The usual scenario starts off like the following:

An entrepreneur builds a website, prints several business cards and pamphlets. They attend a couple of networking events offline. At the event, they pass out pamphlets and business cards as people walk by. Following the event, no one gives them a call or visits their website. As a result, they become frustrated and give up.

Then the entrepreneur decides to join a social media site like Ning.com or Twitter.com. They use these social media platforms to bombard everyone with spam posts like “Buy My Product Now for $9.99!” Then the entrepreneur hopes to receive a huge amount of traffic to their website. However, at the end of the month they are greatly disappointed due to poor results from their networking efforts.

If this is happening to you, it’s probably because you’re missing a key ingredient for successful networking and that is “building your customer list”.

How to Build Your Customer List

Building your customer list involves building solid business relationships with your potential clients. So, the next time you attend a networking event; don’t just stand in a corner and hand out business cards and marketing materials to people as they pass by and then that’s it.

Present yourself as an expert and engage people in meaningful conversation. Be prepared to give an interesting 30 second explanation of the product or service you are offering without sounding too salesy. Remember to focus on the benefits of your product.

With online social networking, you’re going to use the same basic principles.  Rather than solely posting advertisements, try including tips and suggestions on how your product can improve their lifestyle.  Also, make sure you complete your profile once you have registered for an online networking or social media site. One mistake that I have seen entrepreneurs make is not completing their profile.

Remember, your potential customers want to know who they are doing business with. Once your profile is complete, you can begin posting engaging content about the product you’re selling.

For example, if you’re trying to promote your freelance web design business, offer your audience tips on how to improve their website – then invite your social media followers to visit your site by creating a direct link to your site. This is a proven method to increase your customer base. The general idea is to hook your audience with engaging content – then introduce them to your products and services.

What separates a successful entrepreneur from all the rest?

They present themselves as an “expert” when networking online and offline.  To accomplish this, you have to know the product or service you’re selling like the back of your hand and you MUST have a clear understanding of how your product or service will improve your clients’ way of life.

Lastly, an important element of successful networking online and offline is persistence. It could take several days before you begin to establish a following but don’t give up. You will eventually find new customers on the Internet if you follow these basic principles of networking online and offline.

Remember, the purpose of networking is to establish good business relationships with your clients.  As your customer list grows, you will be able accomplish your bottom line.