Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
4 Simple Tactics to Promote a Small Business and Build Connections
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 by Matt Hymel
Small business owners will be the first to tell you that
products and services don't immediately catch on as soon as they
are offered. While some companies opt for in-house marketing or
initial word-of-mouth buzz, down the road small businesses must
figure out a way to spread their business message over a new area
of potential customers.
While the internet has become a cheap, effective means for small
business marketing, some of the most beneficial long-term business
connections will inevitably require an in-person experience.
Whether this occurs at networking events or at sales meetings or
even in line at your favorite ice cream shop, the opportunities to
connect with individuals on a daily basis is sometimes overlooked
in favor of social media platforms.
All small business employees -- from the owner down to the
part-time employee -- represent a significant brand contributor
when speaking with potential networking opportunities. Here are 4
tips to consider on a daily basis when connecting with individuals
on a professional level:
Be genuine - at and outside of work. Small
businesses often don't have the luxury of paying PR companies to
manage or monitor their reputation. Approach every situation with
the greatest of sincerity. There is always a more favorable outcome
when the main ingredient in a conversation or experience is
positive enthusiasm. Owners and employees tend to get excited when
talking about their company, which makes these conversations more
relaxed and easy to engage.
Make connections constantly. Your neighbor's
cousin's father's friend may be your next big customer - all
because you dedicated time to respect the connections leading up to
him. Going along with being genuine, be open as a person - you may
have more in common with the person, or small business, standing
next to you. People and small businesses alike benefit from stable,
fruitful relationships.
Show, don't tell. At work, small businesses
concentrate on showing prospective business clients their work and
their history of productivity. Away from work, adapt the same
practices - show people you care for them instead of telling them,
perform acts of kindness instead of saying "I'm sorry," modify the
way you communicate to demonstrate a genuine sense of interest. The
easy way is telling, the best way is showing.
Provide advice, take advice. Everyone has
experience, interests, and opinions - it's a natural inclination to
share these with others. When connections are made, make sure to
participate on both sides of the communication model - listening
and talking. The best kind of conversation ends with two
individuals taking something valuable away from the discussion and
applying the concept later on. Too often, small business owners
tend to concentrate on "fluffing" their company instead of sharing
its strengths and weaknesses. As stated before, there is an
attraction to small businesses demonstrating human-like qualities.
Being able to share your experience is just as important as
learning about someone else's journey.
Until Next Time -
Matthew Hymel
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support &
Consulting
Rochester
IT Support & Consulting
Leave comment: