"Finding Diamonds in Your Own Back Yard"
Have you designed your 2011 business building strategy? There are so many options: Internet marketing, LinkedIn, direct mail, cold calling and events. Where will you begin? How about your own back yard?
The answer can be right in front of us, yet often times we walk right past it. Alexander Graham Bell said, "When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."
Look around you. Start in your office; open your data base and contact past clients. Ask if they have a need for your services or if they know anyone that they can refer to you. Your clients already know and love you. No need to spend time and money selling them on your business. They are already your fans.
Involve everyone in your office. Each person has at least 250 contacts. Many times the support team may not have a clear definition of your potential clients. Outline your target audience, set a company goal and involve everyone. One option could be to break into teams and have a contest, which can build team spirit as you build revenue.
Retrace your steps. Think about the number of people you encounter on a daily basis in both your personal and professional life. Many of the people who touch your life also touch the lives of your prospects. Have you shared your goal with everyone? Do your acquaintances and friends really know what you do or whom you would like to meet? Never be too proud to ask for help. Ask the question, "do you know anyone who does_____ or who needs_____?" Offer a little incentive like a gift card for coffee or gas.
Ask questions and listen closely to how people answer. We are in the midst of a very social time of year. Ask the people you come in contact with about themselves and their goals. Ask them where they work, what their responsibilities are, whom they would like to meet, and what they do for fun. People love to talk about themselves. You never know; you could be on the brink of a new friendship or a profitable business relationship.
This is the season of hope and good will among men. Be aware of the blessings that surround you.
Guest Article presented by Norine Wiebmer, President of Networking With Impact
