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When you work for yourself and your business is largely based at home, you can get comfortable. You can get used to doing things in your own rhythm. But at the same time, you can also get used to being ‘small time’. Because it’s just so easy to see yourself as a small business when you work from home. You may not think of yourself as being professional or a big player in the industry. but there’s no reason that you could be. Because it’s easy for you to take your home business up a notch by hitting the road. And yes, this could actually be in the form of a roadshow, but it could be something as simple as an event or a meetup. If you’re interested in this, here’s how to get yourself prepared.
1. Set A Goal For The Occasion
So first of all, before you think about doing anything at all, you need to have a goal for the event or occasion. In business, you know that you need both overarching goals and marketing goals too. But whenever you’re starting a new campaign or working on a new project, you should have a goal for that too. So start to think about what you want to achieve out of this specific activity. Consider what kind of results you expect to get. This can then help you to make sure that you plan for it properly.
2. Talk To Attendees Before
The next thing to do is to network. And this is a step that so many people forget because they’re so wrapped up in their preparations. But it’s actually one of the most important parts of the preparations themselves. So start to talk to other businesses that may be at the event with you, or the people that you’re going to meet there. By starting a conversation with other attendees ahead of time, you’re giving yourself a head start.
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3. Prepare Yourself
Now, you need to make sure that you’re actually ready for the event. So get your speech right, organize your stand, or get your stock together - or whatever it is that you want to do. Just make sure that you’re all ready to smash this!
4. Get Some Goodies Together
While you’re going that, make sure that you’re getting some goodies together for the event. Now, this could be in the form of eco friendly tote bags to give out or flyers to hand out. But it could also be baked goods or other treats to have on hand too.
5. Keep Up The Conversation
Then, when you’re back to businesses as usual, don’t just forget that the event or meet up took place. It’s so important for you to keep up the conversation online, over social media, and via email or whatever method you’re using. This is going to help you to build on those relationships and start to generate new business too. You should also find that you can close on the goal that you set yourself at the beginning at this stage - providing you’ve done everything else right.
