Are you looking for opportunity everywhere?
Yesterday, I attended an event designed to put women owned certified businesses in contact with buyers at major corporations. These were introductory appointments arranged ahead of time to determine if there might be a match between the entrepreneur and the company.
It was interesting to watch the reaction of the entrepreneurs. Those who received no matches left immediately after the morning presentation. Others sat for a couple of hours in their original chair until it was time for their 5 minute connection meeting. Women with a little more savvy networked with one another until it was their time to meet with a buyer.
Most notable were the entrepreneurs with moxy. They understood that while most of the buyers were matched at every interval, there were some buyers with intervals of free time. We took that special opportunity to introduce ourselves to the buyers. My approach was to make it very clear I did not have an appointment but if they were willing, I’d love to take the opportunity to chat with them. Every buyer I approached in this manner agreed to the informal meeting.
Those of us who took the lead were seen as leaders. The buyers were attracted to who we were and what we did. While sales may be a long process for the giant companies, we took the first step in building relationships by way of introducing ourselves. Our marketing message and brand came across well.
When your mindset is focused on making the most of every occasion rather than sitting back, you will be taking control of your business and its development. And when you continue to work on building your relationship with each person your meet, your time spent will produce a Smooth Sale!
