New Orleans is a town like no other, and doing business here is often a completely different animal. One of the only cities in America where when people ask what school you went to, they are referring to high school, New Orleans is a truly great city filled culture and truly nice people.

In terms of business, New Orleans is a city all about personal relationships. Cold calling, although sometimes necessary, has to be supplemented with good old fashioned relationship based selling. Cold calling is a task that most people loathe, so this fact should be seen as a major plus. Word of mouth marketing will allow you to form lasting relationships and cultivate lots of referral business.

So when you're starting a small business in the big easy and beginning the path to entrepreneurialism, what's the best way to get new clients? The simple truth is that you must get out there are meet people. Word of mouth marketing is the best way to get new clients and the starting point for this is to participate in networking events.

There are many networking groups in and around the New Orleans area, from BNI chapters, to Chambers of Commerce, to specialized groups. Participating in these functions is of paramount importance to making your business a success.
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Before you become the woman or man about town, make sure that you are prepared to present a professional image. Remember that first impressions are priceless!

What's the first step to creating a professional image? You must start with a professionally designed logo. Believe it or not, there are a number of New Orleans design firms that offer competitive pricing for small businesses. Once you have your logo, you must get professional business cards produced. Professional cards will leave a lasting impression!

The next step in your marketing success will be to prepare your elevator speech. At these events, you will be asked what it is you do and you want to have a well thought out answer that is going to impress the contacts that you will meet.

Keep it short and sweet. Your pitch should take about 60 seconds and should explain what you do and include some of the benefits that you offer your clients.

Once you are armed with professional cards and have a refined elevator pitch, you will be ready to get out there and start networking. The final piece in your marketing success will be to dress for success.

A simple Google search will unveil a number of prime networking opportunities in the New Orleans area. Here are a few suggestions:

BNI -Business Networkers International
http://www.louisianabni.com/

Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
http://www.jeffersonchamber.org/

KPBA - Kenner Professional Business Association
http://www.kpba.biz

Louisiana Technology Council
http://www.ltc-la.org/

New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
http://www.neworleanschamber.org/

Wine and Women On Wednesdays
http://womenwinewednesday.com

When you attend a networking event, do not forget to have fun and be yourself. These types of event can be very entertaining and you never know who you will meet. The most important tip to remember is to spend more time listening than talking. Ask questions and truly try to learn from the people that you meet. Do not approach each person as if you were trying to sell them. No one likes to be sold. Remember that you are cultivating relationships and that the business will come.