If you’re trying to find more customers, one of the least costly and most effective ways to increase sales is to implement a community networking program. As we discussed in Parts I and II, first you must identify companies that have the same type of clients as you do.

Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to approach these companies with a promotion that helps them thank their customers while also sending their customers to your business.

Below are several ideas you may wish to consider in your community networking. Take one of these ideas, make adjustments so it works for your business, and you’re ready to develop a campaign sure to bring you some of the best customers ever!

FREE OFFER - Offer a free item with a visit to your store or a call to your service. Use a free item that will prompt the buyer to buy other products and services. For instance, a quick oil lube place might consider a promotion for free fries at the local popular fast food joint. The fast food joint expects consumers will come because of the free fries...and leave with a whole meal.

EMPLOYEE CARDS - Provide a local employer with discount cards that can be handed out to the company’s employees. For instance, you might want to offer a “buy 10, get one free” card. Another example; let’s say you’re a dentist. Find a company that doesn’t offer dental insurance, then provide the cards for a “discount” to that company’s employees - you could even offer a free teeth whitening once a certain amount was spent. This concept can be applied to any number of service and product-based businesses.

DISCOUNT OFFER - This works great for service businesses. Let’s say you own a secretarial service that provides newsletter labeling and mailing services. You can offer a discount card to printers who have clients that do newsletters. You can offer a discount on your services, or offer a different freebie when a company uses one of your services.

GIFT CERTIFICATES - Offer gift certificates to be handed out to that company’s most valued customers. This is a great way to introduce your services to qualified prospects while making the company handing out the certificates also look good.

Want to brainstorm about how you can put community networking to work for you? Call me at 425-415-6427 to get started. I’ve got lots of ideas and I know we can find a few that will work for your business!