ADIM Media - A Note From Our CEO: Leveraging Marketing Opportunities Outside of a Digital Presence

This article coming from the founder of a digital marketing company may seem weird. But, as a big picture, never miss an opportunity to promote your business or person; I firmly believe that face-to-face communication and conversation are still important ways to solidify clients for your company. However, I am keenly aware that not everyone is a social butterfly like me and that networking in person can take serious effort and be a challenge with a busy work calendar.

I, being someone who is pulled in many different directions – as a CEO, a single mom, and a person just trying to live a life – had to go through many trials and tests before I figured out where to put the effort on my own time to grow the business.

Of course, I have always had a digital presence that is strong for both the company and me personally, but the in-person networking did take a while for me to master, and I still work on it today. I do think, though, that I can offer some valuable advice to other business owners based on my experience over the last 15 years.

Some questions I want answers to are:

Which Organizations Work for You?

With so many options, it can be challenging to choose whose breakfast, lunch, happy hour, or event to go to. I research any organization I am planning on becoming a part of before I make one single phone call or visit an event.

What Is The Primary Market You Serve?

I am a marketing company. I can go just about anywhere and find potential clients because, in one way or another, all businesses need marketing of some kind. However, organizations that are serving, for example, South Houston may not be advantageous to me because getting to events would be hard due to location, and getting to clients that far away thus would be difficult as well.

What Do They Do to Support Small Businesses?

There are many organizations that support businesses of all sizes. I, personally, like the ones that support entrepreneurs and smaller-sized businesses because that is who we mainly market for. I look on social media for the organizations to see who they promote. Do they only promote their interests or are member shoutouts and accomplishments showcased?

Who Do You Know? Who is a Part of the Organization?

Who you know matters. Especially if that person can take you with them to an event or give insight into their experience. Do not be afraid to ask around for honest opinions before you write the membership fee check.

What Do You Do When You Get There?

You have done the research and have decided to attend an event, which I recommend before joining. Now what?

Here are some tips for attending your first event:

Do You Have an Elevator Pitch Ready?

Inevitably, people will ask you what you do – preferably after you ask them – and you need to be ready. While ‘I own a marketing company’ may be enough description for some, others will need more detail. My elevator pitch is, ‘We help companies grow through expert digital marketing to enhance brand awareness, market share, and quality leads. We help with everything from websites to social media management to email campaigns and so much more!’ Short. Sweet. Descriptive.

Do You Take Business Cards?

Please, I beg of you, have business cards on hand! Yes, digital is fun, yes, e-cards are great, but business cards are still a tangible item that the person can look at without having to search all of the contacts in their phone to find you later.

Oh, and wear a name tag, too!

Are You Talking to Everyone You Can?

A lot of people go to events and sit at a table waiting to chat with those who sit next to them. But you want to talk to as many people as possible at networking events. If you are a naturally shy person, take baby steps. Make it a goal to talk to 3 people during an event. Say hi and hello, ask them what they do, and then give your elevator pitch. Make it routine, and it will become easier for you.

Are You Doing A Follow-Up?

I like to come back to my office and email anyone I chatted with who could be a potential customer or connection that day. The event is fresh in our minds, my face may be more memorable, and I show that I cared that they took the time to chat. If anything, I am building a reputation of diligence that helps them form an opinion of what I am like to work with.

There is so much more I can share with you, and I am always here if you have any questions, so do not hesitate. But I hope these little tips for networking, in addition to your digital and print media needs, help you elevate your business to a new level!