Networking tips for small Businesses & Soloists on a Budget

Simple ideas that work perfectly for small businesses and soloists on a budget. Marketing does not have to be rocket science and does not have to be expensive to work successfully for you!

1. Create alliances within your circle of influence

Amongst the peers you trust, foster relationships to refer and receive referrals. Work together on joint ventures to expand your opportunities. Create newsletters together to double, treble, quadruple your database of potential clients. Share advertising opportunities together, expo stands etc if you have like minded products suitable for clients in the same buying cycle

2. Network to grow your business

Don't shy away from networking opportunities, make the effort to represent your business and watch the synchronous doors open. Be passionate about your business and sum it up very briefly with a hook of "what it is in for the listener". Rather than say you are a web designer, say "I create generating income websites that work while you sleep". Far more interesting to the listener and more likely to be a conversation starter.

3. A user friendly website is your best silent salesman

When did you last click through the links on your website? Is your site easy to navigate, is it up to date and is it search engine optimised. What year is noted at the very bottom of your template? Are your contact details visible on every page? Is there a call to action on every page? Is there a way to collect email addresses from site visitors respectfully? Can you read your web diagnostics, if not ask your administrator how so that you can take advantage of the marketing opportunities tracked behind your website.

4. Find ways to thank your clients

The great advantage of small businesses is the personal relationship you develop with your clients. Be unique and think of creative ways to thank your clients. Small and personal is generally really appreciated, don't try to compete on dollar terms with big business. For example, invite a client to attend a seminar, breakfast, information session, networking event with you.

5. Adopt the give not get policy

What can you do for a prospective client or existing client without expecting anything in return? Can you network two clients who will benefit from this business connection? It costs you nothing to connect people and making introductions that will benefit both their businesses means both parties will be grateful you thought of them. This is a win-win for everyone.