My business isn't growing? I don't know where to find clients, I just started my business and don't have any clients, how do I find clients, I don't know what to do, I may have to get another job... These are all things I hear every day. The answer to the question is NETWORKING and REFERRALS!
Very few people will do business with someone they don't know.
In today's world, people want to do business with someone they know, like and trust. Very few businesses will be successful if they do not start building relationships with people they want to do business with.
Networking online on different social media platforms and at local events is the number one way to start building relationships! I have grown a very successful business by utilizing both networking and referrals, as a matter of fact, up until late 2018 I didn't even have a website! Even now my website is a work in progress but I still get inquiries every day. This is happening because I am continually building relationships by networking.
You can do it too, all you need is to show up, add value and be consistent. Don't be surprised if you don't see huge results right away, remember it takes time! When you continue to show up and add value people will start to remember who you are and see you as an authority in your field.
Sometimes putting ourselves out there is not easy, but it will get easier the more you do it - I promise!
On social media, join groups where your ideal client would hang out. Facebook, LinkedIn and Mighty Networks are all great places to start. Participate in conversations, answer questions with valuable information, and post about relevant topics. Connect with people you would want to work with.
In person networking is one of my favourite things to do. Join your local Chamber of Commerce, BNI or FemCity. Meetup, Eventbrite, and Facebook events are a great place to check for local networking events.
When you are networking, be sure to ask the person you are speaking with what they do, ask them to tell you about their business and get a conversation going and than you can work what you do into the conversation. Don't make the conversation all about you and what you do - be confident, you reflect what you feel, when you speak confidently and people will have confidence in you.
Follow-up! This is one of the best tips I can give you. A few days after a networking event, follow-up with the people you made the connection with. It can be as simple as sending a quick emailing telling them it was a pleasure to meet them. This will make you stand out and is the goal you want!
Never stop networking, Even when you are not looking to take on more clients, it is still important to build connections.
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