How to Announce a New Product

How can the introduction of new products affect the way I network at meetings?

When I have a new product to launch, I make sure that I have a 20 to 30 second pitch ready for the next networking event I attend. I also make sure that I have a supply of product announcements offering a free sample. As I work through the crowd, I make sure that I am talking to a person that could use my product, by listening carefully to what they have to say, and if the product does not fit I go on to the next conversation.

The important thing to remember is that you should not force your product onto everyone you talk to. You have a job to listen intently to what they have to say and then make a judgment as to the fit of what you have to offer. Sales of new products are not made or broken through networking events, they are simply introduced so that the next time an event occurs and you have product to display, some attendees will be aware of your offering. The best thing is to make sure that you are excited about your product or service, you are an expert in the field, and that you are able to deliver what is promised. All three need to be present while attending an event and making the product introduction. If one item is missing, the product is not likely to be well accepted.

Sometimes a networking event will allow participants to have a display booth. In that case, you should make sure that you have a table or share one and offer tests or trial sizes with feedback forms. It is one thing to give out the product; it is another thing to get feedback on its application. Never give out anything without having a way to contact the potential product user.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://www.BlueprintBooks.com

---

You MUST Be Visible

Have you ever noticed how visible large corporations are? Take... Read More

8 Ways To Develop Confidence In New Situations

Do you enjoy one-on-one networking, however, the thought of walking... Read More

Building Great Business Relationships

If you're in a business relationship with anyone ? a... Read More

Mother Said - Wash Your Hands

Think health articles are boring? This one isn't, so read... Read More

Unforgettable First Impressions Part 4: Become a Social Gift Giver

Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine,... Read More

Volunteering for a Networking Group

When is it appropriate to volunteer to take a position... Read More

How to Get Ahead in Your Career

Bigger Better Deal. That's what everyone always hopes will come... Read More

Youve Got Personality, Use It!

For the self employed professional, nothing is more important than... Read More

Increasing the ROI on Your Networking

Networking requires an investment of time, money and effort. Here... Read More

Jump Start Your Network

Networking is often identified as a key business building activity... Read More

Who Are You and What The Heck Do You Do?

A few years ago, I was attending a family function... Read More

Networking: Strangers, Friendship, and Business Growth

You already know that uncomfortable feeling, that knot in your... Read More

Four Brainless Self-Promotion Techniques To Avoid

Many workers think that their hard work will speak for... Read More

The Secrets to Networking Success

Recently I was interviewed for a book on networking. My... Read More

Follow-Up with Your Contacts

What happens when you meet a potential client at an... Read More

Lesson 69 - When Networking Events Fail

The StoryIn a quest to create strategic alliances, coalitions, and... Read More

Ask for Referrals: And Get the Answer You Want!

Why are people scared to ask for a referral? Is... Read More

Where to Find a Cash Windfall of $10,000 - $1,000,000 - You Never Knew You Had

There is a rather famous true story called "Acres of... Read More

Keys to Successful Networking While In Transition

Let's be real. With other pressures of life upon us,... Read More

Are You Leveraging Your Business Network?

Just yesterday I received an email from a colleague telling... Read More

Acknowledging Referrals! What?s in It For You?

I grew up in a household where saying thank you... Read More

Sell For Yourself Or Sell For Your Boss?

First of all I would like to start this article... Read More

Power Networking: Getting Your Name Out There!

Today's economy presents some very special challenges to people who... Read More

The Festive Season: Your Networking Opportunity

The festive season is a great time to sharpen and... Read More

The 4 Attitudes of Awesome Hospitality

Hospitality relates to the Latin term philoxenia, or "the love... Read More