Business Networking Sites

Today in the Telegraph, there was an interesting article about business networking sites: like Linkedin and Ecademy.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/7482116/Have-business-networking-sites-finally-come-of-age.html

I use linkedin, and I have to say that for an initial connection with people it is invaluable. It has also been useful for establishing myself as an 'expert' and to promote events my businesses are involved in. You are able to join sector related groups and contribute to discussions. I have discovered information that is informative and invaluable. I have also been able to connect with old colleagues, and through my existing contacts, connect with useful people for my business.

However, I don't just rely on Social Networks for establishing business; human interaction is an invaluable and might I say, the most effective business tool. I have heard from clients time and again that picking up the phone or even arranging a meeting resulted in our business being taken seriously - and leading to us winning contracts. Of course, it is great to connect via a social network, but realise that it gets very 'noisy' in there. You can be set apart by picking up the phone for follow ups, or even arranging a meeting.

Two examples that have worked for me recently are: we had bid for work with a large, multi-national company. I had spoken on the phone and also emailed the client. I offered to go into the office to introduce myself and discuss the contract, which she accepted. When the meeting ended, she said that it made such a difference that I was 'bothered' to come into the office, and this resulted in the business, and we have repeat business from them now.

We had a targeted marketing campaign; instead of just sending information via email or post, one of my assistants contacted everyone on the list to introduce our company. All agreed to receive the information; and immediately we received requests for meetings, specific jobs and to be kept in touch with any developments. The 'human' interaction had made a huge difference to our campaign, and resulted in more work.

Small businesses in particular have limited resources and time available. Social media sites are a cost effective business tool, but don't forget the power of human interaction; either by telephone or face to face.

Below is an interesting article by Cloud Net about the effectiveness of using the telephone (i.e. the human voice) for sales.

http://www.cloudnetuk.com/news/bid/36931/Cloud-Net-Survey-SMEs-still-use-websites-and-telephones-over-social-media-to-make-sales

For more information about Executive Voice go to our website or call us on 0844 576 3015

Be aware of background noises when you telephone

Today I received a phone call from one of my regular clients; she is always an absolute pleasure to speak to. She is a successful headmistress of an award winning school, and is such an inspirational person.

She mentioned that she is fed up with 'Government Officials' who call her throughout the day, asking for information; figures and checking she has received 'Urgent' information. She believes she has enough to do, without constantly speaking to them on the phone.

Last week, she had to cover a class, due to staff absenteeim, when the school secretary came into the class asking her to come to the phone "It is an urgent call and it can't wait". The secretary had explained that my friend was teaching, but this was not considered relevant; the caller had to speak to her NOW.

The headmistress was therefore surprised that in the background "The Teletubbies" was audible, and on several occasions during this 'important' telephone conversation, the caller stopped and said "Drop that", "Leave it" and other commands to a child who called out. It neither endeared my friend to the caller, or made her appear professional.

We all understand that there are emergencies when childcare is an issue, but there is always a choice of when important phone calls are made - and they certainly don't take place with children's TV (or infact a football match!) audible in the background. If you want to make a good impression and be taken seriously, either move to another room; do a call at another time or switch the TV to mute!

More information from http://www.executivevoice.co.uk