The best way to build up a strong reputation of your own business is to build connections with other local businesses. It does not matter if you are in the service sector, advertising, catering, marketing, cleaning or anything else, networking works the same way for all industries.

Try organising an ‘open day’ for your business and invite other local businesses to attend, offer a free coupon, a glass of champagne and cakes to get people over to your site. Once people are in attendance you can work on circulating with the guests, promoting and advertising your service/ product to the guests.

This type of networking not only helps your business, but it helps make links with other local businesses too. You can even help each other by referring customers to one another’s services.

Be sure to hand out information leaflets, business cards and branded stationary to help get you brand out there and remembered.