A great deal has been written about online marketing and all of the strategies involved in promoting a business online. Business owners and marketers have some tremendous opportunities as they move through the offline world to make a statement about their business and network with others to market in the real world.

There are some key tips that will help you learn how to think of the offline world in the same way that you do your online marketing strategies. Some of the tips will seem very familiar to those who understand online marketing. What is different is the concept that they can be adapted for the offline world as well.

The first step in making contacts offline is in your attitude. You must learn to adopt a friendly attitude and be prepared when opportunity presents itself. It might be necessary to step out of your own world and initiate a conversation with others. Most people do not initiate conversations with strangers, but most people are very friendly when they are approached by others. Be prepared for those that are not in the mood for friendly conversation. It is not a reflection on you.

Try to actually listen to the person you are engaging. Don’t immediately try to sell them on your business. You are trying to gain some new clients, but it will be much more successful if you make an attempt to understand the person you are talking to.

Many conversations lead to the inevitable inquiry about what you do for a living. This is your opportunity to shine. State your value instead of your job title. Instead of giving your job title to a potential client, try stating what you actually bring to a business. Let them know that you help other businesses gain visibility online.

Business cards are a must have item. While those marketers that work online may think that a business card is completely unnecessary and outdated, there will always be times when you need to hand a business card to someone in the real world. Do you really want to jot your information down on a scrap of paper or do you want to show your potential client that you are a professional?

Not everyone you meet will be in need of your services, but there is a good chance that they will know someone who could hire you. Make sure that you leave a lasting impression with everyone you meet so that your name will be the first that they think of when they or someone they know needs marketing services.

Be helpful to others in the real world. This should never be done for strictly business reasons, but it can’t hurt to help someone with an armful of packages get through the door or the person stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. It may start a conversation, it may help you get hired and it will make you feel good to help someone in need.

Become the person that others turn to for help or when they are looking for a solution. You should always help others when they are looking for a business, even if that business is not yours.

Try to get some contact information at the end of every conversation. This gives you what you need to make a follow up contact. Make sure that you write yourself a few notes about the conversation so that you can reintroduce the conversation. If you promised more information about another service or company, make sure that you have it available when you make the follow up contact.