You Have Started a Business - Now What?

You Have Started A Business, Now What?

As business owners, we all decide one day, “I can do this.” You no longer need your boss. Heck, your boss couldn't make it without you! You bravely make the decision to start your own business. You have been in your industry for years. You know all there is to know about your field of work.

You go out and get your business license. You get some business cards. You even get a website. You are ready!

Now what?

To be successful with your own business you have to start doing thing you never thought you would do; all the things your mom warned you about.

"Don’t talk to strangers." Yet, now you find yourself standing in the corner of a restaurant, by yourself, staring at your shoes instead of networking with other business owners. It’s hard to get the nerve to walk up and talk with someone you have never met before.

But it doesn’t have to be hard. If you go to a networking meeting ready, the conversation can flow as easy as coffee with your best friend.

You have a secret. No one knows you are nervous. Chances are they are nervous too. Put a friendly smile on your face and walk up to someone at the networking event. Find someone standing at the opposite corner of you. I guarantee they will welcome you.

Always give them a business card. If you are not comfortable just handing them your card. Ask for their card. Take that opportunity to give them your card in return. If you ask them about their business they are sure to ask about yours. Take the time to listen to them. Even if that person isn’t a potential client for you, they may know someone in the future that needs your services.

Follow up. After going to a networking event take the time to contact the people you met at the event. To be a successful business owner you must build your relationships. A quick note that says it was nice to meet you or loved hearing about your business will not be forgotten.

Remember, not talking to strangers has been ingrained in us since we were two. But to have a successful business talking to strangers becomes our biggest ally.

Submitted by Diana Kohn
Diana Kohn is a member of Koinonia Business Women. She is the owner of FLAIR. Her business is designed to help small business owners grow their business through networking.She is also available for writing projects. http://www.businesswithflair.com/

Hello business women! I thought I would share a neworking/selling tip that my friend John Wheeler of www.BizNetCentral.com talked about recently:

When I used to oversee a sales force, I would teach them that the sales cycle had 4 steps:

1. Meet
2. Like
3. Trust
4. Do Business (get a referral or get paid)

Sending out a "Nice to Meet You," card is one great way to help speed the process of going from Meeting to Trusting.

Just another way to keep you top-of-mind in potential customers' minds, and show yourself as a considerate, friendly business person.

posted by Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com

Business Networking Tips

Business Networking is a vital sales tool for entrepreneurs and small businesses. I’ve seen a lot of great advice given over the years – but very few people touch on what I have found to be the most important skill of all. Most networking advice focuses on what to say – how to position yourself, and how to develop your elevator pitch.

Most networkers rush into talking about themselves, and the services and/or products their business offers. However, networking is a long term game – and the initial meeting is just the beginning. Do not rush to blurt out all the details of your services. But be the first to ask “what do you do?” and focus on the other person. This gives you 5 advantages:

1. You can discover whether the other person is a potential customer or a potential referrer for you – and adjust your “elevator speech” accordingly.

2. You can see how to best pitch your services to hit the right "hot buttons" for them.

3. If you offer multiple services you can identify which service is the most appropriate for them and focus on a powerful specific message for that –particular service, rather than using a generic "catch all."

4. By listening to the way they communicate and the language they use, you can identify the best way to communicate with them in a compelling manner.

5. You can pick up specific areas where you can help people to connect them too or direct them to resources. By adding value for them before you’ve even talked about yourself you’ll make a tremendous impression.

-by Karmen A. Booker

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Karmen A. Booker is an Attorney, Business Consultant and Chief Consultant for Compu-Perfect Professional Services, a business consulting firm specializing in business incorporation, establishing limited liability companies, contract drafting & reviewing, and more.

CALL ATTORNEY BOOKER at (301) 408-1082. View her website at http://www.compuperfect.net/

She is also the author of “Business Tips” Report where you will discover tips that will put you on the Road to Business Success, Tips for creating and implementing a marketing plan, and more. This report and other books she has authored are available for online purchase at http://www.kbooker.wordpress.com/ by clicking on the respective report and book covers on the right sidebar of her blog site.