Getting the hang of effective networking can help you build new relationships, nurture existing ties, and grow your home improvement business. However, doing the wrong sort of networking can be a waste of your time; sub-par networking skills can actually have a negative impact on your bottom line. To get the inside scoop on some effective networking strategies for the digital age, we've consulted with industry experts and compiled a few practical (and sometimes surprising) facts and tips:

1. Branch Out - Focusing on established relationships is fine, but it shouldn't be your entire networking approach. You goal should be centered on bringing together people who aren't currently closely connected. For example, your new sales team or other staff members should be introduced to regular clients through introductory phone calls, emails, newsletters, and so on. Balance strong connections with new relationships to get the best out of your networking time. As well, remember that business-to-business networking is also very important - get out into the community and make connections you can use to cross-promote. Local trade associations will always offer social activities and conferences to help people connect.
2. Look For More Diversity - A huge network of contacts doesn't always equal business success; it's better to shoot for an effective, medium-sized network that offers plenty of diversity. In networking, diversity is all about building connections with people from many different walks of life - these contacts should have a variety of skills, ideas, and business positions. You may strive to connect with the "ideal" client or supplier through your networking...however, you should always bear in mind that the person you would never suspect of becoming an important customer can actually end up putting lots of money in your pocket. Never stop looking for different and unique connections - they can really pay off.
3. New Connections Will Strengthen Over Time - Don't be afraid to spend time on "weaker" connections with new people. After all, your strongest connections are already healthy and positive - they simply don't require as much follow-up or maintenance. Shakier ties with new people can become the bridge to fresh opportunities and a more profitable home improvement business. To build a "weak" connection, you need to have one or two face-to-face meetings, or a couple of phone calls, emails, or texts. The best "weak" connections will not be part of your current business network or social circle - they will move in different circles, offering you potential access to a whole stream of new sales leads.
4. Use Other's Networking Skills To Get Ahead - Sometimes, certain contacts or co-workers will be gifted networkers; they will have tons of connections that can be used if a problem surfaces or a new opportunity arises. To make the most of a gifted communicator, pick their brains and ask them to hook you up with interesting potential sales leads, co-workers, or suppliers. Sometimes, this can be as easy as sharing lunch with your contact and meeting their contact. Get referrals from great networking types and go from there.

Most of us perceive social networking as a free enterprise that is essential to modern-day marketing campaigns. However, nothing is really free in life ...the time you spend updating statuses, making connections, and building online profiles is valuable. Some successful entrepreneurs have taken risks to get more return out of the time they spend on Facebook - they are choosing to put their hard-earned cash into Facebook ads and initiatives that grow brand awareness for their companies. If you're interested in amping up your social networking and making your time pay off, you may also want to consider putting a little money into marketing via this mega-successful Internet giant:

Use Facebook Deals - To compete with the fast-growing marketing power of FourSquare (where users "check in" at bricks-and-mortar locations), Facebook has created a new promotional gambit known as Facebook deals. When you sign up for this program, you can offer coupons and special discounts to customers who visit your business and check in with their cell phones.

The concept of taking the online world out into physical locations is really catching on - people enjoy the novelty of it, and the novelty isn't likely to wear off any time soon. Since many people already post updates about where they are, they're just doing it in a more formal way through Facebook Deals. If you've got some promotions you can share with new customers via Facebook, grab even more interest (and market share) by pulling in new client via the power of this hot new service.

Try Out Facebook Ads - You don't need to invest much capital or take a lot of risk to get started with a marketing campaign such as Facebook ads. For as little as 25 dollars, you can begin to focus your advertisements on people who live right in your town or city. Facebook offers many customization levels for this service - you can target exactly the right demographic, gender, and age group. If you're looking for an effective way to get the word out about your business, tap into the addictive nature of Facebook and watch your fan base and client list grow.

This flexible program can be stopped or started easily; it is simply another tool to play with as you design an effective marketing strategy.

Create A Great Fan Page And Interact Regularly - In order to get the most out of Facebook Ads or Facebook Deals, you should have an interesting Facebook page people can "like" and comment on. It's important to show interest in other people when you're social networking - leaving responses to any comments can be an excellent way to start. Adding photographs of renos and repairs, posting articles about your services, and linking to your business website can also be a great way to improve the impact of your online profile. While Facebook can be fun and diverting, it can also represent a waste of valuable time, so plan your strategy carefully, and always remember that you are representing your business. Any off-color language or strong political views could alienate potential customers. Remember how you wish to come off before you post - keep things clean, politically correct, and lighthearted. Your overarching goal should always be to spread your brand name and company mission statement far and wide, while strengthening online relationships on a daily basis.

When you begin to gather fans and interact, you'll start to reap the rewards of this powerful social networking platform. Investing in ads through Facebook's marketing programs can be a perfect way to turbo-charge your online advertising.

According to conventional wisdom, investing in innovations can be a messy, and potentially expensive undertaking. However, without frequent small and large-scale innovations, you will fall behind your competitors and lose valuable market share. Keeping your home improvement services fresh and streamlined should be the goal of any innovation investments - following trends and changing your approach can really work if you combine proper market research with your own good instincts about what is right for your business.

The worst-case scenario for innovation investments is that your money will be lost, and your business will fall off because you've gone in the wrong direction. These fears stop many home improvement entrepreneurs from branching out and taking chances. When excess investment capital and credit are in short supply, taking necessary innovations may feel foolhardy. However, without change, your business will lose its edge. It's a delicate balancing act to implement the right innovations, without disturbing the flow of regular processes and services.

The best way to innovate safely is to think about the work you've already done. Chances are, the seeds of successful innovation have already been planted. Sometimes, innovating can be as easy as changing the supplies you use to do a specific home renovation or repair. For example, using environmentally friendly supplies to make your work "green" can be an innovation certain clients will really appreciate...and you won't need to turn over your entire "apple cart" to get things started.

To begin a small-scale innovation, simply tweak an existing service, such as a kitchen upgrade, to include a new range of recycled tiles, woods, or paints. Then, promote your new service aggressively and track your results. To get more out of your innovation, do your research before you buy new supplies - make sure your staff has the skill needed to install these high-end products properly. Don't leave anything to chance when you decide to innovate. Also, be sure to check out your main competitor's innovations - look at their successes and failures and use them to gauge the potential of a new innovation investment.

Client feedback can be a crucial component in choosing short and long-term innovation strategies. Listen to your customers - what's on their minds, and what are they looking for? To keep your finger on the pulse of new industry trends and customer wants, stay in the loop by attending trade conferences, reading trade publications, and searching around online. Before you spend a single dollar on an innovation gamble, hedge your bets by knowing the facts...

It takes courage to innovate - this boldness can be a signature trait in the most successful home improvement entrepreneurs. Without this sort of business bravery, you may fall into a rut and stop meeting the needs of a changing marketplace. To stay competitive, keep learning...upgrade your skills and certifications on a regular basis. Encourage suggestions and discussions from your staff, family and friends - collect a whole series of viewpoints and use them to navigate through unknown waters. Since you're at the helm of your business, you must take the initiative and guide your company into a brighter future with the right innovation investments.

Adopting point-of-sale financing can help you to sell more services and products; in fact, many of our partners report steady sales spikes after joining with us. At Crelogix, we've spent decades learning exactly how to help Canadian businesses thrive in any kind of economic weather. Part of the enduring appeal of in-house financing is its ability to close a deal and reassure even the most cautious consumers. Since home renos and repairs are often expensive, they represent a major investment on the part of your valued clientele; to make this investment more affordable for your customers, it's important to offer home improvement loans right at your place of business.

When you partner with Crelogix, you'll be able to give your clients instant online pre-approval for consumer loans. Every client who qualifies for financing will be able to enjoy low, monthly payment plans and affordable interest rates. When it comes to a significant purchase, such as a kitchen upgrade, bathroom reno, or basement re-do, this sort of financial flexibility can be extremely appealing. For many customers, consumer loans are a necessity - they simply don't have the disposable income they need to pay for everything in one lump sum. However, these clients are well able to handle monthly payments spaced out over a longer time period. To get these customers on board with your company, cater to their needs. Make it easy for them to spend on the services they want...it's all possible with the power of Crelogix.

Our services are delivered via an innovative online platform; known as MyCrelogix.com, our specialized website is open for business any time of the day or night...365 days a year. Since we handle all loan administration, all our partners need to do is punch in some basic information about a client and hit Enter. Immediately, an answer about the status of a loan applicant will appear on the screen. It's really that easy, it requires no tiresome learning curve from you and your staff, and it is one of the most powerful selling tools around. Letting your clients know about this excellent, efficient service can be the key to an effective sales pitch that results in more money for your home improvement business.

So don't be shy...add information about the power of Crelogix to every sales pitch you give. Open up to clients and tell them how in-house financing can make their renovation and repair dreams come true. The obvious benefits of point-of-sale financing will instantly become clear to your new and returning clients - they'll love knowing exactly where they stand through the ease and speed of the MyCrelogix.com system.

If you're not our partner yet...you should be. We have a team of trained specialists standing by to help you make a smooth, seamless transition to in-house financing. This easy innovation investment is a perfect way to boost your profits in the coming months, and the results accrue over time. Our cost-effective services pay for themselves in the long term. Call or email us today for more information...

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