Making initial contact and introducing yourself in a memorable and professional way is very important when pursuing new partnerships. It is also imperative to be consistent in your efforts to contact your prospective partner. Your goal is to sell them on your expertise, allow them the opportunity to build trust in you and offer them something that no one else can in your industry.
If you haven’t met them face to face yet, send a Greeting Card introducing yourself, and let them know you are interested in learning more about their business. Perhaps include a coffee shop or restaurant gift card and request a meeting over coffee or lunch. If you have already met them, send a simple note, handwritten, telling them you enjoyed meeting them at the event. Express interest that you would like to get together again in the near future to talk about ways that you may be able to work together. Add a personal touch to your outreach efforts and be genuine in your effort- it will establish trust between you and your prospect.
Another great idea to show your potential partner that you are serious about doing business with them is to send them a referral. In the article titled “Ten Simple Steps to More Customers with Better Networking” the author Kevin Stirtz states that sending a referral doesn’t cost you a penny. He also says, “If they're the kind of person you want to do business with, they'll reciprocate and a valuable, long-tem business relationship could develop.” Read entire article.
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