Developing new business can be much less stressful than a small business owner makes it. As I wrote about in my previous article, connecting is the most important thing that you can do in your business development efforts, because if you don't, you'll be wasting a lot of time. In this article I am going to share how to connect and what you can you do to stay connected.
So the first thing you need to do is evaluate and see how well you are connecting.
Are you really connecting with your prospects and clients or are you just going through the motions? This is a vital component and one that makes all the difference because if you are faking yourself out it won't help if you don't know well how you are connecting.
If you are already connecting but need to take it to the next level, meaning closing more transactions, and creating more revenue streams then here are Four Ways to Connect & Network with your Existing Prospects and Clients:
1. Connect via an email auto-responder. This is a great way to semi-automate your efforts and provide useful information and tips that are written or recorded. This is especially efficient if you have a large prospect list and/or a long selling cycle or use off line methods to generate the initial lead.
2. Social Media channels are another way to connect, test and network. Start with one channel and test it to see if it is a good fit. It might take you a month or two but the testing will be worth it.
3. Using the Phone - Ye ole' communicator, is still one of the best ways to connect if you're working in big ticket or high priced items and services. You can combine the phone along with other methods but in the end you might find this tool works best when it comes to keeping a solid connection over a period of weeks and months.
4. Skype or live web video chat works well especially if your prospects are on another continent or time zone, plus it allows for face to face if you need it.
Hopefully you are connecting and making every effort to take your business to the next level. If not, then now's the time to make the change. Do your best to find out how your prospects like to communicate and then make the time to keep the connection open and flowing with content that brings you to your next transaction.