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

smiling boosts your confidence official!

I picked up this article in the dreaded Daily Mail a couple of weeks ago. Here it is:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1213604/A-simple-smile-takes-boost-womans-confidence.html

So it's official: if you smile, you feel better. This is based on research on women: interestingly enough, why not on men.... For the sake of argument, let's
focus on men AND women. Smiling is a powerful communication tool. It takes less effort to smile than it does to frown! A true smile, where you are using your eyes as well as the mouth, creates a positive response from other people. I occasionally challenge myself to smile to everyone I interact with, and the world is a calmer, happier place!
Finally, the voice is more uplifting; happy and confident when you smile. On the telephone, remember to smile because your voice is more engaging.
Smiling costs nothing, but is an extremely powerful communication tool - verbally and non-verbally. Try it and see the difference.
For more information on Executive Voice go to http://www.executivevoice.co.uk