Out-of-store networking can be a great way to create buzz about your
business that extends well beyond the borders of your store. Sure, it would be fantastic if every customer were drawn to your store like bees to honey. But, sometimes, it takes more than a nice storefront and traditional marketing to get people to notice you.
Jewelers of America Director of Education David Peters says getting out there can help you to:
- Build new relationships and make friends
- Share ideas and information
- Discover new partnerships and ways to make your business grow
- Begin making referrals and they will return the favor
The following tips will have you thriving with networking:
- Make getting to know others your first priority
- Prepare a short "infomercial" about your store and its services
that will leave contacts enthused to do business with you. This is a
short 2-3 minute description you can use in person, over the telephone,
or written in a short email or letter.
- Extra Tip: Think of it as a sales pitch, but with you and your company as the product. Write it out and practice speaking it, until it becomes natural and convincing.
- Help each of your employees role-play their own version of the infomercial
- When networking, actively listen and make eye contact
- Collect business cards and send a note to everyone you meet
Take The Tip:
Check your local community calendars and other business association schedules for local networking events. Any social or special event can be an excellent opportunity to network, so always have your "infomercial" ready.
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