How to Talk to Potential Clients at Social Events
Braxton Tulin - Friday, May 13, 2011
There are many social situations everyday that give us an opportunity to interact with others and spread the word about our business. If you treat every social event as the chance to meet new people and turn them into potential clients, you can exponentially grow your business. If you show someone you can offer them a valuable service while still interacting in a fun social environment, you can engage people in business in a non-threatening way.
1. First, of course introduce yourself. If you are not introduced by a mutual acquaintance, take the initiative and say hello when the opportunity arises, such as when the individual is alone or getting another beverage.
2. Don't start off with what you do. Chat about something on neutral ground like the event, the food, the weather, or local events. Most people do not like being "sold" to during a social event. Do not make the potential client feel like you want something from him.
3. Ensure the potential client gets your information, without hard-selling yourself or making a direct sales pitch.
4. Interject what you do and where you work comfortably during the conversation if you can. At that time, it may be appropriate to provide your business card, but make sure you have offered them valuable information first or a good reason to find out more about what you do.
5. Ask the potential client for his or her business card if you think the conversation will be cut short for some reason. You can reciprocate by offering your business card.
6. Contact the potential client after the event. It still may not be appropriate to hard-sell the potential client, so find a non-intimidating reason to contact the person, such as asking if the potential client would like to receive your newsletter or follow up on a topic that came up during your interaction at the event.
7. Treat people how you would want to be treated. Potential clients are real people, not dollar signs.
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