Attracting and retaining prospects and clients is the lifeblood of any business. Yet one of the biggest challenges most of the entrepreneurs and self employed professionals I work with say they have is getting a steady stream of new clients.
Is this a challenge for you?
Well, if so, you’re not alone. I know that when I started my professional coaching business many years ago, I struggled for the first few years to build up a full practice of clients. Now, I have systems and support in place to generate new leads for my website and my business automatically so that the marketing is not such a time-consuming effort anymore.
If you need more clients to sustain the income for your business or professional practice, here are three of the best ways to generate new business quickly.
1. Ask for Referrals.
Asking for referrals is the number one way for most businesses to get new business. Yet many professionals don’t use this strategy because they are not confident in asking clients and colleagues to refer to them on. You can send an email, a letter, or a postcard to everyone in your database letting them know that you build your business through referrals and that you have openings for new clients. Be clear about the type of client you are looking for and how you can help them achieve a certain outcome or result. Being as specific as possible will make it easier for people to refer you new business.
2. Give a Free Talk or Teleseminar.
Giving free talks is a great way to put yourself in front of people who might be interested in your services. There are numerous places in every city where you could give a free talk. Teleseminars are also a great way to gain wider exposure. Be strategic in giving your presentation only to people who are in your target audience so there is more likelihood they will hire you. Focus on delivering good content, and weave in stories about the results people receive by working with you. Make a ‘call to action’ at the end of your talk to entice people to follow up, and have business cards, a brochure, and/or a handout they can take away with them.
3. Contact Former Clients.
This is the one of the most overlooked yet one of the best ways to get new clients quickly. Most professionals make the mistake of continually looking for brand new clients. This can be costly and time consuming. They don’t think to try the quick, low-cost way of contacting and reactivating former clients. People who have worked with you in the past will often be willing to work with you again – especially if you make them an offer they can’t refuse. Contact former clients and make them a special offer, or offer them a slight discount for the first session. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many say yes.
If your business needs an infusion of cash and clients right now, try any one of these quick, low-cost way to generate new prospects and clients. It can be easier than you think!
Wishing you much joy and prosperity,
~ Jan Marie
6 Steps to Get Fully Booked With Coaching Clients + tips & training FREE!
Hi Jan Marie,
Thank-you for your practical and easy to implement tips for attracting and retaining clients. You have replaced complicated with straight forward strategies and I thank you for that.
Positively,
Pauline Duncan-Thrasher
Hi Pauline,
Thanks for the feedback. I plan on streamlining and simplifying everything this year!