Networking – the easy way to grow your business
How do we go about attracting, converting and retaining a prospect into a valued long-term client?
When you first start your business (and we’re all guilty of this) you’re not too concerned about who your clients are, what they do or the kind of support they need.
As your business grows, your client base increases and things start stabilising, you’ll start to realise the type of client you prefer working with. The tasks you enjoy doing and those that you would rather outsource.
Now that you’re established and found your feet, it’s time to get out there and seriously start networking!
One Way to Grow Your Business
Networking you may ask? Well, yes, what better place than to have a captured audience to “pitch” your business to in just 40 seconds?
Most networking events give the guests a slot to introduce themselves and add value to the group. Until you’ve done it a couple of times, it can be rather daunting to speak in front of a room full of people.
Make sure you choose the right networking event that is a great match for you and your business.
Perfect your Pitch
This is the ideal time to perfect your elevator pitch. An elevator pitch typically has an introduction, a short splurb on what you do (identify the “pain” experienced by others) and most importantly how you can be of service to the person you’re speaking to (that is, solve the “pain” you’ve identified).
In your introduction remember to give your name, as well as your company name!
Basics, yet small things that we tend to forget. During your pitch you want the audience to sit up, take note and think, hey I can relate to that. You want a call-to-action, so you definitely want to be remembered and more importantly for prospective clients to speak to you after the formalities of the networking session has taken place.
At the end of the pitch you should always repeat your name and your company name. And make sure you have enough business cards at hand!
What’s next?
Prepare your 40-second presentation, and practice it as often as you can. In the mornings when you’re showering, on your way to work in the car, every moment you get, practice, practice, practice until it flows.
Your confidence will ooze as you speak about your passion and in this way you’ll create an excellent first impression.
Good luck!
