Having talked to hundreds of experts, executive and entrepreneurs these past few weeks while speaking on the road, I have noticed many are saying one thing in common, “What’s worked in my business to bring in the sales previously, seems to be not working as effectively in this economy. What do you suggest I do?” Most I found were continuing to market online with little success, and were doing little to be out in their marketplace face-to-face.   If you are a well-known expert or entrepreneur already famous, then your name recognition online will draw the crowds. However, if you are an up-an-coming expert or entrepreneur trying to become well-known, then it is important that you brand yourself and build your business doing more face-to-face marketing in addition to your online presence.

 

Now, more than ever, it is important to focus your marketing on relationship-building strategies. People will always do business with people they know, like and trust. 

 

So many entrepreneurs have fallen in love with the idea of marketing online and never “touching the prospect or client.” I am talking to more and more people who are having challenges with this marketing mindset right now. Their internet business is dramatically failing. Why? If you are selling high end products or services, (selling for hundreds or thousands of dollars) there is only so much you can do online to build relationships if your name isn’t already well-known. Online marketing is fantastic--when you combine it with these following ‘personal’ relationship-building marketing strategies.

 

We have all heard this before. It is simple, yet very true. Imagine agreeing to marry someone you never met or spent personal time with. The same applies in business. 

 

Here are a 4 strategies that quickly help people get to know, like and trust you personally.

 

1. Speak to Build Your Business by Showcasing Your Expertise. When you speak to groups, people personally experience your message and expertise, and they also experience who you are as a person. Speaking builds strong credibility fast when your message is honest, direct and offers solutions to today’s challenges.

 

2. Network to Build Trust & Credibility. Networking is highly effective during this economic climate. When people can personally meet you, they want to know how your expertise can help them. I hear people often say, “I used to network, but nothing happened to build my business.” There is an effective way to network. Once you apply the effective networking system, people will instantly be drawn to your business, sales will increase and your circle of influence will grow dramatically.

 

3. Personally Connect With Your Prospects & Customers. Now is the perfect time to pick up the phone and call your prospects and customers. What a concept! Why don’t more people do this? Many people are reluctant to take the time get to know their customers & prospects. We all hate calling corporations, only to get a voice mail system that does everything to make certain we never get the opportunity to talk to a live person. We hate that kind of customer service; it’s actually an oxymoron. Yet, are you attempting to do the same thing in your business? Big Mistake! Your competition who is willing to pick up the phone and connect with your prospects will get the business in today’s tougher economic environment. Just yesterday, I brought $9,500 into my business by inviting interested prospects to set up a phone consultation with me personally. It took only 2 hours of my time connecting with them, and the beauty of that time spent is that I now know what they need, what their challenges are in their business and how I can personally help them to succeed. 

             

             I don’t say this to impress you, but to impress upon you the value of personally connecting with your prospects to build the Know, Like & Trust Factor which will increase your sales every time. Each person thanked me for taking the time to  personally discuss their goals and challenges. Trust and credibility were built in those phone calls, and as a result people purchased on the spot. Being available to personally connect with your prospects and customers goes a long way to          serving their needs and creating life-long relationships.

 

4.  Ask for Referrals. Here is one tip to double your business almost overnight.   Ask each of your customers for 3 referrals. If just one referral became a customer, you would double your business instantly. Referrals are the easiest way to grow your business because a referral is a “warm to hot” prospect who has been recommended to you by a friend looking out for their best interests. Trust and credibility are already present with a referral. I have coaching clients who have doubled, even tripled their business by focusing on developing their referral system and working that system consistently. The first step is to ask, ask and ask again until you get referrals. Happy customers love to refer their friends and family if you have provided high-quality service.

           

Want to increase your business success, but having a difficult time knowing the best business-building strategies to reach your goals? Then it’s time to take action and invest in a step-by-step coaching system that will keep you focused moving in the direction of more success daily. The Grab Your Ultimate Dreams Coaching System gives you the most important things to do daily to create a mindset for more success, get out there in a big way achieving your biggest goals, while continually feeling confident, fulfilled and loving life! This is a step-by-step system geared to move you forward daily in the direction of your dreams.   You can get it at www.GrabYourUltimateDreams.com