I attended a SCORE Atlanta conference today on marketing & sales.
In case you haven’t heard of this organization, it’s a non-profit resource partner of the Small Business Administration (as in SBA loans) with volunteer business owners and corporate executives, both retired and working, who are giving back by providing advice on pretty much any business-related topic. Many years ago, when I was just starting out, I went to a workshop, and now I’m head-slapping myself for not taking advatange of this phenomenal treasure.
I hate sales. Really. The idea of selling and networking put my stomach in knots, despite being told I’m good at both. Believe it or not, I don’t like talking about myself. But as a small-business owner, it’s something I MUST do if I want to continue eating. And I’m a big fan of food.
So … I went to this conference at the suggestion of the wife of a client. It was the best $69 I’ve spent on advertising and professional development. Not only were the presenters (well, most of them) warm, engaging people who knew their stuff, I found myself easily talking to other attendees about what they did and how I could help them. (Gasp!) They were nice people. It wasn’t scary. And the boxed lunch from Corner Bakery was unexpectedly tasty.
When I got back, after checking voice mail and e-mail and the mailbox and talking to the nice ladies in the leasing office, I started implementing things I’d learned throughout the day. Hence, this new blog. How’s that for motivating?
And now I’m better equipped to help my clients position and market themselves more effectively, too, with ideas about free PR, using social media (go ahead, ask me what that is), consultative selling, and building relationships.
I’ve got a to-do list for me, notes of things to share with clients, and business cards to both follow up on and pass along. I just might become a networking salesperson.
Maybe after dinner.
