Everyone is sitting excited about the show. No one is sitting still, they are pointing to various parts of the stage when they see movement and trying to image what is happening. There are clowns and actors in the aisles entertaining the crowd before the show begins. All the children in the audience, and that includes me, are squirming around looking at everything under the tent.
A costumed actor comes flying down the aisle and is making fun behind an unsuspecting attendee. Everyone is laughing. People are commenting to each other about other shows they have seen. The couple sitting next to me has their grand daughter with them. We strike up a conversation about grand children (I have a grand daughter as well).
The conversation leads us into our business lives and how grand it is to be able to spoil grand children before they go home to their parents. I learn they have a business that employes 50 people and they have been doing well but need some help with a particular area of the business. This is my opportunity - we exchange cards and agree to talk next week. Afterall, the the lights are dimming and the show must go on.
Now it is time for intermission and I am not about to let the opportunity to keep connected go. I ask if I can get them anything from the concession stand as I am heading that way. The answer is yes they would love to get some popcorn for their grand daughter and didn't think they would have time to line up with her and also get her to the restroom. Problem solved and the connection gets stronger.
This is only one of four people I was able to connect with at the magic show. I met some great people in the line up at the concession and even more lining up for the restroom. You really never know when you will get that great contact. It just seems like Magic at times!
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Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Networking at a Magic Show
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How To Network In A Bowl, by Maria Marsala
Summary: Sponsoring a contest is a powerful, inexpensive way to promote your business and build relationships, too!
Buddy networking is when you find a complimentary business to market with, and the process ends up being mutually beneficial. Sponsoring a contest giving away a gift certificate to another business that attracts your ideal client is a great way to buddy network. Not only do you get some free publicity, you also get the contact information for several of you ideal clients.
If you speak or teach classes, you can use the bowl concept to run contests there, too. Chamber member? Run a contest there. You don't have to give away "big" prizes - cups, quote in a frame, and other appropriate items are sure to make your students heart smile!
1. Identify 3 businesses
Where does your ideal client shop? What restaurants do they visit? Create a list and then prioritize. If you travel for your business, or do business with brick and mortar companies that also have an Internet presence, feel free to identify these businesses, too.
2. Contact the owner
Ask for an in-person (preferred) or telephone meeting (ok if you are doing business virtually or from another city). Make an appointment to meet with them, and bring credible information about your business to the meeting like newspaper articles, brochures, etc. Remember to market with integrity! Let the business owner know up front what you plan to send to the contest entrants when you contact them.
3. Swap literature
Ask the business owner for additional literature about their business. Ask if there is any way that you can assist them, etc.
4. What's in it for them?
The business owner can reap promotional benefits. Contest information can be added to their newspaper ads, web sites, flyers, posters, menus, press releases, etc. Announcing the winner offers a second chance for promotion. Let's not forget that the winner will be spending "whatever prize you paid for" at their establishment, too.
5. Purchase a bowl
Help a local charity by purchasing a jar, bowl, dish, or fish bowl with a large enough opening for business cards. Some places to check out are Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Discovery Centers. Make a sign for the front of the bowl.
6. Don't limit yourself
Not everyone has a business card. Design your own entry form. Sam's Club www.samsclub.com has boxes of blank business cards that are ideal to use. Or cut some index cards. The form should include a line requesting the entrant's name, address, phone number and e-mail address.
7. Cost to you?
For the price of a gift certificate to their establishment, you'll receive a bowl full of business/personal cards from people you've established are your ideal clients.
8. What's in it for you?
Benefits may include the opportunity to:
* build a relationship with a business owner who attracts your ideal clients.
* tell your ideal clients about your services.
* advertise your business by sponsoring the contest.
* advertise the same contest in your store for added benefits!
* the list goes on!!!
9. Write to the contestants.
Send a letter of introduction to each person and do some permission marketing. Things you might mention in your correspondence are:
* the name of the winner, and city they reside in
* a short description of your service and how it can benefit them.
* as much of your contact information as possible - phone number, address, email, web site
* any free services you offer
* ask them to subscribe to your newsletter on or off line
* include a consolation prize like a pen with your name on it or discount certificate to your services on a postcard.
©2006 A former Wall Street trader, Maria Marsala helps women in financial services fields; small businesses owners, independent agents, and branch mangers, to boost profits, productivity and have more playtime by providing no BS, practical, results-based strategy sessions and seminars. Subscribe to Powerful Business Strategies Ezine to receive your free one-page business and marketing plan audio in your Welcome Note http://www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com
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What Else is Possible?
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The Emergence of The Relationship Economy
The Emergence of the Relationship Economy features TNNWC Founder, Adam J. Kovitz as a contributing author and contains some of his early work on The Laws of Relationship Capital. The book is available in hardcopy and e-book formats. With a forward written by Doc Searls (of Cluetrain Manifesto fame), it is considered a "must read" for anyone responsible for the strategic direction of their business. If you would like to purchase your own copy, please click the image above.
