Networking 2
Another way to network is by using an 800 number and
establishing a network of experts to refer your
clients/customers to. An 800 number provides a way for your
customers to reach you. You can answer information needs,
resolve problems and obtain information from your customers. You
will of course need to publicize your 800 number in your
promotional materials, and advertisements. The best way to get
the most out of your 800 number is to have a definitive plan on
how you will employ it. Will you have prospects call to find out
more about your products/services? Will you provide information
when they call and then follow-up with printed materials, or
will you direct them to a source?
After you have decided what you want the 800 number to do, put
yourself in your customer's place, and be sure you are meeting
all their needs. Ask yourself, if you knew nothing about what
you were selling, would the information your 800 number is
providing give you all that you need to make an informed
decision.
An 800 number allows you to network on a broad level to areas
and customers you might not have reached with just a long
distance number. Many individuals will not make a long distance
call, but will call an 800 number. If your business allows, have
a network of experts to refer your customers to, or if you are
selling products, additional sources for your products.
To obtain a network of experts, leave messages on the Internet;
put ads in publications that relate to your business, go to
trade shows, meetings and join groups that relate to your area
or product. Be sure to determine that the individual you want to
use as a referral is a good source for your customer base.
Remember to contact a customer after giving a referral to insure
that they received the information/product they needed and were
satisfied, and if not ask why. A referral network is used to
increase business. You want to insure that your 800 number
increases business and pays for itself.
Copyright DeFiore Enterprises 2000