You know the situation. You get introduced to another business person by a mutual acquaintance who thinks you two can work together and find some “synergy” between your businesses. So you arrange an introductory call (referrals can come from the most unlikely places).
You look at their website. They look at yours and you chat on the phone. And you know what, your mutual friend was right – there are some benefits or complimentary skills/products/services that you each bring to the table. And then you get to that point in the conversion. That point where you both agree – but what to do next. Yes, you can leave it at “I’ll keep you in mind as I am going about my business”, but that is such a limp-wristed handshake.
Here are a some next step suggestions to tighten up that grip.
- Guest write for each other’s blog or newsletter
- Offer to send a letter of introduction to your clients if they’ll do the same for you
- Cross link to each other’s web site (we all need more back links)
- Have them invite their customers and prospects to your next seminar/ webinar/ whitepaper offer and do the same in return
- Give them a special offer they can pass on to their customers. For example, Special Offer Just for Jack’s Customers – 10% off because you know Jack and if you like Jack, we know you’ll like us too.
- Each of you agree to talk about the 3 to 5 clients you really want to get, but have never been able to sell to – see if there is any overlap between your wants and their haves. If not, then see which ones you both might want to mutually pursue
- And of course – be sure to connect on LinkedIN, Facebook, Twitter and everywhere else social.
Do any of these strike a chord? Any other suggestions you would share a great, low risk way to get an alliance off the ground? Let me hear from you.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post Dan! I’ve lived this for the last four years having started my own business. You should always have a simple, joint marketing idea in mind prior to the call. Otherwise it will lead to the inevitable, “definitely keep you in mind if something comes up that appears to be a fit” outcome.
This is a good way to add value; what else can we do…co-write a newsletter, look at one another’s websites to make sure it’s clear what’s going on (hey, can we look at one another’s websits and try to buy something).
Etc.