The Value Of Face-To-Face Marketing
Posted by myideas1 on August 16th, 2009
Even though we are literally wrapped up in the age of emails, blogs, video conferencing, streaming videos, podcasts, Twitter, Facebook, etc., there are still throngs of people who prefer basic face-to-face marketing or networking instead of online social networks.
For instance, your initial business contact with Spark Plug, publisher of People You Need to Know, would probably never be through an online social network, but on the phone or face-to-face. He prefers the old school way of communicating. He says it helps him get to the heart of the matter more quickly when it comes to doing business.
On the other hand, I’m ashamed to admit that I’m addicted to Twitter. Though I enjoy events, meeting face-to-face to do business is a last resort because I believe I can do everything I need to do online. So, considering the various habits and social preferences of people, there is still a large audience looking to meet primarily at Expos, conventions and other events. The spirit at these face-to-face gatherings is inspirational, uplifting and motivational, but more than anything else, the opportunities are endless.
As a matter of fact, we use face-to-face marketing frequently to promote the people in our network and to distribute our publications. We probably participate in events throughout each year totaling more than 1 million people in attendance. We have a chance to further strengthen the brand of our clients, give people a chance to ask questions, look into their eyes or invite them under the People You Need to Know tent for a chat.
Benefits of Face-to-Face Marketing:
- Meeting people who can use your product or service
- Generate new clients or get referrals
- It gives your business more credibility
- Become more than a voice, business card, flyer in the mail or Tweet
- A chance to really show just how professional your product is to those who are not familiar with it
- Distribute new and updated information via one-pagers, brochures, product samples, etc.
- Collect business cards from potential clients to contact after the event
- Run into old friends you haven’t seen in years because you’ve been too busy working
- And if you’re lucky, you can get your product photographed and placed in the local newspaper for even greater exposure or better yet, online!
I hope you consider doing more face-to-face marketing or networking. The experience can be priceless and the opportunities are endless. In addition, it will give you a chance to get out of the office and breathe some fresh air.
~ Jacqueline Benjamin-Thomas
August 17th, 2009 at 6:01 am
Jacqueline, I’m like you in a sense, I like to make contacts online. However, your husband has a good point, there is no substitute for face to face marketing. This article like your publication is fresh and informative. I look forward to utilizing your services once my novel’s publication date draws closer.
Michael
August 18th, 2009 at 3:55 am
This is great advice! Thank you
August 26th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I find that people do less and less face-to-face marketing due to the uprising of social networks.
August 30th, 2009 at 7:53 am
@Harold Michael Harvey: We each have our own preference for whatever reason. I think either one can work based on what your goal happens to be. Thanks for the compliments.
@Dori: Glad you found the info helpful.
@sHaE-sHaE: You are definitely correct. It saves money, AND time when you do business online.
August 30th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Jacqueline, you know, that is my goal this year. I’ve spent so much time working on my blog, websites and SEO, and with great results. I think I can finally set that aside for just a minute. Now, my goal is to get out there and meet and greet, make connections and forge a few good alliances and contacts business wise. The fact that I have a book coming out within the next couple months makes this the best timing for it. I actually did a Black Professionals Facebook “off the book” event here in New York last week, and it was really great to get out there and meet the actual people behind these profiles, and also to use one of my other assets…my ability to “work the room”. That’s one muscle I need to keep well exercised!
I find that I am able to leave even more of an impression on people in person, but in the past two years I have neglected getting out to business networking and social events.
Well, look out, because I’ve dusted my shoes, press kit and winning personality off…and I plan to get out here and press the flesh as much as I can in the next few months. Already, I have made some really valuable contacts that I would not have just sitting on this computer!
Great article, and great advice!
September 1st, 2009 at 6:44 am
@The Fitness Diva: I’m sooo proud of you! Congratulations on your book; please keep me posted. I’d love to purchase a copy.
I’ve known you through your inspirational and informative blog for quite a while now, and I know without a doubt that you’ll receive huge benefits from getting out and doing more mixing and mingling. Your magnetic personality is sure to win even more people when they meet you in person. Not only that, YOU are your product and the crowds will be inspired when they see you up close and personal.
I’m with you, Ms. Fitness Diva, you’ve worked really, really hard on the computer side, it’s time to get out there and SHOW folks what COMMITMENT can do for their body and overall health.
Congrats again on all of your success and I feel honored that you found the article useful.