Non-Business Ways to Build Your Business
Meeting planners are facing an era of insecurity, it’s true. With companies making cutbacks that often include events, meetings, and incentive travel, the meeting planner has to think of new ways to increase business. This may mean increasing your client base. How do you do that? Read on for some ideas.
Volunteer
Advertising, handing out business cards, calling potential clients, meeting up with decision makers–all of this is the old way of increasing exposure. There is another way, and it is not all that new but it has become more critical lately–and the best thing is, it doesn’t have to cost much.
You can increase your visibility by service and volunteerism. Volunteering at the local Red Cross, for instance, will increase your visibility to anyone who works with them. There are also other community groups that are in constant need of volunteers. Whether you would rather be a volunteer firefighter or a driver for the physically challenged, there is a place for you.
Helping Groups
When you hear about a local high school with a struggling music department, buy advertising in their programs–for the year. Become a sponsor of your local community orchestra, donate to arts programs and war memorials. Buy a brick that will be set into the bridge at the beautiful new pond at your local city park–the brick will bear your name.
You can find other groups that need help as well. If you have a soft spot in your heart for the homeless, there are many organizations for them that need a bit of cash now and then. Anything helps, as they say. If you love children, help sponsor a children’s theater company. There are many groups right now with empty pockets who do great service to the community.
If you make it your personal mission to do something for someone every single day of your life, people will remember your name. And although it’s good for business, it’s better for the community–and for you
