Small Business Marketing - How to Make Sure People Remember You After Networking Meetings

Networking is an important part of small businessgardener, a VA & a book-keeper, a florist
marketing, both online and offline. With so many& an event organiser.
businesses vying for attention it can seem almostOffer to help - be genuine
impossible to ensure you are remembered long afterBecause people are usually so busy trying to get
the event. That's because everyone is doing prettytheir message across, they often don't think to ask
much the same thing - so you need to be different.about the other person's needs. Being genuinely
Here are a few things to try:interested in how you can help them will certainly set
Don't go there to sell!you apart from the crowd.
This is HUGE because just about everyone else isFollow Up After the event
there to sell. When you talk to new contacts, even ifThis is the part most networkers forget to do or get
you know you have a product or service that wouldtotally wrong. After an event they either add the
be ideal for them, resist the temptation to go into abusiness cards they've collected to an ever-growing
sales pitch there and then. Instead, practice beingpile, or they use the contact details to send out
nonchalant and offer to send them an article whichspam email promotions & mailers. Following up
may be of interest, or details of something thatwith a 'nice to meet you' email or better still, a
might help.handwritten note in the post, is both polite and
Connect Peoplerespectful.
Act as an 'introducer'. Often small businesses withDoing just one of the above will make you different
complimentary offerings can refer work to eachfrom most of your fellow networkers; doing all of
other or carry out joint promotions without steppingthem will make sure you are remembered, long after
on each other's toes, eg. a decorator & athe event.