What is the best way to get a meeting with another business owner?
I am new business owner in a small community and I am just looking to network and attract new clientele. I have tried emailing, phoning, and setting up in-person meetings with other business owners but nothing ends up following through. I understand it is summer and people are busy, but how can I get other business owners to sit down with me for just a few minutes to see how we can help each other?
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Aug 25, 2016
There is no one best way - it all depends upon the business owner. Some like to 'network' at business gatherings - while others find this a waste of time. (But this doesn't mean you shouldn't attend the networking events in your area.) Some respond to a well-written introductory email, while others attention can be gained with a traditional letter. The correct answer is that any and all marketing channels that are available to you should be explored...
Aug 25, 2016
Hi Grant!
Have you tried any networking groups? If you Google business networking groups for your area, you may find some groups of local entrepreneurs/business owners in your area who have weekly meetings. You can also check out your local chamber of commerce. I'd also go sign up at meetup.com and search for groups in your area. Good luck!
Aug 23, 2016
One must reverse engineer. . . the desired relationship.
Some thoughts on the simple facts. . . .
First of all. . . Never underestimate the power of paying it forward !!
Second:
Every sale has five basic obstacles:
no need, no money,
no hurry, no desire,
no trust."
~ Zig Ziglar
Third:
Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.
~M. Scott Peck
Price is only an issue in the absence of value.
Substitute the words. . .Sale for the word Relationship, and Price for the word Time. . . .
Then . . . . plan a line of approaching the relationship with a renewed eye.
Blessings,
M.
Aug 23, 2016
Without knowing your product or service, specific recommendations are impossible. If you assume most of us are motivated by pain and pleasure which one are you appealing too? Pleasure can motivate me but it is a uphill battle to get me to act. Pain on the other hand gives everyone permission to act immediately and spend however much money it takes including borrowing the money to resolve the pain. Want to easily book more appointments than you can see? Find a pain point and resolve it. Translate the pain into dollars and present the information so the prospect can easily add up how much the pain it is costing them and they will be chasing you for the sit down.
Aug 25, 2016
There are 3 points: business itself, hobby, children. For example:
- you are software vendor, your potential visavi is software reseller;
- you are marina official, your visavi is a yachtsman;
- you are football uniform producer, your visavi son plays for university team.