The Power of Business Networking
In any business, whether a home business, small business or fortune 500 company, building your business through referrals is vital to your success. Too many business professionals have been "spoiled" over the last 10 years with the mentality that you can run a few ads, or create a website, and the customers will come pouring in.
In a fast-growing economy, that might work; however, in a recessionary economy, that will only make things worse. The problem for most is a lack of understanding. Many have not gone through a recession, and are basing future marketing decisions and marketing campaigns on antiquated techniques that worked in a growing economy. Others are content to simply cross the fingers and hope that the economy will recover in the next few months.
Well, if you were expecting me to give you the "everything is going to be alright" speech - forget it. The fact is this country is one of the few left with a strong middle class, but things are changing rapidly. Like a man with one foot on the dock and one foot on the boat, the gap is widening and you better choose fast.
Now, some would use this argument and tell you to advertise. Their point is that since less people are advertising, your advertising will stand out more, so spend...spend...spend. Are they crazy? Sounds like the same people who told us to buy stocks over the last year, as they kept going down.
I do agree that you need to take action, but you need to first analyze your specific situation and decide what your short term and long term goals are. For most, it is to REDUCE expenses, INCREASE sales and spend more of your time with family and friends.
If this is your situation, stop enabling your weaknesses! You know what you need to do to grow your business - you need to communicate to others what it is that you are offering as efficiently as possible. When you send out a mailer, flyer or a postcard you are spending your money in a "one-ditch" effort to attract a few consumers. One week later that money spent is worthless, and you will need to keep investing that money over and over again to retain that same pathetic result. GET OFF THE HAMSTER WHEEL!
It is better to invest your time meeting people in other occupations who would be happy to recommend you, if you recommend them. Business Networking requires a small amount of effort in the beginning, but yields you ONGOING benefits - and it's cheap!
Let's say you were a real estate agent, and met a local exterminator. Now, you might think you are "bugging" him (sorry couldn't resist), but why not ask him if it would be OK to refer him out to everyone you know who needs exterminating? Do you think, he might do the same for you? Of course. Now imagine following that same, very simple, process with everyone you meet. You could quickly establish a business network of 20, 30, 50 people who all agree to provide top quality service and recommend each other. Simply isn't it?
Go to SmartGuy.com and add your busienss for free. You a free business listing and inclusion into the local city network. Then, meet the local businesses, develop relationships, and create "your own" economic recovery!
Jordan Wexler is CEO of SmartGuy.com, one of America's fastest growing business networks with over 57,000 business members in over 3,500 cities worldwide. SmartGuy.com offers its members a free business directory, business network, social network and referral management system all in one. You can reach him by emailing Jordan@SmartGuy.com
Category: Business Referral Network
Related Articles
- Business Networking Basics - Local and Online
- Benefits of Business Networking
- Find the Best Business Networking Groups and Free Local Referral leads
- Free Small Business Network and Local Networking
- 7 Exercises to Greatly Improve Your Business Networking
Business News
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
- smartguy info press release
- What is Lorem Ipsum
- Pros and Cons of TV Advertising
- acupuncture effective what are the benefits
- There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ips
Popular Posts
- Dark under Eye Bags and Circles - Treatment
- Tanning Salons Find the Best Indoor Tans
- How to Estimate Deck Repairs
- How to Find a Great Kitchen Remodeler
- Plumber Salary and Employment Outlook Information
- How to Find the Best Auto Repair with a Payment Plan
- Beauty Business - What You Need to Know
- What Are Some Good Ways To Fall Asleep Fast
- Lowest Price Traffic School - How to Compare
- Why More Are Choosing Furniture Repair Over Buying New
- Find the Best Fathers Day Gift
- Advertising a Tutoring Business
- Job Opportunities Overseas
- Relocation to Europe Things to Consider
- Whole House Air Purification Systems
- Choosing the Best Carpenter What Questions to Ask
- Hiring contractors form Home Depot or Lowes vs independent contractor
- Purchase a home warranty cost and coverage
- Install a new roof what will it cost installation vs repair
- Beauty Salons Near Me How to Find the Best One