“Young entrepreneurs often underestimate the power of meeting people face to face, especially when trying to land BIG deals.” – Marnus Broodryk

Where are you finding your people? The people who buy from you, those who invest in you, the people who help you grow your business?

There are many low-cost marketing tactics to use to nurture and build business relationships, however, many times you just want to know where you start networking.

Here's what you should do:

• Make a list of people you want to connect with and why. It could be a business mentor, a potential buyer, and so on. See a list of where to find business mentors

• Decide how you will go about meeting them and communicating with them, including referrals, real-life events and social media (like joining relevant Facebook groups).

• Make time to connect with them: Find the best time to initiate contact.

• Don’t be too lazy: Speak less and listen more; avoid jargon. Get more tips from sales superstars on networking

• Make sure that follow-ups are part of your sales strategy. Find out more here

• Don’t take without giving: Remember, it's important to bring value.

Of course, there are many ways to retain your current customers and to nurture the new relationships you're building - one of the ways to do this is through email marketing.

New This Week (30 January 2024)

• READ: How to adapt your small business to emerging technology

• READ: Financial Planning for Success in the New Year

• LISTEN TO: The Law: A Tool to Sustain and Grow Your Business

Stuck in the Startup Jungle? Ask Away on Our Business Forum!

 Are you seeking the key to start, manage or grow your business? Look no further! Our dynamic business forum is your gateway to a wealth of expert knowledge and invaluable insights. Every successful journey starts with a good dose of "I don't know," followed by the courage to ask and learn. That's where our vibrant business forum comes in! It's your one-stop shop for expert answers and real-world advice from seasoned professionals, and industry leaders. Why struggle in isolation when you can tap into a network of experienced mentors and peers who have walked the path before you? Our platform offers a safe and supportive space for you to pose your burning questions and receive tailored responses from experts who understand the intricacies of your industry. From startup strategies to growth hacking techniques, no query is too big or small for our community. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding innovator, your journey is enriched by the collective wisdom of those who have paved the way. Ready to get Expert Answers? Get Started Here! P.S. We're constantly hosting live Webinars featuring industry leaders! Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and join the live discussions for an extra dose of knowledge and inspiration.

Have you implemented local and personalised marketing yet?

One of the crucial business trends is personalised marketing strategies that focus on local communities.

Thanks to the increased availability of data, more small businesses will be personalising their marketing efforts at a greater scale. This could include hyper-targeted advertising, influencer collaborations, and community engagement to connect with customers on a more personal level.

Other top small business trends we can look out for in 2024 include sustainable practices, e-commerce innovation, flexible payment options and a health and wellness focus.

Find out how much to charge for your services How do you figure out what to charge, and when do you give discounts to clients? [Read more about the pros and cons of discounts]

SME South Africa has compiled a guide with factors to consider when pricing your goods or services.

This template will help you to:

• Factor in the production costs

• Add costs of logistics and more!