I keep seeing tips to better small business networking everywhere I go. For example: at some point everyone has a problem with their cell phone and must venture into one of those stores or up to a kiosk where you most often you end up with a high school age employee who isn't really concerned with your problem. They'll happily sell you something new or pass you on to the toll-free customer service number, but they don't really want to take the time to truly help you. So, my expectations were pretty low as I ventured into a T-Mobile store in Kent. I needed to figure out how to get my pictures off my cell phone and on to my computer. I waited for the next available clerk when fate stepped in to assist me.
A young man, Raphael, approached and I explained my challenge. He showed me what many people use, but quickly said there was another alternative. I could just buy a memory chip and then a twenty dollar reader that allowed me to download the chip directly to my computer. A must less expensive option, and the memory chips were on sale. He went to get my sale chip, but they were out. Instead, he handed me his own memory chip saying he had just upgraded to more memory and didn't need it. Raphael then proceeded to install the chip, transfered all my photos and rang up my mere twenty dollar sale.
To say Raphael gave above and beyond customer service is an understatement. He listened to what I needed, found the best and most cost effective and even gave me 'the memory chip off his back' so to speak. Now, I've dealt with cell phone stores before and have never come close to this level of immediate gratification service. So, I'm pretty sure this experience comes in great part to who Raphael really is and how he personally does business.
That being said, as a marketing writer, I try to steer my small business clients clear of using platitudes like "great customer service" unless they have a good qualifier. In other words, what does that really mean and how does it make you stand out from your competition. Otherwise, it just doesn't mean anything to your potential customers...so you're better off not saying it at all. However, if you can show what that "great customer service" really means...then it can become an effective part of your marketing message.
So, what does any of this have to do with small business networking? Well, networking is about developing business relationships. And, part of building that relationship involves increasing your credibility. You do that by demonstrating, in everything you do, how you do business...and that starts with your networking. Now I'm not saying you have to give things away, like Raphael, but there are ways you can demonstrate your great customer service at any small business networking opportunity.
1. Focus on them not you: Ask about their business and goals, introduce them to someone new; ask for their card for future follow up.
2. Follow through with plans: If you said you'd call them the next day to schedule a meeting or forward that invite to another event, be sure you do that. The sooner you do this the better.
3. Surprise them with the unexpected: If they mentioned their love of sailing, send them info about (or even free tickets to) the upcoming boat show. People love it when you remember something personal about them.
Bottomline is that showing you are interested in them and their business and truly listened to what they said will win you major 'great customer service' points every time you network your small business. You'll build credibility and strengthen those business relationships. Before you know it, those people won't imagine doing business with anyone but you.
Happy Networking!
Showing posts with label small business networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small business networking. Show all posts
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Marriage and Networking - Bring Your Own Happy!
I recently caught part of a program about successful marriages where the host said that most people get divorced because they're 'not happy.' And, they truly believe that it is/was their spouse's job to make them happy. Talk about setting yourself up for failure. This host went on to say that, while it can manifest itself in several ways, what happens when a marriage falls apart is that one or both people became selfish. WOW! That makes perfect sense. It becomes all about them and what what the other person is doing (or not doing) for them. Well, I've always been a believer that in life you have to bring your own happy. No one else can do that for you...and what a horrible burden to put upon someone you are supposed to care about and love. What's worse is there is no way that other person can actually do it. Because if you're not a happy person...you're gonna stay that way until you figure out how to make yourself happy.
Small business owners often fall into the same trap with networking. They go to an event and hand out a few cards. Then they sit back and wait for someone to call them and make them successful (i.e. happy). Guess what? That isn't going to work. And that's not networking! Certainly networking is about building strong, trusting relationships with people who want you to be successful. But, they can't make you successful...it's not their job (they already have a job). And having the expectation that someone else is going to build your business is setting everyone up for failure and disappointment.
Small business networking is about being proactive in your success, not waiting for business to call you on the phone. So, when you go to your next networking event, be sure you have a strategic plan: set a goal for how many people you want to meet, ask those people about their business goals, give out your card only if asked, and then challenge yourself to follow up with those people you met in a timely manner. Don't buy into the myth that you have to send a handwritten note...you can call, email, send a card or text if you're both into that. It's just about following up. That's when you start to build the relationship that will lead to business and success down the road. That business may not be directly from them, but a referral through them to your ideal client (which is even better). But that only happens when you bring your own happy and remember you get to control your success.
If you want more information on the impact of follow up and staying in touch with your contact sphere - email me at mavis@mamboproductions.com.
Small business owners often fall into the same trap with networking. They go to an event and hand out a few cards. Then they sit back and wait for someone to call them and make them successful (i.e. happy). Guess what? That isn't going to work. And that's not networking! Certainly networking is about building strong, trusting relationships with people who want you to be successful. But, they can't make you successful...it's not their job (they already have a job). And having the expectation that someone else is going to build your business is setting everyone up for failure and disappointment.
Small business networking is about being proactive in your success, not waiting for business to call you on the phone. So, when you go to your next networking event, be sure you have a strategic plan: set a goal for how many people you want to meet, ask those people about their business goals, give out your card only if asked, and then challenge yourself to follow up with those people you met in a timely manner. Don't buy into the myth that you have to send a handwritten note...you can call, email, send a card or text if you're both into that. It's just about following up. That's when you start to build the relationship that will lead to business and success down the road. That business may not be directly from them, but a referral through them to your ideal client (which is even better). But that only happens when you bring your own happy and remember you get to control your success.
If you want more information on the impact of follow up and staying in touch with your contact sphere - email me at mavis@mamboproductions.com.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Donald Trump - Bad Hair, Good Advice
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!
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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