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This is a continuation of the last IBC, where we discussed getting the word out online to consumers about your company. We discussed search engine optimization and telling people about your site in the store and online. Today, we’re going to draw together online and off-line networking activity to make your website pay.

It’s like a day of fishing

You’ve got all your gear in order, weather station says it’s going to be a sunny day, cousins Jim and Steve just showed up in their lucky hats and ready to go. You’re excited, because you can imagine the tastiness of the trout you’re going to grill for dinner tonight. The only thing left is to decide where to go.

Figuring out where the fish are biting is part experience and part luck. The norm would be to head up to the river and agree on a spot. If nothing happens, you move on. But (and, my apologies to avid fishers), wouldn’t it make more sense to divide and conquer? Hit as many spots as you can in a day separately to maximize the chances of having that delicious trout for dinner?

Silly, I know. But, start thinking

Are there a lot of local people in a certain group on Facebook? Do many of them frequent a local website? Do they use StumbleUpon? That’s online, what about off-line? How many customers (or potential customers) are members of the Elks club? How many volunteer for a local charity? How many are band parents?

Guess what? You can be in those places, too. (This is where you should go write down the ideas that are (hopefully) going through your head now.) It’s called networking and establishing yourself as an expert, and works online just as well as it does off-line. (You should get on that.)

Real world examples

• Knoxville Business Owners group on Facebook gives you the opportunity to network with other business owners in the area.
  Do you sell office products? Provide affordable marketing services?
• The Blount County Voice website offers you a chance to post your thoughts in written form about (nearly) any subject.
  Dry cleaning tips? The best way to shop for a new car? Childcare choices?
• Maryville, TN Kiwanis Club: According to their website they currently have 130 members. That’s 130 people that may not use your services or products, or who know people who can.
• GoSmokies provided by KnoxNews.com is a social network for people who love the Smoky Mountains.
  Do you own a bike shop? Know the best places to hike?
• KnoxMoms is a great place to rub shoulders with other moms. They have get-togethers in real life, forums to post in with lots of opportunities for mixing with potential customers.
  Make baby clothes? Own a babysitting service?
• Since 1992 Blount County Habitat for Humanity has built 86 homes and provided simple decent shelter to 190 children. Think you could make some connections in the community doing that?

This could be doubly beneficial!

Imagine networking into walks of life you’ve never touched before. Imagine working with some people to have a positive impact while you’re at it. Get involved with what people are involved in where you live. Figure out where they are and be there. You may just have the time of your life AND earn some extra customers.

image: just-us-3

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What are your thoughts? Post a comment and let's talk.

Do you have questions about what how you can leverage the Internet to improve your customer experience and boost your company's performance? Just ask.