Holding an Open House for Networking and Marketing

Keeping the focus on marketing and networking can be a challenge; it often involves making trips out of the office and trying to catch just the right events and meetings to meet more people and spread the word about your work. An alternative to traveling around to network and promote your business is to invite others into your place of business to see what you are all about. Holding an open house can be a great way to attract prospects and share with others, all while making contacts and "telling the story" of your business or project.

An open house does not have to be a fancy affair and it does not have to take place in a house. Opening the doors to your business for a lunch time, early morning or after hours event may seem a little daunting, but it can really by a boon to networking and marketing. This sort of event puts you in the driver's seat and as host or hostess, you and your business can set the tone, invite whomever you'd like, and put your best face forward to the public.

Consider the timing of your open house-if you have recently finished a renovation or moved into a new location; or if you are launching or finishing a project or have recently hired some new employees, these can all be perfect "excuses" to hold an open house. Anniversaries are another good reason to hold an open house and some businesses are able to hold an event annually that brings in prospects and clients as well as generates public awareness and interest in the business.

Just as if you were holding the open house at home, there are a few key elements-make sure there is plenty of food and beverages (again, this does not have to be fancy) and that your business digs are looking their best. Messy desks or unloaded crates of merchandise do not send the message that you have your business operations under control. Be sure to make sure the restrooms are cleaned and stocked and the trash cans are empty and strategically placed to collect the trash from the event.