Networking Tips for Pallet Businesses

Who says that implementing networking strategies for growing your pallet business must be complicated? Even so, many small business owners in the trade neglect to build and cultivate such valuable relationships. Why? And how can you have your business shine where so many others do not?

Embrace at Least One Social Media Platform

Networking no longer refers to a Rolodex with phone numbers. It now takes place on a platform like LinkedIn or Facebook. Being on social media is essential for any small business. It lets you reach a broader audience. You get noticed by potential customers who might have yet to find your company.

Most importantly, social media is a direct way to interact with customers, influencers, and others in the trade. Respond to inquiries, get feedback, and forge relationships that build customer loyalty. We recommend starting with one social media platform and investing in setting up your online presence.

You should repeat this process on one or more platforms later on. Remember, if your competitors are active on social media, not having a presence means losing prospective customers.

Branch out to Dedicated Networking Sites

If you have ever attended a Chamber of Commerce mixer, you know the primary reason for the events is to find potential customers through business networking. These meetings have now moved online. Sites like Xing let you connect with others, showcase your products, and focus on content marketing.

Develop a Growth Mindset

When you first started your pallet company, you may have had a scarcity mindset. Your goal was to find local customers through marketing strategies such as business websites and print advertising. Networking strategies for growing your pallet business let you look beyond when you first broke into the market.

Think of it as value-based selling, where your company's service is the product and other businesses are the customers. You are uniquely qualified to locate networking partners because you are familiar with the pallets industry and its relationship to supply chains.

Networking is a Collaborative Effort, Benefitting All Parties

Collaborative networking in the pallet industry grows your business, introduces you to innovation, and helps you find new areas for efficiency. What does this look like in practice?

• Supply chain optimization. Identify and connect with other businesses in the supply chain, such as freight carriers, warehouses, and manufacturers. These industries rely on your pallets. Connecting with their representatives lets you stay on top of your game professionally and likely leads to referrals.
  

• Co-innovation. Collaborating with other small businesses may result in innovations that benefit the entire industry, particularly your business. For example, a network connection with a technology startup could result in a new pallet tracking system entirely in the cloud.
  

• Sustainability focus. Networking opens the door to new sustainable practices. Work with others in the pallet industry to develop programs for recycling used pallets, reducing wood waste, and exploring metal pallets for specific uses.
  

You find networking partners for these collaborative efforts on social media platforms, connecting with others and participating in events of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association and other trade groups. Think outside the box to identify other trade groups that would make excellent collaborative partners and begin networking with their members.

Because logistics is an internal issue, networking strategies for growing your pallet business may take you to international groups. Your online presence and blog posts may interest newcomers who are trading in other countries.

Observe Networking Etiquette

If you have never worked on networking with other business owners, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. You don't have to be.

Be Yourself and Follow Up

Build trust and goodwill by willingly sharing leads, information, and innovations. Show genuine interest in what others say or share to build real connections. Most importantly, keep the connection alive after meeting someone with a follow-up message, continuing a conversation you started.

Be Ready to Introduce Your Products or Services When Appropriate

Networking is not a one-time activity. It thrives on consistency. Also, understand the other person's needs. Identify ways to offer value by giving advice, connecting them with someone, or solving their problem. The latter might mean that you have to be able to pitch your business when appropriate. However, do not abuse the opportunities to introduce your business as a solution.

Focus on the Long Term

Build long-term relationships rather than focusing on transactional exchanges. Nurture connections over time, even when there is no immediate payoff. You never know when the relationship you are building today will bring you more business at some point in the future.

This means liking, sharing, and commenting on others' posts on social media platforms. It also means actively participating in online groups and sending connection requests with a personalized message. Embrace new perspectives and ideas by building a diverse network.

Work with an Industry Insider

You know, pallets. But networking is just not something you feel comfortable with. You may be looking for new ways to market your pallet business, get help building long-term connections on social media, or even position yourself as a serious player in the field with something as simple as search engine optimization of your website.

Plenty of companies in the industry have already relied on our team to transform them from small businesses with little online presence to companies with substantial online footprints. This process starts with a perfectly optimized website, continues with a social media presence, and culminates in a setup that cannot help but attract more business. Conversely, if you are already doing well in some of these disciplines, we can assist you in those still not up to par.

You do not have to go it alone. We can help you market a pallet manufacturing company, discuss your growth goals, and monitor your social media presence. Connect with us today to learn more!