FAQs for Step 27: Survey Your Customers
Q: I can’t do it! I can’t get out there and mingle. Have you got any suggestions for me?
Q: I can’t do it! I can’t get out there and mingle. Have you got any suggestions for me?
Ah yes, The resistance to mingling. This is tough, isn’t it? Not everyone can be a socialite, and yet it just doesn’t seem right that the privilege of owning a business be limited to those who love to get out there and mix it up.
Here’s the thing. In order to serve people (or businesses), you have to understand them to know their needs. In a continuously changing marketplace you must stay on top of customers likes and dislikes, what works for them and what doesn’t. We urge you to take or create opportunities to network, meet with your competitors, your customers and potential new customers.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Invite a competitor (or customer, or professional acquaintance) out for coffee or lunch
- Attend a Toastmaster’s meeting.
- Attend and join a Chamber of Commerce meeting.
- Book a table at a swap meet or a booth at a conference.
Are these daunting tasks for you? Take them one at a time, do the easiest ones first, and walk before you run. If it helps, take a friend for moral support until you feel more comfortable with it.
If networking is out of your comfort zone, read articles on the topic. Search on the Internet for “articles on how to network” or “articles on networking etiquette”.
The more mingling or networking you do, the easier it will get. We believe there is a place for everyone who aspires to own a business. Business is not just for those who love to interact with people. Those who are less enamored or comfortable with mingling will find the methods and venues that work well for them.
Most importantly, have some fun with it.
Have a question? Need Help?
We’re looking for your questions to answer on this page.
Email us at faqs@riskbuster.com
We welcome all questions, comments and feedback and look forward to hearing from you!