NETWORKING

Since starting this blog some six months ago, I believe I have written approximately two posts on the topic of networking.

I find however in my interactions with startup business owners a kind of reluctance to mingle with the customers they so earnestly need to make their businesses work.  Some chalk it up to shyness while others simply don't have the time; but ladies and gents hear me well when I say to you, networking is one of the most critical components of your marketing plan.

Image courtesy of rorytrotter.com

Networking puts you in direct contact with your customers, prospective customers as well as potential investors.  It gives you a one-to-one (or sometimes a one-to-many) opportunity to present an argument for your business, to pique the customer's interest and earn a follow up interaction through the exchange or receipt of customer contact information.

Particularly in this new age, where most people are striving for individualism, self-reliance and financial independence startup business owners (depending on the type of business they are in) will face even more difficulty when selling products and ideas because customer types are changing and importantly, their behaviour towards buying is changing.

Therefore, at this stage of business, the personal touch i.e. networking is even more important than ever before.  

Interacting with customers allows them to feel part of the business and when clients feel a sense of 'ownership' where your business is concerned, they are more likely to remain loyal.