The 5 Best Places To Meet Future Clients by JM Padron, CCIM, MRICS
Sometimes we spend our valuable time into developing business opportunities in the wrong places, getting a marginal ROI. There is a saying: “To be in the Right Place at the Right Time”, but this situation doesn't have to be by accident but by planning it.
Here there are five places I recommend:
Professional Networking Groups:
There are many, I’d say too many professional groups out there. We have to investigate and try it out the different local groups in the local market, until you really pick the productive ones to participate in a regular basis. Groups like the CCIM local chapter, the local Attorney Association, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Organizations, among others.
We all know that networking is key for the movers and shakers of the community! Making connections is critical, and joining associations give countless opportunities to connect on a local and sometimes even global level. For most people, creating professional relationships is important, and joining a group allows you to have a sense of security and trust. From this, you are able to support and help one another in reaching your professional goals.
Non Profit Organizations:
Typically, people who sit on the boards of nonprofit organizations, community groups and charities are leaders with connections and influence.
The fact is that working as a volunteer for these organizations brings the opportunity to discover mutual interests and build meaningful relationships, which results in a trusty relationship down the road.
However, just like in the professional groups, you must pick the organization which you identify with your philosophy and believes. “The key is to identify those boards that are hard to join and that provide membership by exclusive invitation only.
In your Environment:
Your office and your neighbor’s office is a great place to meet potential clients and/or referrals.
Meeting clients can happen just about anywhere, any time, and the key to success is to always be vigilant and engaging no matter where you are.
When attending your children or grand children activities is a great occasion to meet great People who can refer you business.
At The Client’s Office:
When we visit our clients we usually have a define goal, either present, get a signed contract or to bring results, and we forget to ask him for referrals or for connections who may refer us.
There is nothing better than a face to face appointment, the benefit of an in-person visit to the client goes beyond getting/consolidating business, it contributes to the healthy relationship and to have the opportunity of new referrals.
Ask your client to show you around his business and make comments about his operation, indicating your interest and making some constructive suggestions and asking for some services that you could implement back into your office. Make sure you will be connected with your client via Linkedin and ask him for permission to link with some of his colleagues and friends within his network.
Conferences, Conventions & Trade Shows
The attendance to Conventions is two folded: on one hand we always learn two or three things that we can bring back to the office and on the other we can cultivate our referrals and business opportunities.
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