Summer tends to create a bit of a slow-down for advisor networking. Everyone’s got a beachfront on their mind or a barbecue outside ready to be lit. It’s easy to fall back and think no one’s around to listen.
But the truth is, there’s plenty of opportunities out there for those willing to look. Thinking outside the typical networking box lets you engage with potential clients who don’t go to the typical financial events. Here’s a list of unconventional ways to network and get your brand in unfamiliar places.
Sponsor Community Events
Summertime is full of community events and races, from the modest marathon to an extravagant boat regatta. Why not sponsor one of these events and get your name in front of hundreds of potential clients? Sponsorships can vary in dollar amounts and can get your company on the back of a t-shirt, the front of a cup, the side of a pair of sunglasses, or on koozies everywhere!
Since most races have swag bags for each participant, you can use these events as opportunities to put company brochures or other branded items in the bags. If you go the route of a branded item, consider highlighting items which recipients will use for a while, like a Yeti cup or webcam covers. For additional ideas, you can also check out this blog post on 5 Unique Promotional Products Your Clients Will Remember.
Rent a Booth at Local Festivals
Summertime is festival season, so take advantage of it by renting a booth or table at a popular festival in your area. Similar to sponsoring a community event, this is a great branding play and an opportunity for you to get out and start networking with people in the community.
For this kind of event, branding is key; make sure you have a banner, tablecloth, branded giveaways, and a stack of business cards to pass out. We also recommend wearing a branded polo shirt at the event as well. If you have office staff that can assist with this event, get them branded apparel as well so that everyone looks like a unified team. You only have one chance to make a good first impression!
Target Dream Clients at Unique Shows
With a record number of Americans turning 65 this year, more people than ever are about to have all the free time they can handle. Many of them will want to hit the open road, and to do that in style, they’ll be looking for a new RV. Why not meet them where they are?
Local RV shows, along with boat, home, and garden shows, can get you in front of high net-worth individuals without having to host a dinner seminar. Typically, attendees of these shows have disposable income and are in a higher tax bracket — your dream client, right?
To draw these show attendees to your booth, be creative and offer something of value. Set up a putting green at your booth and give away a round of golf at a nice, local course. If golf isn’t your speed, have an interactive game at your booth where prizes can vary from a book giveaway to a free portfolio review or consultation.
But remember! Before giving anything away, check your state’s Department of Insurance, FINRA, or SEC gifting guidelines, or talk to your compliance team for more information.
Ready to get your brand out into the community? Call your CMO today to brainstorm ideas on how to make this the most successful summer yet.
