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Using your network in a proper manner is often the best
and cheapest way for your startup to get its first customers.
Offline and online
Most people network both online and offline and you use different tool for the
actual network. To the online network you use Facebook, text messages, e-mail,
specialist forums and other electronic and social platforms.
To the offline network the business card is essential when you network at
meetings, seminars, sales presentations, family dinner and other situations
where you come in physical contact with possible customers.
Family network
Maybe your father, uncle or cousin can open doors for you. It is very
helpful if a relative beforehand has introduced you to potential customer in
advance.
The customer will listen more carefully to your offer if he knows someone in
your family. This is probably because he thinks that you are not likely to cheat
him. Do not misuse this trust.
Persons in your network
Search your mind for all the people you have met in your life. Have you been
a good friend or colleague to the ones you knew and to the ones you know today?
If you have, they will be good ambassadors for you and your business.
Search your mind for:
- Old school friends
- Study friends from college and University
- Colleagues from former workplaces
- Buddies from football or cricket
- Roommates from your study year abroad
- Maybe relatives you only met once at a wedding
- ... more
Contact your network
Send them an e-mail or a personal letter saying that you have now opened your
own business. If they can find ways to help your business grow they will
normally do so, because they like you as a person.
- Go to next
business issue: Legal Business Structure
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Copyright © 2009 Dynamic Business Plan 21-05-2012
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