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Getting the word out about your products and services can really go along way in building your business. If potential customers don’t know who you are and what you offer, they will never be your customers.
There are many ways to promote your business but it is usually word of mouth marketing that provides the best bang for your buck – especially when marketing your business locally.
Therefore, how can one go about generating word of mouth advertising? There are many options from providing excellent consumer experiences to social networking in creating buzz. But, there is another method that is hardly ever used which can also provide you a free lunch - bonus!
In nearly every community in this nation, there are social groups or civic organizations that meet at least once a week to discuss general issues and work to, on a voluntary basis, improve their local areas. There are Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs or Mason groups just to name a few or even specific group entities like technology groups, accounting organizations or chamber of commerce clubs.
All of these organizations, which usually meet around lunch time, invite guest or outside speakers to come and give talks to their members regarding their business, the economy or their local markets.
As they meet some 52 times a year, they usually need 52 difference speakers; which can be a dubious feet for the organization. But, if you can become a guest speaker, you can help your company spread the word about its products and services and their benefits.
Here why. Most of these organizations, that have members ranging from 5 to 500 or more members, are a very captive audience. Thus, they are actually interested in listening to what you have to say. Try to get that with online or television advertising! Further, keep in mind that while many of the members of these groups may or may not be in your target market, they are all consumers, have households that consume and know many of the very customers you are trying to target. If you can be compelling to them regarding your offerings and benefits, not only do you stand a chance of turning these influential people into your customers, but you are most likely to get them to spread the word about your business to their friends and family.
Here are three simply techniques to keep in mind:
First, put yourself out there. These groups usually have one of their members responsible for finding and booking guest speakers. Don’t wait for them to come to you, call these organizations and present yourself as a guest speaker (get your name on their radar). Many times they will put you on their list for the next available open spot but there are times some other speaker will cancel, moving you up the list. So, tell them that you would be available at any time.
Second, make sure that you prepare a great presentation. Something that is compelling and memorable. Before giving your speech, which should last around 15 to 20 minutes, do your research on the group and try to mold your talk around their mission or their purpose – at least show that you understand who they are and how you or your business might fit with their group or benefit your community at large.
Lastly, like most social networking events, don’t blatantly pitch your business to the group. Try to work your business in subtly – but, for the most part stick to your topic which could range from world or community issues to issues within your individual industry or market. If you do want to pitch, provide some flyers or other information that they can take with them after your presentation.
Now, not only will this help spread the word about your company and its products but most of these groups will provide you a free meal for speaking.
So, who said there was no such thing as a free lunch? But more than a free meal, this is a great way to locally create word of mouth buzz about your company as well as get you and your business in front of many influential people within your community.
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