If you entered a contest that challenged you to enroll one new client next week, how would you go about doing so? Imagine that the stakes are VERY HIGH. The prize, $100,000 if you could just get one new client to work with you in your business. Would $100,000 be enough to get you excited about prospecting for clients?
I hope that you are excited because this is a reality. If you work feverishly to get in front of your ideal clients, you can truly operate a highly successful, profitable business! Think about why you started your business in the first place. What made you excited about being an entrepreneur? That is the very energy and zeal that you need to employ when you are marketing your solutions to the people who are already looking for you.
I want to share with you the strategies that we have used to build three successful businesses. First, I want to offer a disclaimer. If you don't create a plan and WORK that plan, by doing what you need to do, you will not get new clients and thus build your business. Fair enough? Good! Let's get started:
• I tapped into my warm market: That tactic is how I got my business off the ground. I simply told my friends, co-workers and associates that I was starting a Virtual Assistance company. It was fascinating to them that I was going to do the same work that I had been doing for more than a decade using the freedom of running my own company. I sent a letter to everyone that I knew and set coffee dates with others. I did whatever I could to get the word out about my new business. This was my first marketing campaign ever and my company was born. I did the same thing when I started a VA training company and when I launched my coaching practice
• I networked eagerly: Keep in mind that networking is a matter of connecting with others and being a resource for them. So, I told more people-whomever would listen-about how I could help entrepreneurs to create more freedom and more success in their business. Additionally, I made sure that I attended events where invested, forward thinking entrepreneurs were in attendance and I really tried to get to know people. One thing that attracted clients to my business was my professional approach. I had a polished, professional, easy to navigate website that detailed my services and my background. My business cards set the tone and made a great first impression. Most importantly, I followed up...PROMPTLY.
• I used Craigslist.com strategically: This turned out to be a GREAT idea because entrepreneurs posted the type of help they were looking for on this popular site. I found my first two clients here and had a wonderful working relationship with both companies. Depending on the type of services you provide, this could be a great way to connect with people who are already looking for what you have to offer.
• I followed up tenaciously: People are busy and will quickly forget about you. Don't take it personally, or as a sign that they aren't interested in working with you. My philosophy has always been to NOT allow prospects to forget about me. I stay top of mind until I know one way or the other if we are a good fit to work together. It is surprising how many of those prospects, who soon became clients said, "I'm impressed by your follow up, you are the type of professional that I want to work with."
*BONUS TIP*
• I increased my knowledge and skill religiously: If there was a class or seminar that I could attend, I made sure that I was there. It is so important to make the effort to build your business to the best of your ability. Sure, there were many opportunities that I could not afford. More importantly, there were many opportunities that I could not afford to miss! The more you know the more you grow, which ultimately translates to the growth of your business and your income.
So, that is it. The magic bullet was my creating a plan and doing the work to implement that plan, day in and day out. The same will be true for you. Regardless of what strategies you choose to grow your business, make the commitment to see your plans through. Consistency is far more powerful than perfection! (Especially because perfection doesn't really exist). Focusing your energy on just a few key techniques and working your plan is guaranteed to create more profits and more freedom in your business.
