2 Things I’ve Learned that Drive Business

1. Be proactive in connecting with others.

Put the power into your hands by initiating conversations focused on their interests. This ultimately leads to referrals in business, even at seemingly unrelated events. Capture their contact information – in person using a business card, in a notebook, online – students become decision-makers. Tip: Always carry a pen and small notebook; smartphones are great until they run out power when you need them the most.

2. Get rid of your brochure-ware.

Having a website that can’t be updated or interactive will not help you attract business on a regular basis – especially as a freelancer, or 100% commission-based salesperson like myself. It’s time to learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and enhance your Social Media Optimization (SMO) especially if you haven’t started already. Does your vision include mobile? This is a key consideration for your digital strategy in 2012. Tip: Ask a marketer (outside your industry) to describe their favourite digital campaign and how it increased sales or had an impact.