12 best ways to bring more buz

1. Go to industry events. No matter what kind of business you’re in, there’s sure to be a conference, meeting or seminar for your industry. Use these opportunities to get out and talk with those in your line of business, make new friends, and get your name out there.
2. Sponsor your own event. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, but if you have the means, sponsoring a lunch or seminar for others in your line of work can be a great way to look professional, let others know what it is you do, and bring in some new business.
3. Join the Chamber of Commerce. Attending meetings with other local professionals can be a great way to let others know about your business and pass around your business cards. Plus, you’ll be actively participating in your community, which is beneficial to you and your reputation.
4. Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers. You may have gotten into the online business because you didn’t want to have to deal with people face to face, but if you want to bring in more business, you’re going to have to suck it up and learn to talk to people. Try having a few ice breakers ready so when you do have a chance to talk to the random person at a party or anywhere else you won’t be so nervous. It may just end up being friendly conversation, but you never know who can help you bring in business.
5. Join industry organizations. If your line of online work has a club or professional organization, sign up and get involved. Serving on the board of these organizations gives you an incredible amount of credibility and also helps you to meet people and get leads on new business.
6. Have a pitch ready. You never know when you’ll meet someone that is a prime source of new business for you, so it’s better to always be prepared. Have a short and succinct way of describing just what it is you do prepared in your head ahead of time, so you won’t get too tongue tied when the opportunity strikes.
7. Volunteer for speaking engagements. Want to get your name out there and gain some respect? Offer to give presentations and speeches about your business to local colleges, business organizations and anyone else who will have you.
8. Give out your business cards. You don’t have business cards just because they are fun to carry around, give them out anytime it’s appropriate. Even if you hand out your card to someone you only intend to meet up with to play golf, it never hurts to have them floating around out there.
9. Attend non-business social events. You don’t always have to get out with business in mind. Purely social events are great ways to meet new clients as well. Attend church functions, neighborhood block parties, and more to meet new people. Even if you don’t make a new client right away, you’ll get out of the house and hopefully make new friends who can help you out in the future.
10. Take a class. Taking classes and attending educational seminars can be a great way to not only learn more about your profession and keep up to date, but can also be a way for you to meet others in your field and make new and possibly profitable contacts.
11. Be persistent.This doesn’t mean making a pest of yourself, but don’t give up if someone doesn’t immediately respond to you. Make sure you follow up with any potential leads.
12. Participate in a trade show. Get your name out there and recognized by industry leaders by attending trade shows. You’ll get to meet and greet and maybe even sell some of your services.