One way to market your business is at a business-networking event. They are generally free or have a minimal fee. So, what are you spending to go to these events? Time! Your time has value. Being organized about tasks related to these events can help you make the most of your time and money.
1) Know where you’re going!
Make sure you have the exact address, have a printed map of the location, a phone number to call in case you are having trouble finding it, the specific time of the event, parking availability, gate codes or passes and if there is an entry fee.
2) Get there early!
Arrive about 10 min before the event starts. This gives you the opportunity to get to the location, get a feel for the room or environment and set out any brochures or literature that you are able to display.
3) Bring business cards and/or brochures.
While this may seem like a silly tip, it’s a must and it is a message to the people you meet that you don’t have business cards. You can also print labels that have the date and event printed to put on the back of your cards. This is an extra step that will help someone remember where and when he or she met you if they don’t have a good system in place to process their business cards.
4) Write something on the business cards you receive
After you talk with someone, jot down the date and event as well as a quick note about the person on the BACK of their business card. (If you write on the front, it will interfere with your card scanning software that you’ll implement after you read #5!)
5) Process the business cards.
Have a system for processing the cards when you return to your office. The first step of the process is to enter the data into your contact database. I recommend using a card scanner as it is a HUGE time saver. Then have a follow-up system in place such as an email, letter, postcard, or phone call. You’ll also want to make sure you have a system for tracking your contact and the results.
Make the most of the time you just invested into business networking!
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