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5 Doorways to Building Business

When all is said and done, building a business is not rocket

science. But you must reach out and build meaningful

relationships by being very clear about who you are, what you

offer and how you offer it.

Please do not confuse this with networking. To succeed at

creating a business that reflects your passions, you must go to

your clients and connect with them. The method you choose must

suit you. Otherwise you won't do it or you'll do it with limited

success. Imagine five doorways, each with a distinct purpose for

connecting with people. Take out a paper and a pen and draw the

doorways. As we go, write notes in each one. It will get the

ideas out of your head and help focus in ways that reflect your

unique approach.

Doorway No. 1: Where If you're like me, you would rather get a

rabies shot than go to networking events. Yet, building a

community of business is central to success.

In this doorway, instead of thinking about where you "should"

go, write ways you already connect with people, or ways you've

connected in the past that come easy to you. Write down places

or situations where you enjoy connecting.

Mine-- A class. A creative project. Even shopping. I've made

some of my best connections while shopping. When I have a

context, my nervousness recedes. I relax. I get curious about

people and, in turn, make meaningful connections

Doorway No. 2: How Write down how you stay informed. What

Internet sites? What magazines or papers? What is your favorite

radio station? Online publications, newspapers, radio shows and

magazines need people to write or speak. By using the media you

enjoy, you connect with prospective clients that have similar

interests and values. You might notice that these first two

doorways are about you. We so often forget that being successful

in marketing means honoring how you interact in the world.

Once you start writing or speaking, you'll gain confidence and

credibility. And you'll meet people who want to know more about

what you do.

Write down your favorite "information highways," and in a word

or two write why you like them and what articles or programs

you'd like to offer.

What's key? Trust that you have something important to share and

you have a unique approach just by being you.

Doorway No. 3: Who This third doorway is my favorite: Who? The

traditional model promotes choosing customers by their

demographics. My approach- I identify the qualities of people. I

love working with independent, creative, highly motivated people

building businesses they're passionate about. When I go into a

room I immediately gravitate to them and vice versa. It's fun,

natural and enjoyable.

Write down who you enjoy being with. Use adjectives. Think about

the people you enjoy. Describe them. What we often forget is

that people hire people they can relate to.

Doorway No. 4: What Once you've decided the "who," this doorway

addresses your customer's needs. At this point, it is all about

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them. WHAT do they want? What do they really, really want?

Choose three people from your "who" doorway. Think about them.

Write down what. What programs, products, seminars or booklets

do you offer to serve their needs?

People like to test the waters before they dive in. If you give

them a chance to sample what you do, they can safely test you

out before investing their time and money.

Doorway No. 5: Help! This last doorway asks you to identify the

skills, support and resources you need to connect most

effectively with your potential customers. It may be technical

skill, referral partnerships or ways to fine tune your

presentation.

Be honest. Write your "needs" list. Keep it simple. Now that

you've created a brain storm of ideas, circle one or two you are

willing to take action with today. What's one call you can make?

One email you can write. And do so. Now.

And remember - typically, it's not the skill-set that people

lack, but the courage to reach out and connect.

Copyright © 2005, Carolyn Campbell

About the author:

With a master's in theater and a certification in professional

coaching Carolyn Campbell helps social entrepreneurs meld

passion, strategy and community building to create rewarding,

lucrative businesses. For more FREE tips on growing your

business, visit www.thecoresource.com and click on resources