Networking

Re: Networking

Because we are an online service most of our networking is done online. We have affiliated with webdesign firms and domain firms and that has been a great benefit to us. I would recommend that to anyone try to find complementary businesses and affiliate with them it will result in a lot of business.

Re: Networking

We try to stay in touch with our clients through a newsletter and phone calls, they have been the best source of referrals.

Re: Networking

We spend a lot of time in user groups online and forums looking for opportunities. We also attend a lot of industry conferences and pay for booths.

Re: Networking

We found the best way for us to network is to keep in touch with our former clients and make sure we ask the question - who else do you think could benefit from our service. I think word of mouth is the best referral source that you can have.

Re: Networking

Most of our buyers are one time buyers looking for a specific item we go on to user forums and try to find buyers looking for a specific item that we sell we have been fairly successful at that.

Re: Networking

We spend a lot of time on the phone and in person networking with potential and existing clients. We take them out to eat, to sporting events and other such venues. For the most part we believe it has been a decent return on our investment but we have never done a formal ROI

Re: Networking

Before you start networking, determine your ideal client profile. YOu want to know everything about them. Get "in their shoes". Know everything about them.

And then you'll know which are the best groups to find them in 😉

Re: Networking

We do have an online presence for our home inventory business. However most of our clients com from referrals of other customers and also from insurance agents and probate attorneys. We keep our clients happy with unbeatable customer service and we keep in contact with them through greeting cards. We send birthday cards, thank you for your business cards and holiday cards. Our customers love them. We use the Send out cards system which is my wife's and I second business.

Re: Networking

Networking to me is lot of fun. Because my time can be limited, I have chosen two networking groups to be a part of. One is an IT group since I'm an IT recruiter and the second is an HR group to reach HR professionals.
I diligently work the room to meet as many people as I possibly can. The goal for me is not to "sell" my business or to solicit resumes but rather to meet everyone. I do share my 30 second commercial. Getting involved with the group is also important - serve on committees, volunteer.

A networking group, for me, needs to be informative and reach a target. I've met a lot of people thru my networking efforts and have gotten a lot of referrals.