Informational Interviews for Business

We have all heard of informational interviews working well for job seekers. These informational sessions provide insight to the company of interest and the associated industry.  Insight is forthcoming on how one may apply their skills to the needs at hand in order to secure a new job.

Applying the same strategy to business development works equally as well.  Suppose you are new to business and are curious if your proposed clientele will want your services; asking questions of those who fit the profile will lend incredible insight.  Likewise, if you have been in business for some time, ask your current or future intended clientele if they would fbe willing to discuss future services you have in mind.  Get their insight and feedback for improving upon the new idea.  

Be of the mindset to ask questions of others and always invite others to ask questions of you.  The bi-product of conducting these conversations is more people will get to know you well. In the process, you build your personal brand as well as relationships among your prospective clientele.  

Incorporating informational interviews is an inexpensive way (other than time and perhaps coffee) to refine and almost guarantee successful development of new services.  You gain a reliable braintrust.  And in some cases, the people you asked just may become your new clients.  The strategy has potential for leading to a Very Smooth Sale!

Read Addtional Strategies and Techniques:

Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results, Sourcebooks

HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews, Career Press

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