If your sales aren’t shaping up in line with your goals, it’s time to hustle. While marketing and sales in the events industry can be somewhat passive, we have the ability to network like no other business. Here are three ways to get your business moving during slow times.
Schedule Site Visits with Your Favorite Venue
Which venues are working with your target client? If you don’t have relationships yet with those sites, or if it’s been a while since you connected, it’s time to schedule some visits. Reach out to the venue manager and let them know you’d love to do a walk-through to get familiarized with their facility.
While you’re out there, be curious about them. It should be all about them and less about you. You’ll get your chance to make a favorable impression over time. But, this initial visit should be about familiarization with their offerings. This is the first seed that you’ll drop in developing a long-term relationship with an industry colleague.
Meet Up with Industry BFFs
When things slow down, it’s time to reconnect. Get together with industry friends and brainstorm ideas together to stir up business. It also doesn’t hurt to let them know what event days you have available in case they can pass along any referrals.
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I also love the idea of organizing a casual networking event. This could be a breakfast potluck, or a meet up for happy hour. The key is to increase your visibility. The more visible you are, the higher likelihood of getting referred by industry friends.
Send ten Handwritten Notes to People You Admire
When was the last time you wrote someone a note? Pick ten people in your area that you admire and tell them so. This is also about being visible. But, it’s also about being kind and thoughtful. Kindness pays off over time. People always refer the people they like. Approach this project with sincerity and generosity. And, at the very least, you’ll make someone’s day by complimenting them on something few people notice.
When business is slow, there’s no reason to sit around waiting for the phone to ring. Be proactive with your marketing. Hustle. Be Visible. What are your favorite ways to hustle?
