I have seen several posts lately on the pros and cons of social networking aka social media. I think it goes without saying that there can be many issues with those platforms, if used incorrectly. But the pluses are there too, as we see in our many articles and uses for social media in business development.
That got me thinking about the pros and cons of local networking. Now I am sure you are saying how can networking have cons to it? Well, there must be some or everyone would e doing it for an increase in business presence. Right?
So let’s take a look at the pros and cons of local marketing using networking. It may help you decide if this is a direction your small business should be taking.
· It takes time – Time to go to meetings. Time to cultivate and develop relationships.
· It takes dedication – You have to make it apriority and want to make it work for you
· There is no immediate gratification – Again we see the time factor. Isn’t marketing like that though?
· You have to give referrals to receive referrals –Sometimes that is hard to do
· You have to get out and do it – Ditch the office or a few hours a week
· Get to know local business owners – This canopen doors for future referrals and connections
· Block out time to focus on networking and marketing – Sometimes that gets pushed aside in the busyness of the day. Now you can focus on it weekly
· Have many people marketing for you – Why not have a team of people referring business to you? Referrals are strong closes
· Learn new methods for local marketing – Watch and earn from others. Practice elevator speeches
· You have to give referrals to receive referrals –This can be a con or a pro, depending on how you look at life. Giving opens the doors for more receiving
· Build a referral based business – As mentioned above, referrals from others can be strong and easier closes. Leads still have to be sold
· You get to leave the office and enjoy the company of like-minded professionals – Whether your office is at home or not,getting away from the computer and phones is a plus!
Local networking is an important part of many businesses. If you have a local business such as real estate, storefront, or other similar business, networking will allow you to get to know local merchants and develop relationships with others. Referrals come from those who know you can know what type of work you can do. Integrity and follow through is important. But once you getinvolved and get to know others, it will come.
Similar to social media, local networking is something you have to make time for and dedicate time to for it to work.
How can you add networking to your schedule? Search out groups and chamber events to get started and have fun!