events. Seriously, on Friday night alone it was on 3 stations...yes three...at the same time. No, I'm not advising you to produce an infomerical. But, I was listening to The Donald...because he was on 3 stations, remember? He said what I've believe to be dead-on accurate. "You can become more successful in a down economy than an up economy." That may not be the exact quote, but what he was saying is now is the time to get out there. Sure, he was talking about real estate investment, but the same principle applies no matter what you're doing. Now is the time for you to become more successful.
I know it's a reality that we're in a recession. What is not carved in stone is that you have to be a play. I love the current theme for BNI - Business Network International: "I refuse to participate in a recession." The bottom line of what BNI and Donald Trump are saying is you have options on what to do during these economic times. One of them is to stay glued to the news and stock market, getting more discouraged and depressed. The other is to click off the television and get to work. Seriously, how does worrying and focusing on negative information help you generate more business? How does it encourage you to call people and talk to them about your product or service? It doesn't! Any good salesperson will tell you they've been advised to avoid the news in order to maintain a positive attitude with customers (and that's anytime, not just now).
So, how does all that tie into networking and building your business?? Because, the odds are in your favor. The Donald advises you to buy real estate now, when the market is down - that just makes sense...lower prices, less competition. And, of course, his seminar offers a few tricks of the trade on how to get started the smart way. The same is true for your business. Half of your competition is hunkering down under their desks waiting for the economy to turn. They're so paralyzed by fear that they're cutting prices, not picking up the phone. Take advantage of the timing, get out there and network. Go to networking events to meet new faces and connect with past clients (it's the perfect time to strengthen their loyalty to you). Not wanting to be outdone by Donald Trump, I've got a great tip to help you get going the smart way as well:
Make a short list of your past clients and top vendors. Contact them and schedule a coffee meeting (see how many you can set up over the next four weeks). At the meeting ask them about their business goals and how you can help! Your clients will be expecting you to ask for business, and your vendors will be thinking you'll want to talk about getting a better price. After the initial shock wears off for them, they will be truly appreciative of your support. So, don't be surprised when they ask you the same question. That means you need to be prepared with a specific request, i.e. "I really want to meet a neighborhood restaurant owner." Or, "If you know a great website developer, I'd appreciate an introduction."
Clearly, networking doesn't have to happen with a large group of people...one-to-one really pays off as well. So, make your list, pick up the phone and schedule those meetings. Don't forget that you MUST follow up with your clients' and vendors' requests. If they want to connect with potential customers, invite them to your next chamber meeting. You get the idea. Trust me, your efforts will be rewarded.
And, if you are interested in getting into real estate investment, maybe you should check out The Donald's seminar...if he knows anything, it's real estate. Oh, and about the hair...no matter what you think of it, it's a part of his brand image. How in the world could he change it? Do you really think he cares that everyone talks about it? I mean, everyone is talking about it...which means they're talking about him, right? That's publicity! But, that's another blog.
Happy Networking!
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I love not only the concrete, specific advice in this blog post, but the whole tone. Like one of my favorite authors, Wayne Dyer, says, you CHOOSE to feel good! And we can CHOOSE to make the most of this situation. I so admire all of us who are plugging away and looking for opportunities, not choosing to assume the fetal position under our desks. I've even taken on some small jobs I wouldn't normally do for smaller businesses, just to show my support for the effort these folks are making to keep moving forward despite the recession. It's totally an opportunity! And studies show, those companies that keep marketing DURING a recession come out stronger when the economy recovers!
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