When you run your own business you are always looking for ways to get your business noticed.
One thing business owners look for is a low cost or free way to advertise.
Word of mouth is a great way to get business.
The people that spread the word about your business are happy customers.
Happy customers are the best form of free advertising you can get.
Another great way to build your business without spending a huge amount of money is to go to networking events.
Basically going to a networking event will cost you a little bit of money and your time.
You will need business cards for the event and you might have to pay to get in or a membership fee to be apart of it.
Either way, it will be worth it if you network the right way.
Here are 3 steps that will help you be prepared for your networking event.
1.
Dress When you go to a networking event you need to dress in your nice business clothes.
You don't need to wear a tuxedo or formal dress, but a suit and tie or a dress or pant suit is good.
People will trust you more if you look professional.
2.
Business cards The next thing you need is business cards.
Business cards are important because people won't have your name, number, and website in front of them without them.
Your business card is a sure fire way for people to remember you.
Your business card needs the following information on your card.
•Name •Company Name •Website •Phone number •Address Now you can leave your number and address off of your card if you prefer people visit your site or call you.
In place of those two things you can insert your tag line or a few words about your business.
3.
Elevator Speech Once you have these two things in place, you are ready for the final thing you will need when networking with others.
You will need your elevator speech ready.
An elevator speech is a brief 30 second to one minute speech about your business.
You need to practice your speech so you have it down before the event.
Now you have an idea of what you should wear, you have your business cards, and you have your elevator speech down pat.
You are ready to head over to the event.
Make sure you talk to people and make notes about each one so you can refer people to them.