I am in the pre-launch stages of my new coaching business; percolating new ideas, writing curriculum for workshops, and talking, talking, talking to everyone about my exciting new niche: Dating After Divorce Coaching. I am targeting women over forty, who are having some difficulty in dating after divorce. And I am very excited!
This morning I met with a good friend, Nan, over a cup of Starbucks coffee to strategize about my new business. She is filled with common sense and intelligence, and every time our paths cross, we have lively intense conversations on deep topics. Today was no different.
After catching up on the triumphs and challenges of our children, we focused on my new business. She knows several people who can help: a divorced woman, a makeup specialist and a wardrobe consultant for future workshops on image.She also introduced me to an administrator at a local school who happened to be in Starbucks, and I followed up with an email promoting my other business, teaching art classes. An added bonus that I didn’t expect at all.
You never know what may come of a connection. I am always delighted at what happens when I make the effort to get out of my small circle and increase my network of business contacts. The possibilities are limitless. One connection leads to another, and another.
Five tips for growing your business
1) Network: Make the effort to get out of your small circle of people you know. Go to networking events. Go often.
2) Follow up: You made those connections, now contact those people and ask how you can be of help in the future.
3) Be a connector: It feels great to be a good resource for others. Offer the services of other businesspeople you know.
4) Be grateful: Find ways to thank others for their help. From a phone call to an email to something more elaborate, thanking people is so important. Hold a thank you evening of cocktails and snacks. Take a referral source out for lunch.
5) Keep building relationships: My coach, Jane Pollak, invited me to a concert to raise money to support Haiti. I was so touched by her generosity, and am honored and delighted to be going with her. She is building relationship with me, and I in turn, have continued to refer her as a wonderful coach. Never underestimate the importance of kindness.
Building your business can be a scary, daunting endeavor, and the above tips can make it less so. I am grateful for Nan for supporting me this morning, and I feel surrounded by a network of loving support coming from so many that I have reached out to.
Can you think of another tip that has worked for your business?
