Real life networking

Networking is another form of marketing. It’s an opportunity to get you and your product or service in front of new people, and to build relationships that could be mutually beneficial. However, it is not a sales tool!  If you go along to a networking event and start selling, it will be a shortlived exercise. The focus should be on meeting new people, finding out about them and making business contacts.

I can honestly say that most of my business comes through networking – but that doesn’t mean I go to a networking event and come back with a new project.

Online Directories – FREE advertising

There are a lot of directory sites that provide local business listings. If you run a business or service that falls into a recognisable category e.g. “hairdresser” or “accountant” you should take full advantage of these as they are very effective and often appear on the first page of search engine results.