While I run my business completely online, I really enjoy attending events and seminars in person here in Los Angeles and across the country. I am sure that you also find these events valuable. However, the problem most of us have with networks is keeping track of the people we meet.
An easy way to do powerful, automated follow-up is to convert these people into e-zine subscribers. This ensures that you have the opportunity to repeatedly show them how great your products/services are while building their trust in you.
But how do you “catch” people in person? Remember, you can NEVER enroll someone unless you specifically ask them to do so; it’s not ethical.
Therefore, you should encourage people you meet in person to join your list and make it easy for them. And I have three successful strategies to share with you.
- Advertise your e-zine on your business card (or brochure) Nothing gets across more at a networking event than a good business card. But what’s on the BACK of your cards? Nothing? Well, from now on you’re going to use that valuable real estate. The next time you print new cards, use the other side! Create a short message that promotes your e-zine and provides information on how to subscribe. When someone you know looks at your business card again when they return to the office, they’re much more likely to sign up when they see the reminder on your card. As an example, here’s what I have on the back of my new cards: “Promote your business with an ezine! Sign up for FREE tips every two weeks at http://www.EzineQueen.com.” COUSIN: This strategy also gets these people to visit your website, which they otherwise would not have done. If you’re not ready to print new cards for a while, use your computer to print your message on labels and stick them on the back of your cards. Cheap and easy!
- Keep track of every person you meet by email After every event I attend, my goal is to follow up with everyone I met via email within three days. In that email, I remind the person that they can sign up to receive my FREE tips on my website. Here’s an example of a note I recently sent: “Dear Margaret, It was a pleasure chatting with you at [EVENT NAME HERE] Last Thursday. I would like to learn more about your business and how we can help each other. Maybe we can meet for coffee next week? In the meantime, you can enjoy my FREE weekly e-zine “Straight Shooter Marketing” which provides tips on how to market yourself online. I write it for small business owners like you! You can learn more and sign up at http://www.EzineQueen.com Take care of yourself and let’s keep in touch. Regards, Alexandria K. Brown, ‘The E-zine Queen.'” Again, this strategy also gets these people to visit your website, which they otherwise wouldn’t have. (Pretty cool, huh?)
- Are you the speaker? Pass out a sign-in sheet or collect cards Whenever I’m the featured speaker at an event, I make sure to give audience members an easy way to sign up for my e-zine. I pass out a sign-up sheet to collect their names and email addresses, OR I collect business cards when I draw a winner for a free book. If you’re using the business card method, tell your audience to write an “E” for e-zine on their card; this lets you know that you want to subscribe to your newsletter. Some speakers do the opposite, telling the audience that if they do NOT want to subscribe to your e-zine, put a “NO” on their card, but I feel more comfortable with the first method.
Remember, your list is your gold mine!
People you meet in person will be very valuable subscribers, because they already know you. And we’re all more likely to buy from others we know, like, and trust.
Your in-person meeting will start that process, and your e-zine will follow automatically.
(c) 2003 Alexandria K. Brown