What I Have Learned From 60 New Meetings in 60 Days

Over at Gallantway, we're building a new kind of digital marketing company. We're genuinely changing the way agencies work with clients, and at the same time, we're trying to use business as a vehicle to do good.

Like most new companies and startup founders, my days have become a stream of meetings.

Meetings with partners, with business prospects and prospective employees.

Lately, I've found myself talking to everyone. In fact, just the other day I met with someone who was my taxi driver.

From these new relationships, I have learned a few things, changed my mind on others, and reinforced some existing beliefs.

At a fundamental level, people like to help

It's no surprise that we feel better about ourselves when we help someone. This idea is powerful. Keeping this in mind when nervously meeting new faces will make your approach infinitely more positive.

People don't know how they can help you unless you tell them

Surprisingly, I am about a good as a mindreader as you are. That's to say, I am truly terrible. Knowing where someone can add value is a critical part of them actually adding value.

Every 'no' is a learning experience in some way

The swings and roundabouts of business are part of the ride. Learning to take value out of a no is an important step in growing. Was your perfect proposal rejected? Was someone not interested in your genius offering? Did your favourite client leave? That sucks, but make sure you ask why.

Referrals are your strongest lead for new business

No surprises here. But before you launch your brilliantly constructed, data-driven, AI-automated content marketing strategy, why don't you also chat to the guys you went to school with, the girls in your soccer team, or the local barista who makes your triple shot lattes?

Follow up

There is no art to this. No special sauce or secret hack here. Just follow up. On everything. Every time. Send thank-yous, meeting notes and friendly (not irritating) reminders. It takes 5 minutes and shows you value the other person's time.

So here's to my next 60 meetings. Perhaps the next one is with you?

If you’re interested in chatting about Gallantway, learning about how your marketing team can run more effective digital marketing, how you can respond to change faster and deliver better business results then please get in touch.

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