Networking -
Outside The Box
by: Sue and Chuck DeFiore
We receive numerous emails regarding how to
network. For those of us in lease purchasing it's
easy, for others not so easy. For example, those in
the travel business have been hit hard by business
slowing down. Why not try to network with some of
the tanning salons, and offer discounts to those
individuals for cruises and/or exotic locals. Or
network with B&B owners in your own state or
neighboring states and offer your customers weekend
package deals. Spas are becoming very popular.
Network with some in your own state or surrounding
states and then offer specials to your clients.
One of the emails I received concerned an
individual selling a wide range of products for the
home, gift items, and novelty items. While they
didn't say so, I am assuming they were SMC products
(lovely items by the way). Why not network with
people that do interior design. SMC has many
products that are conducive to adding that special
touch to a home. Some of their glass items are
gorgeous. Call interior designers in your area and
offer them your products at a discount. We all know
from the info commercials for SMC that you have the
ability to do that. Also try to network with
organizations that auction items off to their
clientele. Many large organizations have silent
auctions that business owners attend where they bid
on items for charity. Check these out in your area.
Many business owners give presents away for the
holidays and need some upscale items. Go for this
market. Try something different.
For those of you that do interior design and are
wondering how to get more business. First be sure
you have a portfolio of some of your work (before
and after pictures). If you are just starting out,
offer to re-design friends and family's homes and
then take plenty of before and after pictures. If
this is not an option, then do it with you own
residence. You could also offer to do a room for
free (with them paying for the materials, of
course), and then give them a discount for the next
room. Network with home builders. Tell them you can
set up their models for them. Network with
restaurants that offer catering and show them how to
make the event even more special.
For those of you in the catering business,
contact deli's and party planners and offer your
services at a discount.
For those of you that do home repairs contact
real estate investors. We are always looking for
someone that can do the repairs on fixer uppers or
someone we can call on to perform work on
properties.
Like Taco Bell says "Think outside the box". Try
to think of different ways to market your product,
and think of different people to network with to
expand your business and theirs.
I tried to cover as many of the emails as I could
in a general nature. If you wish you can email us or
call us and we can develop a specific plan for your
business.
Copyright 2002 DeFiore Enterprises |
