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Permalink Reply by Lindsay Shepherd on February 27, 2011 at 8:18am

We have to spend as much time working on our business as we do working in it! Being pro-active is key. I always make sure I have a stack of business cards in my bag or pocket, I often give out two, 'for you to pass on to anyone you know who will be interested' Giving talks is very useful, give the Women's Institute a call, they like to have speakers and you may feel more comfortable with a group of ladies.

Network, network, network, don't stop. I gave free sessions to the girls at my hairdressers when I was training. They got free sessions then told their clients about me, so I had clients waiting for when I qualified (I also see it as promoting our profession, not just me), hairdressers, manicurists - anyone who chats to people while they work, works really well. There are local business groups you can try as well, some are more useful that others, most you can go to as a visitor before you commit to joining. Have a look at the Women in Business Network (WIBN), only one member per profession is allowed per group. It's a commitment joining these groups, time and money, get the right group and it really helps. When you network, say how you can help them, rather than ask how they are going to be able to help you. 

Never stop marketing - even if you have a full diary, keep up your marketing, make sure you always have something in the pipeline. Finally, keep a record of the things you do and evaluate them often, check what is and is not working. I have noticed the recession is really biting in the UK now, but those of us who keep ahead and make the effort can still thrive.

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Pete & Lorraine on February 27, 2011 at 12:11pm

Hi Janice

We went quiet just before Christmas and started picking up 2 weeks into January, last year we were booked right through to February.

My partner Lorraine goes to 4networking attending in different areas fairly local 15/20 mile radius. I go to a couple of different ones within the same parameters one is free one you pay £5. You need to go on a regular basis to get known, liked and booked. Some you do a minutes talk about what you do then meet on a one to one basis and exchange information others you just exchange through chatting. Talks can create clients at the WI for instance. LinkedIn.com online is free and you can find out whats going on in your area. The only network groups I can find with a quick search is business for breakfast expensive to join as is 4networking, but you may find on looking around locally something to suit your pocket.

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