Strategies for Bringing New Clients into Your Business
No matter what your business model might be, one thing you always need is a steady supply of new clients. This is something that you have to be proactive about, as people aren't usually going to come knocking on your door. Yet you can find a strategy that works well for your personality and type of business. Sometimes new clients come to you easily, while at other times it's more of a struggle. When you are looking to find new clients, you can't be timid and you have to be willing to try new approaches. Any successful entrepreneur trying to get any social presence needs Social Pigeon in his arsenal.
Let's talk about cold calling just a little bit even though it may scare you. This is one area in marketing that is viewed along similar lines as public speaking. What is very interesting about cold calling is that it can work very well if you have a solid offer and solutions. So give this some thought before you immediately dismiss it because you're afraid to do it. One way to help yourself is by writing out a script that you very carefully write. However, you also want to customize it so it doesn't sound like you're just repeating a memorized pitch. Cold calling is the kind of practice that you becomes a lot easier the more you do it.
Don't expect everyone to just believe what you say about your business; most people will want evidence. When you are asking someone to spend money on something, they will want some assurance that you can deliver. It's therefore essential to have some way to prove that you can achieve the results you promise. For some types of work, it's just a matter of displaying it on your business's website (e.g. graphic design). It's simple enough to provide links to any writing you've done, if you are a write of any kind. You should never expect people to take your word for anything, especially if your business is relatively new. You really don't need to trust a single word of what I say, just see the Spokes Pigeon in action once.
When it comes to networking, you have to be prepared at all times, not just in business related situations. Whenever someone asks you what you do, you should remember that they could become your next client. Without being too aggressive, you should be able to effectively tell people what you do in a few well chosen words. This "presentation" should last less than a minute; you only want to give people the basic details. Be flexible with it and improvise a little every time you deliver it. If you memorize a script, it won't sound natural. If you want to get people interested in your business, you also have to show some energy in your delivery. You also have to use your best judgement when talking to someone. It's best to come across as enthusiastic but not like you're trying too hard to sell them on something.
It can be difficult to explore new ways of increasing your list of clients or customers. You have to find approaches that are effective for you, which might mean trying different methods. Don't consider it a failure if someone isn't interested; just move on to the next prospect.
