So far the posts on this blog have been networking offline for building a offline business. Offline marketing is also important when you are building a online business.

In fact, having a well rounded online business that has traffic coming from online, SEO, social networking and offline marketing, will create a stronger business that is not dependent on a single source of traffic. This becomes extremely important when it comes to algorithm changes that search engines do on a regular basis. Many have lost significant incomes due to search engine algorithm changes.

When website administrators take on affiliate marketing they often forget the potential clients available in the non-virtual world. Additionally, many of the clients that go to website from the non-virtual world tend to have more trust for the website administrator and are more likely to make a purchase without hesitation about trust.

Reading through the posts on this site will help you to build the trust necessary for a successful business and it will help you to fine the potential clients to meet and greet. Many times there is a lack of ideas for integrating online and offline marketing strategies so here are a few ideas:


Business Networking Ideas

• Networking with people that are your family, friends and acquaintances  Often times we tend to not share some of the activities we are doing when building a online business. Do not underestimate the needs of others. You may fine that your next door neighbor is in need of a service that you are offering on your website. When a purchase is made ask permission to get a testimonial and make sure you thank them for trusting in the information you provide.

• Join business meetings, forums, and conventions. One of the best methods I have found for finding business meeting is through a website called meetup.com. Membership is free and you can search for anything from knitting circles to programming groups. Meetup will provide you with information about where most local business owners gather together to discuss business ideas. Business meetings will provide information about the latest strategies and technologies for businesses online and offline in any trade. Once you attend a few meetings you will be able to start gathering information about other meetings that you may find of interest.

I do suggest that before attending a business network group that you read my post about, Different Rules in Different Network Groups.  This article will help you to understand the unwritten rules of business network groups.

Here are a few more ideas to keep in mind when networking offline:

• Network yourself with local business professionals. Join business associations and activities like Chamber of Commerce, industry events, networking organizations, and trade shows to expand your network.

• Know who you are networking with and be selective with whom you are networking with. My post on having a business one-on-one will help with evaluating the people you encounter and get to know. Select only the best networks.

• Establish good, strong relationships with your network business partners.

• Talk with people about their business.. You'll be surprised how many people are actually interested in building up their own businesses. You'll also get to gather new business ideas this way.

Relationship marketing ideas

• Fortify your base market. Maintain and continue to improve your relationship with current and past customers. Don’t waste your initial marketing efforts by not sustaining your current base market. Continue marketing to your existing clients.

• There are a few things you could do to keep your base market loyal to your business. You can keep in touch with them on a personal level by sending out holiday cards. Some online business owners go so far as sending their clients handwritten letters that update them regarding industry news.

• Create a newsletter and ask permission to add people to you mailing list. Never allow your base market to forget about your business. Keep it foremost in their minds by giving away things, newsletter for example, that may directly or indirectly remind them of your business or your services.

• Form relationships with new markets. Don’t be content with your current market base. Expand as much as your resources would allow.

• Participate in local trade shows. You can either be behind the booth reaching new customers or outside doing the talking to potential business partners.

• When introducing yourself to potential new customers, never complicate business terms. If you're trying to build new business relationships, keep your information simple. Customers don't have all day to figure out what you’re trying to sell. Follow the kiss principal.

• Throw special events or parties for your customers. Such events could help brand your products or services as well as expand your network connections.

Print Marketing Ideas

• Use effective business cards that contain everything your clients need to know about contacting you or availing your products or your services. Hand out your business cards to anyone either to expand your client base or to expand your network.

• Use brochures and flyers. So long as these are strategically placed, these could bring in potential customers. Never leave out your previous customers as well.

• Advertise on print media. Newspapers and magazines still rank high among the most effective offline marketing tools. Use these tools effectively.

P.S. Make sure that you are enjoying yourself and compliment others often. Smiles and sincere compliments go a long way in building relationship fast.


Business Networking Success: The 5 Easy Steps to Building Your Business Network Without EVER Going to Another Business Networking Group!!