Networking is an essential part of any marketing plan, especially when your product or service is marketed locally. You’ve probably got your networking skills down (thanks to Moxie’s Networking 101 lessons), and going to events is old hat. But what happens AFTER the networking event is almost as important as what happens DURING the event.
So, you’ve gone to the networking event, met some people who might prove valuable to your business, taken home their business card (and any notes you took about them)… now what?
They say repetition is what makes for good marketing. Seeing the person at the event was their first exposure to you. Within a week of the event, you should follow up - while you are still fresh in their mind. This follow up can be an email or a phone call. Tell the person how happy you are to have met them; remind them what you spoke about; and request that you sit down for coffee to have a more detailed discussion about how you could do business together. If coffee isn’t an option, set up a phone conference at a time convenient for you both or invite them to stop by your office or shop. The follow up meeting would be your third interaction.
If you’d like to add a fourth exposure, send them some of your marketing materials in the mail.
At this point, the other person should know everything they need to know about your company and whether they want to do business with you. If your product or service appeals to them and your presentation is good (pleasant demeanor, crisp marketing materials, helpful staff), you should be on your way to doing business together!
