And the Winner Is...

Pass "Congratulations!" around and you may just boost your sales along the way. We all like to get a pat on the back every once in awhile. You just can't hear "good job" too many times in a week.

A customer of ours is in insurance. He had a great idea to help market his company in an unobtrusive way. Here's what he did: He compiled a list of local award-winning companies and sent to each a hand-written congratulatory card emphasizing their accomplishments. At the bottom he simply signed his name, of course adding his company name as well.

Sneaky or just plain smart? I tend to air on the brilliant side. What better way to get your name in front of some prospective award-winning, fast growing companies than to pay them a compliment? Think about it, a kind word may work wonders.

Networking event for Mint Hill Associates

Marketing is not just about mailers, e-mails, posters and events. Actually, I'd go farther in saying that MOST of marketing is not about mailers, e-mails, posters and events (although still necessary). There's a fine line between marketing and sales and the age-old practice of networking bridges the gap. Networking can be both a launchpad for marketing and also a landing for a sale. It's all about the initiative you take when you seize the moment of opportunity.

I recently got an invitation to the Open House at CMC-Mint Hill Medical Plaza. It will be held on January 17, 2008 from 5:30-7:30. Since it is brand spanking new, they're having a ribbon cutting ceremony, hors d'eouvres and the like. This invitation just reminded me how important it is to get out and meet the citizens and professionals of our small community. Never pass up an opportunity to build professional relationships and to speak positively about your product or company.

Here's a few tips for those who dread and despise networking:

1. Calm your Fears
Think of the worst that could happen when meeting someone new: You could blank on everything you were about to say and even forget your name. If this happens, you could just talk about how cold it is outside or the yummy piece of cheese you just ate. That wouldn't be so bad, would it?

2. Scan the room for Aquaintances
Especially for "new networkers," its best to start with who you know, or at least, who've you met before. Look around for any familiar faces which whom you might already share a past. This way, you can have some common experience to discuss as a jumping off point for deeper conversation.

3. Don't Sell
Selling is about the worst thing you can do when networking. It's all about building the relationship, not reeling in the fish. Use the opporutnity to find out more about their business, their life, their needs. Taking the time to gather this information is the only way you'll know if they even need your service or product.

Wait, but didn't I say that networking could be used to close deals? It can. Sometimes (and these are really great times) you'll go to an event and someone you've pitched to before will approach YOU, but this time, the timing is right and you're standing in the same room and they're ready to do business.

4. Speak Postively
No one likes a sour attitude. Complaining about your boss, the bad food, or your cousin's annoying text messages just makes for bad conversation. Show you're good side by disucussing topics that are light, happy and informational. Stay upbeat and leave the baggage at home. Remember, you want every interaction to create a positive memory of not just you, but your company you represent.

So get out there and NETWORK! You can do it, and when you do, stop by our blog and tell us how it went.