Stop taking, “think it overs,” “get back to me’s” or “we’ll let you knows” when cold calling. The only acceptable conclusion to every cold call is a “yes” or a “no” for an appointment. I’d suggest you do this because salespeople waste a lot of time calling on prospects that continue to say “maybe” or give them some kind of put-off. Meanwhile, there are virtually an unlimited number of prospects, for most businesses, that sales people could be cold calling.
To me, being efficient means working smarter. Here are Five networking ideas that will increase your brand exposure and overall business health immediately.
In my own business I came to the realization that working harder was often counter-productive causing more stress in my body, less time with friends and family and just left me feeling tired and frustrated. Sometimes I’d see slight gains yet they were not enough to justify the long hours I worked. If I were to break down the time spent I was working for less than $20 per hour! I began to experiment. First I cut out activities that were not producing the results I desired. I cut way back on networking groups I was involved in. I joined and formed Mastermind groups instead with like-minded people wanting similar results. I looked at my Internet presence and SEO results and realized I needed help and began working with experts in the field. Working harder was not my answer.
Marketing skills are often missing among many assistants / teams. These need to be developed to ensure good business interactions, software defined networking and focus for future funding of their own companies as well as for their buyers, so that the consumers’ interests are always kept in mind and as priority with project work.
Get out of the house. Walk around the block or go to the mall each day to see human beings. As most people pick up their newspapers and mail either coming or going to work, make it a point to walk to get it each day. Don’t rely on getting it when you are going out for errands. This is one of the few times you don’t want to group your errands. The idea is to keep you moving.
Walking into stores and communicating with staff if you are hoping to make B2B connections is an option. Greeted with a handshake and a warm hello, to provide the staff with useful and relevant information that they would be interested in. There is no point really to go into a bakery and try and sell them shoes or to stock products as the products and business need to connect.
Get yourself a business card, or “career card.” You’re a professional with some skills, education and a bit of experience, right? So what if no one has hired you to put all of that awesomeness to work yet? You still need to come across professionally to all that you meet. Without it, how do you anticipate giving out your contact info? On the back of a bank deposit slip? Shoving one of your resumes into their suit pocket? Maybe even add a phrase about what you do or want to do.
Your surroundings and environment project who you are also. You want your business to leave the right impression on your clients, customers, employees any visitors and of course You. Does your desk, signage and place of business reflect an image of efficiency, quality, professionalism and hospitality?