Would you like to get more sales from bigger companies? The type of companies that can give you larger orders and repeat business and dramatically increase your income? If so, you may be wondering how to get your foot in the door. I believe, nothing beats personal contact. Networking at the right places is a great way to meet your best contacts. With that in mind, here are ten great places to network and meet bigger company buyers.
1. Awards Dinners: Big companies are frequently being honored at awards dinners. Chambers of Commerce and Business Journals frequently host these events. Although they can be pricey, the quality of contacts you meet may be well worth it.
2. Trade Shows: Big Companies exhibit at trade shows. Stop by their booths and see if you can make a connection or get the name of the promotion’s buyer. Years ago, I attending a trade show and meet a buyer that purchased 100,000 pens from me every year thereafter. Speaking of trade shows, consider being a speaker at a trade show that people in your niche market attend, it’s a great way to get known and get business!
3. Society of Human Resource Managers: Human resource managers frequently have connections to everyone in a big company, plus they may be purchasers as well. Consider joining their organization or speaking at one of their events. Check out their website.
4. Alumni Associations: Who did you go to high school or college with? Many of those people may be big company employees and great connections for you.
5. Civic Organizations: Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions are all great examples of organizations where you can make great connections and do good in your community at the same time.
6. Non-Profit Boards: Volunteering to be on a Board can be a great way to make high-level connections and give back to your community.
7. LinkedIn: LinkedIn has more corporate decision makers than any other social media site. First, make sure you have a stellar LinkedIn profile. Then seek to make quality connections. But, don’t just send the generic “I’d like to connect with you”, instead connect by referencing a mutual interest, an interesting article or mutual friend. In other words, give the person a reason to want to connect with you.
8. Adult Learning Classes: Always seek to update your skills. You’ll learn more and meet other high achievers who could be great connections for you.
9. Sporting Events: Love golf, tennis football or other sports? Consider playing in a league or getting seasons tickets for events. You never who you can meet that can introduce you to your next big account.
10. Niche Market Organizations: Every viable niche has a trade association for the people in their market. Google the name of your niche market and the word trade association and see what comes up. Consider joining to meet your most wanted clients.
For more great tips on networking and getting bigger company sales, check out my previous blog posts at Promo Journal. How to Land Big Company Sales and 10 Tips to Rev Up Your Networking.
Here’s wishing you more big company sales!
Speaker, Educator, and Promo Biz Coach, Rosalie Marcus, teaches promotional products sales professionals how to quickly, easily and profitably grow their sales without the overwhelm. Get a FREE E-Book: 10 Proven Ways to Thrive in Promotional Products Sales at her website www.promobizcoach.com Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com or 215-572-6766.