Two Tip Tuesday
...helping you build a better business!

What You Need to Know about Getting Personal

In today's high-tech world, it is more important than ever for people to meet in person. Human contact has taken on a new significance in the era of voice mail, the Internet, and e-commerce.

Face to face marketing can be difficult for many business owners and can require more time, energy, and possibly expense, but the payoff can be tremendous---and ongoing!

There needs to be a balance between high tech and high touch. However, once you become good at the face to face method of creating visibility, it will prove to be the easiest and most enjoyable way to build your business, because it helps build a relationship of confidence and trust between you and your potential clients.

 So, instead of spending so much time in front of your computer sending emails, electronic newsletters, perusing other sites and continually tweaking your website, start cultivating relationships with potential clients by doing one (or all!) of the following:

Tip #1: Meeting + Mingling = Maximized Visibility

1.      Schedule a morning appointment for coffee or tea with someone you'd like to have as a client or who would benefit from knowing more about you and your business. This could be a real estate agent or office manager, a home furnishing/accessory store or consignment store owner, a freelance writer---anyone who can connect you with people who need your services.
Note: I prefer meeting for coffee instead of lunch because it takes less time out of the day AND is less expensive. Don't forget to take you Professional Portfolio, brochures, business cards and calendar with you.

2.      Call a real estate manager and request a 5-10 minute timeslot at an upcoming sales meeting.  Offer to share a few staging tips, as well as helpful ways that agents can explain staging to their sellers.

Note: Content-rich information is the key to speaking at a real estate sales meeting. Share ways that agents can help clients by utilizing your services, the importance of showcasing their listings, as well as educating them on how you can do 'as much or as little' as their budget will allow. DON'T FORGET to always take food when visiting a real estate office!

3.      Mingling opportunities: attend chamber mixers, real estate luncheons or functions, visit open houses on the weekends.

Note: Many organizations will allow you to attend as a guest for one or more times. Also, think about asking someone you know who is a member, to allow you to accompany them as a guest.

Tip #2 Let the Show Begin! The Impact of Trade Shows 

The power of numbers AND huge visibility are the primary reasons you need to consider participating in your local tradeshows.  If you are a stager, look into your annual real estate rallies and state real estate conventions where you can reserve a booth in the exhibit hall and you can also apply to give a presentation if it is an education-type venue.

To increase your redesign business, consider exhibiting at a local Home and Garden, Home Remodeling or Home Improvement Trade Show.

Note: To help with the expense of the booth, think about partnering with another stager, redesigner or organizer.

On a smaller scale but still a great way to get front and center with potential choice clients, give a decorating presentation at a women's luncheon, a consignment or furnishing store or home party. The topic could be 'how to': accessorize a bookcase; a mantel; create a dynamic table setting; create a dramatic artwork arrangement; tie towels; fold napkins; choose fabric and colors; etc.

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