It is not as simple as it seems. It is often hard to get a hold of business owners after you have found out if they have an online presence.
However, you can leave a business card. The problem with doing that is that you are leaving it with someone that might not truly understand. So what do you do? Well, you go back another day or even ask an employee when is the best time to speak with the owner.
When you finally get to speak to them, try not to be overwhelming. A lot of times you should not tell them that they need, but show them how having an online presence will enhance their business…. and even their own community!
1. Ask them if they thought about having an online presence. If they have, but decided not to, ask why. A lot of times owners believe it is not necessary, when in fact it really can be helpful. Even that one wonderful restaurant in small town USA (or another country), might actually be worth having a website because not only it allows them to share information about their business, but their town is known for having a restaurant that is a ‘must eat at’ place. Please remember when approaching to not be overbearing. These business owners are often passionate about what they do and may have some success in the community already. They may even have been a business for several generations.
2. Ask if they understand or know how to create an online presence. Often business owners are clueless where to begin or have been given expensive information that has been overwhelming.
3. Be prepared to have solutions available, but able to speak in layman’s terms. Small towns, or large cities, there will be business owners who are still hesitant or not very savvy about the internet.
4. Be prepared to show them how you can help them. Having a solution and being able to walk them through makes the business owner at ease with the process of social media. It is not difficult, and even if they might want to train an employee to do some social networking for the business (like introducing coupons), it can be something they can do at their own leisure.
5. Encourage them to keep in touch and be prepared to contact from time to time. If there are new things that the business owner needs to know, contact them and ask them if they are interested in hearing more. Of course, it is good to ask them how they have found the tools you gave them to work. Following up and taking an interest builds a good relationship between yourself and the business owner. They will be more apt to continue working with you and even recommending you to others.
Of course, this is a one-on-one method, but even when having a group meeting, you can exercise these points.
How have you reached out to local business owners?
Such a great article.
You really laying out a useful road map on how to approach potential clients in the right ways.
Thank you.
My recent post Is Google The King? China says Otherwise.
I really needed this advice at this time. I am going to approach people about blogging and needed a good way to do it. This helped a lot. Thanks.
I started out designing sites for niche markets now I am marketing to small business in my immediate area. Thanks for the tips. I you a lot of content in here.
Nice blog post about how to approach to the business owners who need their business to be online. Nice blog post keep the good work going.
Nice blog post about how we can approach to business owners who needs their business to be online. Nice blog post keep the good work going.