Networking 101 - An Easy Way to Reach New Clients

Networking 101 - An Easy Way to Reach New Clients

By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting (Pty) Ltd

It is well documented and well known that the easiest way to increase your sales is to rope in and resurrect your existing and dormant clients.

The second easiest way to get new clients is from referral Networking.  Let’s face it, the majority of us would rather make use of a supplier that someone has recommended than someone we have found in the yellow pages.  I know for sure, which one I would rather use.

So how do you go about getting referrals?  Well for me it is a ‘no brainer’.  I do it through Networking.  I have been Networking for a number of years now and the relationships that I have built up as a result of those networking events, pay up big time – really big time!

In the last week alone, I have formed 3 different collaborations with people within my own database and the result is that I have now got 3 different projects on the go.  How exciting is that.

How did I originally meet these people?  Well two of them I met through two different Networking meetings and the other was referred to me.  How easy is that?  It sure as hell beats knocking on doors and doing cold calling.

Remember though, you have to build the relationships and maintain them and you have to recognise the opportunity and then act on it.  Don’t be discouraged if things don’t happen immediately.  Stay focused and keep going – pretty soon the business will just start flying in.

Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za  or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za