networking

[Russell Bungay]

Hi everyone,
I recently set up my new business this year and i'm finding it hard to make an impact on new clientele.

We are a niche business who specialise in the installation and sales of Magnetic and Writable wall products, - (Really cool stuff!)

I've started to spend with Google Adwords, Linkedin, visited local business and schools, we have also made many of phone calls introducing ourselves.
However i know i'm not doing everything i can and i know with a little effort in the right direction my business will work.

Just need some advice on where to start networking on a budget.

Im based in Southampton but spend most of my time in London or up North,
Would be nice to offer our unique services to my home town.

Many thanks And i thank you for you responses in advance

 

[Oliver King]

hi there

would things like the Chamber of Commerce be of use? Also, have you joined LinkedIn groups that are relevant...

 

[Russell Bungay]

Hi Oliver,
Thanks and I actually came across the Chamber of Commerce today..... And I joined today!
I'm looking forward to the opportunities that may come from that.
I am on Linkedin it seems slow but steady, i recently set up a Company page so i will have to see how that does.

 

[Ashley_Price]

Welcome to UKBF!

First you need to think about who your customer is likely to be. I am assuming you have done this research already, so you know who to target. Then, you need to find out where they are likely to network and see if you can get yourself invited along.

Networking is an excellent way of getting new business, as long as you do it right. There's no point going along to a free local event if it turns out none of the decision makers you want to speak to are there. For example, in my town there is a monthly networking event, which is free to attend and is held on the First Friday of each month. It is very informal (you just turn up and talk to other people in the room), and you can meet people from small local (and not so local) businesses. However, if you're wanting to meet representatives from bigger companies you're going to be disappointed.

I only recently found out about a monthly networking event in Brighton (about 8 miles from me) that has representatives from the larger legal and financial firms. It also meets on the First Friday of the month, is a sit down meal, and costs over £30.00 a time.

So, you really need to research which networking events are going to be most appropriate to what you sell.

 

[Varun sharma]

Are IT companies on your radar? Such a product would be of good value to small design, development, and marketing teams. They might not make huge orders but they can definitely get the ball rolling for you.

 

[Max Brooks]

Hi Russel!

Interestingly, I'm based in Southampton too!

In regards to Paid Ads, it's important to understand the power of PPC (and how easy it is to waste money). We run campaigns for many clients, some that have even wasted £1000's on incorrectly set up or wrongly targeted campaigns.

To run a successful PPC campaign to capture prospects interest, you need to understand how/what and when they are Searching - This will help direct your ads and reduce your cost per click.

I would suggest possibly looking at a landing page, correctly setting up your SEO and directing your Google Ads to it. This will help you understand how your ads are performing and will give you a great insight into whether your ads are actually converting.

Hope this helps somewhat.

 

[Mark T Jones]

You've mentioned schools as a target market - which is good, but they aren't swift or confident decision makers.

As others have said, you really need to create a clear customer avatar for commercial customers before you dive into any form of promotional activity - including networking. Identify who your ideal client would be as precisely as possible, why they would want your product and what their triggers are

 

[HazelC]

Networking is brilliant and can be done on a budget too; look on MeetUp and Eventbrite for local events.

As suggested, Chamber of Commerce is good, and FSB as well?

Look out for exhibitions in the local area as well as they will have loads of people you can meet and network with.

 

[Ashley_Price]

As well as those @HazelC has mentioned, check out findnetworkingevents.com

It isn't an extensive list, as it relies on people adding their networking events, but it may give a few lesser known events.

 

[Paul Norman]

I would agree with the use of networking.

As to selling to schools, you are going to need to learn patience. The decision making process is extremely long. And you need to know the process, which, you will be disappointed to learn, is different from area to area.

Basically, though, you are going to need to get in front of people who will show you the process, so that you can begin it.

But in addition, just approach some people, like Head Teachers, and school admin managers. They might not be the right people, but they might open the doors to the right people.

 

[HazelC]

I would agree with the use of networking.

As to selling to schools, you are going to need to learn patience. The decision making process is extremely long. And you need to know the process, which, you will be disappointed to learn, is different from area to area.

Basically, though, you are going to need to get in front of people who will show you the process, so that you can begin it.

But in addition, just approach some people, like Head Teachers, and school admin managers. They might not be the right people, but they might open the doors to the right people.

I disagree - I had a call from a school, arranged to meet 2 days later - started the following week. But you're probably right re: changes from area to area.

 

[Ashley_Price]

(Sadly, the OP hasn't been seen since he posted on 18th March - he must be very busy networking.)

 

[HazelC]

(Sadly, the OP hasn't been seen since he posted on 18th March - he must be very busy networking.)

Embarrassingly - it has been longer than that for me!!!! I had a very long break :s - but missed you all dearly of course!

 

[Ashley_Price]

@HazelC - Well, I did disappear from here for nearly a year a couple of years back.

But, while I realise that people get busy, it is always interesting when someone asks a question, like at the beginning of thread, maybe posts one reply on the same day, then disappear.