3 Ways to Build Your Clientele
Are you struggling to build a dedicated audience?
Ask any successful business owner and she’ll tell you building a devoted following, a core clientele, can be hard work. But it’s vital if you expect your business to grow and enjoy continued success year in and year out.
And though it’s not rocket science, it does require a concerted effort and consistent application. It takes strategy, planning, and marketing to attract and win customers in your niche market. And that doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to communicate value and develop trust, but that’s exactly what you need to do to establish a long term relationship with your customers.
With that in mind, here are three ways to begin engaging prospective clients:
Identify the Problem.
What problem(s) does your product or service fix? Before you offer the solution, take the time to spell out the problem. Tell your clients why they need you. Show them that you identify with their frustrations. Demonstrate that you grasp the scope of the problem and understand their needs.
Offer the Solution.
Once you’ve detailed the problem, offer the solution. Show clients how you can alleviate their problem. Establish yourself as an expert. Not only do you fully understand the problem, but you also possess the means to solve it. You are the hero working for your clients’ best interests. You do the dirty work, so they don’t have to. We all admire a hero who steps into the gap.
Be Generous.
Be generous with your knowledge, services, and time. Educate your customers. Share lessons you’ve learned, and offer tips on avoiding common mistakes. You don’t have to “give away the store,” but generosity is a great way to earn trust and grab people’s attention. So run a special or give away 2 hours of free service. You’ll be rewarded in the long run.
Doing these things can create connections and enable you to build relationships within your target audience. By adding value to your particular market and helping people solve problems along the way, you’ve become a trustworthy resource. And that’s a good way to attract clients for life.
What About You?
What methods have you used to build your clientele?
* Photo Credit: UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Creative Commons)
