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6 Practical Tips to Book More Clients @JacintaGrand

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by Jacinta Grand | Featured Contributor 

When you first start building a business as a consultant or service profession, getting your first clients can seem like a daunting task. New business owners often feel pressure to get out there and sell their service which can often induce feelings of nausea. The good news, you don’t have to sell to get new clients! Here are  six easy and practical tips to book more clients: 

 

Tip #1: Build Relationships

 

Whether you’re trying to book more clients online or in the real world, building relationships is key. Establishing long-term relationships is like setting a strong foundation — it is one of the best ways to consistently increase revenue. A strong relationship not only can help you book clients but provide better customer satisfaction and increase your ability to book new clients via referrals. 

 

One way you can start building a solid relationship with your clients is building your email list. It allows you to stay in touch with your current and potential clients. Emailing regularly is like chatting with them every week. It helps them to know, like, and trust you, which will lead to more clients. 

 

Tip #2: Ask for Referrals

 

Your previous clients are often the best source of new clients. That is because word of mouth can go a long way in helping you book more clients.  One way to capitalize on this is to implement a referral program. It can be as simple as providing rewards for loyal customers who refer their friends. Your referral program can be as unique as your business. You could provide an individualized referral link for clients to share or a discount code given to family and friends of your team. 

 

Regardless of your approach, asking for referrals is a great way to get new clients. Remember that if someone loved working with you, they will be quick to spread the word.  Plus a referral program is a win-win for everyone, your clients get rewarded for being loyal and you have an easy way to get new clients.  

 

 

Tip #3: Follow-up

 

Another way to book more clients is to follow-up with potential clients to see if they are ready to purchase, because sometimes it is all about timing. Maybe you have emails from people who inquired about your services or products, but never emailed you back. Follow up with them via email and see if they have any questions or need advice on anything in particular. Opening a dialog will put you on their radar again and when it is the right time, they’ll book with you. 

 

Another great way to follow up with potential clients is to provide them with helpful information or a new e-book you just wrote. By giving something to them first, it will make them more ready to buy from you when you ask. 

 

Tip #4: Let Them Know Your Availability

 

Yes, that’s right. Let people know you are booking more clients and that you have some availability. This might sound simple, but it is imperative. Let people know you are available! So many business owners don’t book new clients simply because people don’t know they have availability.

 

It can be as easy as emailing your list or posting on social media to let people know you are currently booking new clients. Also be sure to let them know how to book your services. For example, you can list your booking site so potential clients can book your services 24/7.

 

Tip #5: Include Testimonials

Using social proof get help you get new clients. Try asking current and past clients for feedback and publish their testimonials on your website. You can easily do this by reaching out to people and asking for feedback via a feedback form or personally asking top clients for their video testimonials. 

 

I also recommend showcasing your previous client work alongside their testimonials. Sometimes testimonials aren’t enough and potential clients want to see your work. Oblige them and show they what to expect when working with you. Don’t have any work or testimonials to showcase yet? Consider taking on a few pro bono projects or showcase sample work. 

 

Tip #6: Make It Easy

My final tip on how to get clients is to make it easy. Make it easy for clients to book your services. Your website and social media channels should work together as lead magnets for your business. They should help funnel potential clients into your email list and booking system. The goal is to make this purchase a “no brainer” for them. The easier it is, the more likely they are to purchase from you.

 

The Fortune is In The Follow Up by Bianca Osbourne of @VitalityGuide

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The Fortune is In The Follow Up

by Bianca Osbourne

When I started my business I was terrible at following up; blame my lack of assistance with the email and awareness of the importance of following up. Once I learned (from my business coach) that I needed to be laser focused on following up my pipeline became consistently full; because what’s the point of networking unless you’re just in it for the fancy lunch?

The fortune is in the follow up because prospective clients LOVE when you make the effort, it shows them that you know how to nurture relationships and relationships are the foundation of a successful business.

Here are some ideas on how to create the perfect follow up process:

1. When you get back to your office, or within 24 hours of meeting someone, send an email. It doesn’t need to be long winded and shouldn’t, under any circumstance, be a sales pitch. This is simply a “nice to meet you” email.

2. Within one week of sending your “nice to meet you email” set up a meeting to learn more about their business and how you might each help each other. Some of my best strategic alliances were forged over coffee, after having met through networking. Also make sure to become connected through social media, because even if they aren’t the right match, you may become connected with someone who is through their social channels.

3. If you are struggling to connect with this person, try calling. Picking up the phone is a lost art, and it truly is an art. It could be that whoever you are trying to connect with is buried under emails and yours hasn’t yet come to their attention. All you have to say is “Hi, it’s (your name), we met at (insert event), I was hoping to connect with you further to learn more about your exciting ventures. Is there a time within the next week that works for you”.

Again, keep it brief; we are all busy people. Get to the point, set the date and pen it in your calendar.

4. After your first meeting, send an email thanking them for their time; all busy entrepreneurs will appreciate being thanked for their time, as it’s incredibly precious.

5. I do my best to connect new contacts with referrals almost immediately- if I can. This highlights that you are a) connected and b) someone they should be aligned with because you are connected.

6. And lastly, 30 days after your meeting, make contact again. If you’ve been in contact within this time, then this is happening naturally. Otherwise this is a great opportunity to stay in touch, because you are building a relationship with this person; and, though, they may not have been a good fit at the moment, it isn’t to say they won’t be in the future.

Whether you are new in business or a seasoned veteran following up is the foundation of business building and maintenance, because no matter what business you are in, you are in the business of building relationships.

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Bianca OsbourneBianca Osbourne is a professional chef, certified holistic nutritionist, wellness business coach and founder of The Vitality Kitchen, where she inspires vitality through food and helps aspiring wellness business entrepreneurs thrive in business and in life. Connect with Bianca @VitalityGuide on Twitter.

You Are More Than A Number by @toninelsonbiz

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Photo Credit: sperkyajachtu via Compfight cc

Photo Credit: sperkyajachtu via Compfight cc

by Toni Nelson | Featured Contributor

You are more than a number

One of the reasons I’m passionate about building a list of email subscribers is because I love building a community where everyone benefits. It’s like getting asked over to a dinner party where you get to know each other better.

When I was in the wedding industry I learned that one of the best ways to build relationships with brides was to have them on my email list.

There were so many things I saw from behind the lens that I wanted to share with them to make their weddings visually appealing an run smoothly. My desire to help them lead me to become a certified wedding planner. Trust me that was not on my list of things to do but I wanted to make sure I was writing and sharing the correct information. I didn’t offer wedding planning services but armed with this information I could send out email tips, write blog posts and really connect with them.

When I wrote my first book last year Sexy, Savvy and Successful: A Woman’s Guide On How To Start A Business, Gain Financial Freedom and Buy More Shoes! I didn’t realize it would change my whole business.

For almost 30 years I’ve been doing what comes naturally to me and that is helping people start and grow their business.

So what does this have to do with numbers? When I Founded The Mine System Of Learning I had to start from scratch growing my list of email subscribers.

If you are just starting a new business you understand exactly what I mean. What I have to say blind sided me was when I would meet with a possible business partner and they would say they loved that I had such a wealth of knowledge and experience and would love to work with me but I needed a list of at least 5,000 subscribers. That was a prerequisite to partnering with them. That being said there were some who said the list had to be at least 3,000.

The interesting thing I found was that although I didn’t have that number requirement I was still being sent promotional emails by them!

I’ve never grown my businesses based on the number of my email subscribers, the number of comments on my blog or my dress size. Ok the last one doesn’t matter at all but you get my drift.  I choose to focus on the person and what I can offer them.

You may have a list of 300 people but if those people are responsive they are worth more than having 3,000 people who aren’t.

It doesn’t matter what your “numbers” are. You are worth more than that.

Of course you want to grow your list we all do so I’m going to share some ways to bring traffic to your site so you can start building your list of email subscribers.

First: Have an opt-in form with a great give away on your website. You could be taking all this time and spending countless dollars but if you aren’t even attempting to capture your visitors email addresses you are throwing money down the drain.

Second get active on forums. One of the first things I did when I started my videography and photography business was to find forums and start getting active. This is where I’m supposed to tell you that I was doing that strategically but the truth of the matter is all I wanted to do was make connections. It wasn’t until later on that I realized I had to become a marketing expert and had stumbled on to something that worked.

You see getting on forums and trying to help other people who’ve been where you are makes you feel good. For all those people that told you “no” you have the power to tell someone “yes”. Feels really good doesn’t it?

Third was to find sites I could be on that were free or low cost. If you are a wedding planner, florist, bridal consultant, DJ or event planner I would highly recommend putting your free listing on WeddingWire.com.   It’s a great place to start advertising. As time goes on you can upgrade to their paid program which is what I did with much success.

Fourth put your listing on merchantcircle.com This may be more localized but it’s another way for you to gain exposure.

Fifth: this may seem like a no brainer but make sure your website is listed with Yahoo, Bing and Google to start.

Sixth: I know you might roll your eyes at this one but you need to start creating GOOD quality videos to expand your reach. Start off small by making videos that are under a minute. In a previous post I mentioned 7 tips for face-to-face videos go back and check that out again.

Seventh: Get active on social media. I know you are savvy and know this but I still had to mention it. Tweet about your blog posts and offers but tweet about other things as well. One of my favorite things to tweet about is apple news. I love my iphone and IMAC and when I come across something interesting I share it. I also share other business and tech related topics.   This makes you more visible and helps you build a community.

When it comes to bringing traffic to your site you are in control.

Building your list of email subscribers doesn’t have to be difficult. Bringing traffic to your site doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

I want to help you get more traffic to your site so you can build that email list of subscribers so join me for my FREE course on 15 Days To More Website Traffic.

See what nuggets of information you can pick up and start putting to use in your marketing strategy.

By the way don’t feel rejected by the word “no”. Instead let it empower you to get that “yes” that I know you deserve.

Be Savvy and Successful!

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Toni Nelson – P Factor Marketing , Business Training

Toni NelsonI’m Toni Nelson. My first business was started almost 30 years ago out of a desire to be home more for my daughter. Since that time I’ve helped others start and grow their business. Seeking to empower women I wrote my first book: Sexy, Savvy and Successful! – A Woman’s Guide On How To Start A Business, Gain Financial Freedom and Buy More Shoes! After reading my book people kept asking me what they needed to do next. How could they get training? That’s when I became the Founder of The Mine System Of Learning. I wanted to produce courses to help people gain or sharpen their skills so they could claim ownership of their business and say, “Yes! It’s MINE”!

My second book: The Secret Equation To Attracting More Clients – Marketing + P Factor + Video = $$$$ helps businesses find out what makes them different so they can stand out from the competition and attract more clients.

As an Award winning Videographer and Photographer I’ve been published in such places as DIY Bride, Kiss My Tule and the Florida Wedding Atlas. My video expertise has been featured on The American Express Open Forum.

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5 Ways Women Know to Build Relationships In Business by @toninelsonbiz

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Photo Credit: jdlasica via Compfight cc

Photo Credit: jdlasica via Compfight cc

by Toni Nelson

From the time we are little we start building relationships.  Many of these relationships last throughout our lifetime.  We are there for each other to support, give advice or simply to give a hug when needed.

The number one way to start building relationships is to network.  As you attend networking events you will not only find these relationships but you will gain more visibility.  How?

You see friends help friends.  I remember when my daughter was little.  If I needed someone to watch her in order to meet a client my girlfriend was right there ready to help.  I knew I could count on her and she could count on me. Women know how to build these relationships.  This ability carries through to our businesses.

The more you build these relationships in business the more exposure you have.  Your “friends” can’t help but talk about you and the expertise you have.  You can pay a small fortune to market your business using paid ads and any number of other strategies but the number one benefit to building relationships is that you receive more visibility.  This in turn brings you traffic to your website.

It’s going to take time to build these relationships but it will happen.

By building relationships new people are being introduced to your content and in turn they start sharing it with others.  It’s like that special recipe you share with one friend and they share it with others.

The question is “How do you go about building these relationships”?

First you start building your community.  When I have sessions with my coaching clients this is usually the step they haven’t taken.  The major way you can do this is by making sure you are building your list of email subscribers.  Once you start building your list you have the opportunity of reaching out to these individuals and sharing the helpful information they vitally need.  People may come to your website but if you don’t give them an opportunity to sign up for your email newsletter or whatever else you offer then chances are you will lose them.  I don’t want that to happen to you which is why I’m offering the free list building course.

Second you need to be social.  A key way to be social and start a conversation is by commenting on people’s blog.  This is a great way to “introduce” yourself to the people you’d like to connect with. You can ask thought provoking questions or answer other people’s questions.  By doing this you are contributing to their community.  Here’s an important tip: In order to build these relationships you need to “say” more than “great post”, “great article”.  Be engaging.

You can also find online forums and groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+ to start building these friendships. Start getting to know the people in these groups and sharing your own business tips.

Follow the people you want to connect with on Twitter.  Look for their tweets and then share them.  You’d be amazed how 140 characters can build those relationships.

Third would be to network in person.  You want to make sure you are able to meet people face to face in order to have that personal touch.  I belong to a number of business groups and attend these meetings regularly.  To find places to “meet” others and connect try the site: “meetup.com”.  Whatever business or interest you have meetup.com can accommodate you.

Fourth would be offering to do interviews with other people in business.  This is a clever way to help others get in front of different audiences as well as boost your visibility.

What I love about interviews is that you are sharing information and inspiration with those in your community.  You are “sharing” your audience with the person who’s being interviewed and your community is listening.  Why?  Simply put you have built that all-important relationship with them.

You must understand that relationships don’t come over night.  It takes time but isn’t anything worth having worth working and waiting for?

Fifth, don’t be afraid to make friends with people in your same profession.  I have met a number of other business coaches as well as photographers and videographers at networking events.  Do I shy away from them?  Absolutely not!  We all bring to the table different expertise and experiences. When you start building these relationships you are building a referral system.

The important thing is to be personable and valuable to those you connect with.

Don’t try once and abandon your efforts.  Be consistent when it comes to building relationships.

When you take the time to build your business based on relationships you will find this to be one of the best ways to gain visibility.

As you build these relationships make sure you tell them you appreciate working with them.  The words “Thank you” are not used enough.

Make sure you take my free online video course “10 Days To List Building” where you’ll start building a firm foundation for building your business relationships.

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Toni Nelson – Author of: Sexy, Savvy and Successful: A Woman’s Guide On How To Start A Business, Gain Financial Freedom and Buy More Shoes!

Award winning Videographer and Photographer

Founder of The MINE System of Learning.com – online business video courses for entrepreneurs.  Gain or sharpen your business skills so you can stand out from the competition and attract more clients.