Like any business, growth depends on more than just offering a great product or service. Reach out to your audience where they are instead of waiting for them to come to you. One of the ways is through networking. While networking might not bring immediate clients, it raises awareness for your business, and people will be reminded of you when an opportunity arises.
Since moving box rentals are a new concept, people will naturally be curious and ask questions. And that’s your opportunity to strike a great first impression, distribute your business cards, and offer special discounts.
Here are 6 networking tips for growing your moving box rental business:
1. Participate in Local Community Events
Community events are attended by different kinds of people from homeowners and renters to local business owners. All of them could be your target audience. But since these events are formal, don’t market your business unless you are getting a booth. Start a simple conversation and it’ll lead to “what do you do for a living?”. That’s when you tell them about your moving box rental service and give them a brochure with discount codes and vouchers.
2. Join Local Business Groups and Chambers of Commerce
Your local Chamber of Commerce and business groups are just not for networking but also a great resource for discounted services, workshops, and business mixers. Many networking-specific events have rounds of 2-minute elevator pitches where you can introduce your service and distribute business cards.
3. Collaborate with Real Estate Agents and Moving Companies
Real estate agents and moving companies have direct access to your target audience, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t collaborate with them. Build a professional relationship over time and recommend a collaboration that’s mutually beneficial. You can motivate them either by offering a discount, or commission on each sale.
4. Use Social Media to Build Relationships
Spend 10-15 minutes on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to follow and comment on posts of your local influencers and businesses. Take efforts into writing a good comment, which will make them open your profile and get to know you.
On the other hand, for your side hustle’s account, share content about the eco-friendly aspect of rental moving boxes, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes of running a business.
5. Attend Industry-Specific Conferences and Trade Shows
These events are niche but great for exposure. They are also business-driven, so professionals are easy to talk to. Go prepared with an elevator pitch, brochures, and business cards. Collect cards of businesses that you want to collaborate with and approach them with your idea. If they don’t want to partner just yet, spend them to build a professional relationship and support their business.
6. Host Your Own Networking Events
While hosting a networking event is a lot of work, it’ll also bring you the most success. It can either be niche–focused on either sustainable businesses or local businesses. You can collaborate with a couple other businesses and find sponsors to lower costs.
Networking events create opportunities to build relationships and aren’t a quick sale formula. Nurture these relationships, learn from other side hustlers and business owners and you’ll make your way to great sales!
