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Ok, so once you select your target market – then what?

Go where “they” are.  If it’s young moms, look for play groups.  If it’s working moms, look for day care centers.  If it’s college students, go on campus and to local eateries around campus.  If it’s business executives, look for chamber of commerce meetings, BNI groups, after hours networking events, and etc.  Perhaps your target market may be disgruntled current WAHMs looking for a change in venue; vendor events might be a good place to find them.  If it’s seniors, you may find them at senior communities or at the gym.

Then next is very important.  Do not go to your target market looking to sell.  No, no, no.  Let me repeat that.  Do not go to your target market looking to sell your wax. Instead go with the intent of building relationships.

What is one thing that people, most all people, like to do most?

Talk about themselves.

So when you meet people for the first time (and this works both on and off line) and you’re attempting to network ask “What is your biggest business challenge?”  or “What is your biggest problem right now?”  People will #1 be shocked that you’re even asking and #2 not trying to hock wax.

Then listen to the response.  Don’t just WAIT for your turn to talk, but truly listen and hear what the other is saying.  What you have to offer may or may not be able to help that person.  However you may know someone who CAN help.

In that first meeting you may not even get a chance to talk about yourself.  But what do you think would happen if you asked what is your biggest challenge – and you could refer someone who could help?  You’ve just helped solved his/her problem.  Perhaps you could follow up with a phone call to ensure the referral came through and then mention “hey I never had a chance to tell you about what I do.  Do you have a few minutes?”

The response is going to be received much better and the person will be more likely to be a customer or return the favor in giving a referral.

The first step to building an effective marketing campaign is to determine your target market.  If you haven’t done that yet, take some time to determine which group you can most closely identify with or that you want to have as customers and/or team members.

About the Author: Laurie Ayers is a WAHM from Michigan. She started her first home business in 1988. As a single parent, Laurie has supported her family by working at home. She is currently an Independent Consultant and Director with Scentsy Wickless Candles. You can find Laurie at www.IncomeWax.com