Friday, October 14, 2016

Networking....

The definition of networking is "a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest" and "an association of individuals having a common interest, formed to provide mutual assistance, helpful information, or the like."  When it comes to business, and especially a small business, building a referral network can help drive revenue!  Networking may seem like a foreign concept to some people, but really it can be easy.  This is all to ensure repeat business!

I guess I should have first started this post out by saying my menu is so very close to being finished.  What I mean by that is, I have come up with my list of baked goods along with the prices; but, I just need to get it into a PDF or printable format.  Until then, you can find it here on my blog. I've decided to create a seasonal pie list.  So, this will change and rotate through the seasons!

Apple Oatmeal Crumb

So, please please (if you live in the area) let me know if anything strikes you and you would like to order anything.  For now, you can simply email me what you want with a 48 hour notice.  Whether you have an event coming up, a dinner party, or even planning on watching football all day on a Sunday and don't feel like making the dessert just let me do it for you!

Here are a few ways of networking:

1) Stay in touch with your local community.  Starting and building, and strengthening relationships or partnerships with other local business owners can only help drive business for you and others.  Stop in other small businesses, after talking with the other owners see if there is a way of developing a 'Shop Local' partnership.

2) Be active on-line.  This may seem pretty easy for most people now-a-days with social media.  I, only a few weeks ago, began an Instagram account.  Which, btw, please follow-me @philadelphiabakingexperiment.   The more you read, comment, and like other businesses, topics, and events in your area the better.  I have already found out so much information about things happening in my neighborhood that I otherwise would never have known.  After noticing your on-line activity, other businesses may add you as a business contact. This alone is incredibly valuable and promotes online word-of-mouth.

3) Out-and-about networking.  While you are taking part in your everyday life routine there are opportunities for networking.  If you strike up a conversation with someone in line in front of you at the grocery store, see if it makes sense to bring up your business.  You never know who you may meet by being friendly and outgoing and talking to the people around you.

4)  Follow-up as promised.  One pet peeve I've mine is when someone, in business, says they'll call me back and they don't!  Be sure to follow-up after 24 hours and remind the person where you met.  This is a way of letting others know you are professional and courteous.  

5) Use your own friends and family to build your network.  Telling as many people as you can about your new business adventure can only lead to a bigger network.  Friends will tell other friends and so on.  This leads me to the 2nd portion of my post for today...

I've decided to make a  "Friends of PBE" page right here on my blog where I have listed a few friends and family members who also have businesses that I think you should check outBecause I understand the importance and power of networking I reached out to a few of my friends who have direct marketing businesses or other businesses that I think anyone reading this blog could find useful, interesting, or appealing.

Kierstyn for Arbonne : Arbonne skincare products, based on botanical principles with
both inner and outer health and beauty products.
Joy for Younique : Younique, most famous for their 3D Fiber Lash, also have a full skincare and cosmetic line. 
Cheryl for Stella and Dot : Stella and Dot is a boutique-style jewelry and accessories company.
Valerie owns Dermagrafix : Dermagrafix is Pennsylvania’s premiere Permanent Makeup and Training facility.
of course
Sal and Josephine (my parents) own Sicilian Trattoria: Sicilian Trattoria is a BYOB Italian restaurant.

I realize this list is really only a few people who I know running their own businesses.  So, if you would like me to add your website to my friends page, just leave me a comment or send me an email and I would be happy to!

"We all have two ears and one mouth for a reason, start by listening and seek to help, then your new contact will of course treat you the same way." -Huffingtonpost

Things are moving for me now, slowly, but they are moving!

Till next time,

Jerr