May 2009 - Issue 61 - www.clareevans.co.uk

Welcome to all new subscribers.

Hello ,

Welcome to all new subscribers since last month, especially if you joined me from Twitter.

Another milestone hit this month as I now have 1000 people reading this newsletter. Possibly more if you're one of the regular readers who pass this on to friends and colleagues.

Last month's offers went down a treat (as did Galia's chocolate) with several people taking up the Time Audit offer and a few copies of the More Month Than Money e-book being snapped up. After all, nearly everyone is looking at saving either time, money or both these days.

While things may have slowed down a bit, many people I've spoken to are as busy or busier as ever. Either they're working really hard to keep their business going or they're having to work that bit harder to make it work and adjust their marketing strategy to fit.

It's now even more important that you're making the most of your time to ensure that you're not wasting time and effort on things that aren't going to get you results or bring in business.  If you haven't done so already, download my Time Management Audit - there's a special offer if you want to make changes quickly.

The first of the Mum's In Biz seminars kicked off this month with a full session at the new location at Sussex University. Whether the fact that the BBC were filming had anything to do with the room being full, I can't say. Nicky will be appearing on Working Lunch in the next couple of weeks - I'll keep you posted via Twitter and my blog.

As usual, you can get extra news and tips from my blog http://www.clareevans.co.uk/blog or Follow me on Twitter and keep up-to-date automatically.

Enjoy the rest of this month's newsletter.

Clare

P.S. If the formatting looks weird- let me know.  Looks fine to me but may not on different systems and browsers.

So What Do You Do?

You've no doubt heard that question many times before. It nearly always comes up whenever you meet someone new - whether at business networking or social events.

Networking is something every small business should include as part of their marketing mix - especially if you offer a service. Whether you prefer online or face to face, it can be a great way of getting known.

When businesses are watching budgets, it's relatively low-cost and can have great results. However, don't expect a flood of business from your first networking event. Networking is a long-term strategy. You need to commit to attending on a regular basis to develop relationships and establish contacts.

The benefits of networking:
1. You get to know people, they get to know you.
2. Your network is a great source of advice, information and support.
3. You're more likely to recommend someone you know.
4. They're more likely to recommend someone they know (you).
5. You can network anywhere not just at a business meeting.
 
What I've got from networking:
- Subscribers to my newsletters
- Articles in various publications
- Book sales, clients and workshop attendees
- Friends, colleagues and business partners
- Services - web design, graphics, printing, marketing ...
- Invites to talk at workshops and seminars
- Contacts for home and business
- Support, collaboration and connection

How much time have you got? While many business networking events take place at breakfast time, before the working day starts, many are held at lunchtime and early evening. Think about the time you have available. Not just the time spent at the meeting but travel time and follow-up which will add at least an extra hour or two.

Who's your target market. There's no point in attending a breakfast meeting if your target market is Mum's. Attend events that are aimed at small businesses and sole traders or industry groups if you're looking for corporates or a specific type of businesses

What's your budget? Many networking groups are free to join or you pay for the meal/refreshments for each meeting you attend. Others charge an annual membership fee and/or joining fee as well as a charge for each meeting.  Check which one's work and give you the best results and drop the one's that don't.

Don't sell! No, I really don't want to hear your sales pitch as soon as you introduce yourself. Yes, you may be a really nice accountant, graphic designer, IT expert, photographer, artist etc... but I don't know you and you don't know if I actually need, want or might be interested in what you have to offer.

Don't just talk to the people you know. Make sure you talk to people you haven't met before. Talk to people standing on their own - introduce them to people you already know. Invite people into your conversation - especially if they're looking for someone to join. Groups of three are easier to break into than groups of two.

Listen and pay attention. Give them your undivided attention for the few minutes you're talking to them. Don't scan the room for the next person you want to talk to or just wait until an appropriate moment when you can switch the conversation back to you and your business. People will engage more if pay attention to THEM.

Do follow-up afterwards. You've made the initial contact at the event, so if there's an interest build on it by following up with an email or phone call within the next day or so.

For someone who works from home and works mostly over the phone, a regular networking meeting is a good opportunity to get out and meet other business minded people.

Networking can be a highly effective way of growing your business but be selective - do what works and drop the one's that don't. You don't have time to waste on things that aren't being effective for you.

If you'd like my list of online and offline networking groups (mainly UK based) - drop me an email and I'll be happy to send you a copy.

You can find out more and book a session to discuss your specific situation, by calling me on 01273 588297 or email me info@clareevans.co.uk.

Until next month

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