How do I start to find customers?

When I first started my business, I had absolutely no clue about marketing and how I would find people who needed and wanted the services I was offering. I started to attend networking meetings just to get out and meet like minded people. I'm not an extrovert so even that simple step pushed me out of my comfort zone.

I've really come to enjoy it, not only do I get go meet lots of lovely new people with some amazing skills, it's also great to get out of my little office and grab a coffee and have a chat for an hour or two.

Networking is not about recruiting clients but about building relationships. As you attend networking events regularly you start to build a relationship of trust with the people you meet, and they are then more likely to think of you when they know someone who is looking for your skills.

You should also have a think about the skills you are lacking in your business and whether any of your newfound network can plug any of those skills for you. I have met lots of people that have already helped me and will be able to help me further with my business as it grows. Here's a summary of events local to me and a few things I've learned along the way to help you get the best out of a meeting.

The first meeting I made a regular appearance at was West Lothian Women in Business held on the last Thursday of the month at Dobbies in Livingston. It's free to attend so just grab a coffee and come and find us in the café! At this meeting you can expect to sit at tables of 4 or 5 so it's not as intimidating as some other meetings can be. The tables are mixed up about 3 times over the session so you still get to meet a wide variety of women in an array of different fields.

It’s always good to know what the format of a meeting will be before you get there. For instance, Breakfast Buzz is a very approachable bunch of people that meet every Tuesday alternating between Falkirk at Beancross Farm and Stirling at the Highland Gate. Usually there is one business owner “In the Spotlight”, which is their opportunity to tell the group a little about what they do. New attendees also get a chance to tell the group about themselves so make sure you know what you want to say before you go!

You know that the people joining an event are serious about their business if they’re prepared to pay to attend. Sometimes you also get something back for your money. Collaboration Centralis held on the third Wednesday of the month between 12pm and 2pm at Brucefields Family Golf Centre in Stirling. It costs £9 but you do get your lunch included. There is usually a training aspect to the meeting and a chance for some networking as well.

If you can’t make a certain time of day, don’t worry. There are events on at all different times from first thing in the morning like Forth Association of Business, which meets early in the morning and has only one representative from each type of discipline. Others meet in the early evening such as ClubFive55. I need to be at home for my children in the mornings and evenings are taken up delivering them to various activities so I can’t make these meetings but I find the meetings that I can make and go to them.

If you really find it difficult to get out and about, there are also online networking groups that you can join. Whilst nothing can replace face to face meetings for building trust between people, it is really useful to get to know other people online first, which can give you more confidence before attending meet ups with the various groups.

You don’t have to be a mum or Scottish to join Scottish Business Mumsbut you do need to be female as it is a group where women are able to be themselves in confidence. Men are however welcome at the monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at Pots in Falkirk.

Wherever your business is based, you may well benefit from joining the Business Success Societywhere you can learn more about running a small business successfully as well as meeting new people online.

There are other ways to extend your network as well, perhaps you would prefer to attend a business course such as Braes Business Gatheringon the last Wednesday of every month at Maddiston Community Centre. Learn how to improve your business marketing whilst simultaneously meeting local business people. Business Gatewayalso offer a huge selection of free courses in many different locations across Scotland and these meetings are also a great way to extend your network of local businesses whilst learning more about a topic of your choice.

Finally, watch out for the seasonal specials for a bit of fun. She’s in Biz Stirlinghas arranged a summer special at a local spa! At this special event you can enjoy a spot of pampering whilst you network!

These are just a taste of a few of the networking events that run every month in Central Scotland without even having to venture into Glasgow or Edinburgh where there are many more. Whatever your business, networking is a great way of raising your profile and finding people that can help you grow your business. Make sure you follow up with the people you meet within 24 hours by email or through social media to help you stay in touch. If you are local and you’re not feeling confident about attending one of these groups, feel free to get in touch and we can always head along together!

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