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Need a new client, fast? Here's what to do I was a guest on Victoria Ipri's teleclass yesterday and a caller asked, "I just launched my business and need to land my first client, fast. What do I do?" That's not an easy question to answer in 90 seconds or less! I gave her my stock reply . . . "There are probably dozens of potential clients out there who have projects they need help on, today, and would hire your services on the spot. The only problem is, they don't know you exist. So pull out all the stops and let as many potential clients as possible know who you are and what you do." I told her what she needed to do. But I didn't have time to tell her how. So for that caller, and for anyone else who needs to spread the word about their services quickly, here are some ideas: 1. Leverage Local groups Is there a Chamber of Commerce in your area? A local chapter of the American Marketing Association? Any other groups that contain potential clients for your services? There are probably several. Find a way to get in front of these groups. You can volunteer to introduce or thank the speaker at a meeting. You can offer to contribute a last-minute article to a group's monthly newsletter. You can do lots of things to let group members know who you are and what you do. 2. Email contacts Compose a personal email (not a cut-and-paste form letter) to everyone you know – friends, colleagues, past clients. Update them on your business and the services you provide. Invite them to get in touch when they have a need, and ask them to spread the word about your services to their contacts. These are people you know. Many will be willing to help. 3. Snail mail prospects Write a letter of introduction and snail mail (not email) it to a list of potential clients. It doesn't have to be an elaborate direct mail piece with a compelling offer. You might not have time to create something like that anyway. Just compose a personal letter clearly describing who you are, what you do, and how you're different (your "positioning.") And then invite them to get in touch when they have a need. 4. Chat up referral sources There are probably dozens of professionals and companies in your area who would recommend your services to their clients and other contacts -- if only they knew you existed. So let them know! Pick up the phone and introduce yourself. Invite a potential referral source out for a coffee or lunch. 5. Connect on the social networks If you're active on Twitter, Linkedin or any of the other social networks, invite your connections to learn more about you and your services. You can mention that your website has just been launched or updated. Or announce a new service package that you're offering. I know someone who asked on Twitter, "Does anyone need a good VA who knows 1shoppingcart inside and out?" She got three replies within an hour. With a little creative thinking, you can probably come up with several more ways to quickly introduce your services to dozens, or even hundreds, of potential clients. This may seem like desperation marketing. And in a way it is. But this kind of massive action can work very well in the short term to get you what you need most -- a new client and a good-paying project.
~ ~ ~ Let's Stay in Touch! Comments? Questions? Suggestions? We'd love to hear from you. Email my assistant, Karen, at: karen@steveslaunwhite.com If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward it to a friend or colleague. ........ Copyright 2010 by Steve Slaunwhite. For reprint rights, please contact the author. This e-newsletter is published three times per month by Steve Slaunwhite, author of Start & Run a Copywriting Business, The Everything Guide to Writing Copy, and The Wealthy Freelancer. We also send one or two extra emails each month detailing programs and offers. Steve Slaunwhite Marketing Expert & Award-winning Copywriter FOR COPYWRITERS ONLY Voice: 905-846-2620 Email: steve@forcopywritersonly.com Web: www.ForCopywritersOnly.com |