Although running your own business can be difficult at times, it can also be extremely rewarding. Often the differentiating factor is the type of clients that you do business with on a regular basis. The better your clients, the smoother things will run and the more satisfied you will feel. It makes sense to create a strategy to find great clients so here are a few tactics to consider when doing so.
Get Referrals
When you find clients that you enjoy working with don’t be afraid to ask them for referrals. People tend to be attracted to likeminded individuals and clients referred from existing clients tend to be of the same caliber. Good clients will lead you to other good clients.
If this is something that is working for you, you can even consider offering a referral program for your business. Give back to your customers who refer others by giving them a credit towards your services or a discount.
Network
One of the best ways to find people you enjoy working with is to put yourself out there and network whenever you get the opportunity. Sometimes you’ll click with another business owner and a simple, “I’d love to see how we can work together” may end up producing profitable results for years to come.
Networking both online and off is a fantastic way to find great clients. In fact, you may find that networking is the best source of ideal clients for your business.
Partnerships
Consider forging partnerships with other business owners that you enjoy working with to expand your potential client pool. For example, if you’re a virtual assistant who provides social networking management services you might partner with someone who creates social networking graphics. Together you could offer a complete social networking package.
Ask
Put the word out there about you. Let your friends, family, and associates know that you’re looking to bring on two or three quality clients to your schedule. You might be surprised at what you find and you could even end up with more quality clients than you have time for.
Before You Get Started
There are a few steps to take before you begin searching for more clients. Taking these steps will ensure you’re attracting the type of client you want and will also make sure you are able to accommodate their needs.
- Make sure you have the resources to take on new clients. If not are too swamped with work and other commitments at the moment, consider eliminating some other clients or tasks from your calendar. If you want to bring on new clients you need to make sure you can meet their needs.
- Identify exactly what you want in a client before you start searching. What makes a client great to work with? Are they easy to communicate with? Do they provide minimum enough instruction for you to get the job done? Do they pay well and on time? Define what makes a good client for you.
- Take steps to make sure that all of your clients know how much you appreciate them. Creating some sort of customer appreciation strategy will go a long way for you. Finding those great clients is only the first step; you want to make sure to keep them too.
Finding great clients isn’t difficult. Know what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to ask for new clients, and pay attention to the specific service you provide. A good client can stick with you for years. It’s worth the time and effort to show your appreciation.
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