BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS – building during COVID
Building new personal business relationships in the COVID environment
The COVID environment will be with us at least thru the end of 2020, although, some are predicting that it will last well into 2021. There are a lot of challenges facing small business owners and one that is essential to small business growth is the establishment of personal business relationships.
I don’t believe that relying solely on social media, e-mails or videos is the most efficient way to reach that desired personal business relationship. Yes, they are tools we can and should use, ( I recommend a strong in-bound marketing blitz. More on this topic later) but, for now, let’s do some out of the box thinking. Let’s take a look at a few of the tools we have to work with: a defined target market, a well written value proposition, a systematized data base, business cards, personalized note cards, and a limited ability to create short personal contact. Our goal in this endeavor is not to make a “cold call” but to create a welcomed touch.
- The first two items on my list, a defined target market and a well written value proposition, should be part of your arsenal if you have completed the Foundation Part of the Vision Based Business. (It’s amazing how important that basic building block is to every growth aspect of a small business)
- If you have been paying attention to the many blogs I have written on the importance of a data base and on how to develop a functional data base, this is another use of that information. Start calling your “A” data base list and ask them to set up an introduction to someone they know that fits into your target market or a good friend that might enjoy a similar hobby or other interest that you have. This contact isn’t meant to be a sales opportunity but an opportunity to meet another person.
- Even though you may not be out networking, most of us have some contact with the outside world. Each of these outings provides an opportunity for you to look for a mutual interest in another person. Similar interests’ development can occur on a golf course, in a specialty shop or even at your place of worship. Risk rejection and walk up to the person and start a short conversation regarding your mutual interest; hand them a card and ask them to call you as you would like to get to know them better. You might even consider having special non-business cards printed with your name, phone number and e-mail address for such occasions. I have seen some very creative cards listing hobbies, etc.
I am hoping that those of you that are reading this blog can add a few more ideas on how to meet new people and how to establish that personal touch. Please send your ideas to info@BizQuack.com
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