How to Get Clients: Unraveling the Mystery of Landing Your First Client
Jumping into the world of entrepreneurship, one question probably nags at the back of your mind, “How to get clients?” It’s a daunting task, and as someone starting from scratch, the challenge might seem even more significant. But, fear not! This article will walk you through some unorthodox yet practical ways to bag your first client and kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
Giving it Away for Free: The First Step towards Building Your Clientele
Yes, you read that right! Sometimes you have to give before you receive. When you’re starting, offering free services might sound counterintuitive. But the reality is, it helps you build a portfolio. Remember the story of Blake Mycoskie, the guy behind TOMS Shoes? He started by giving away a pair of shoes to a needy child for every pair purchased. While this was a philanthropic move, it helped establish TOMS as a quality brand. Of course, you don’t have to give away your product for every sale, but offering a little for free can go a long way in gaining trust and recognition.
The Art of Networking: It’s Not What You Know; It’s Who You Know!
Rubbing elbows with the right people is often a good start in the quest for your first client. A study by LinkedIn in 2016 showed that a whopping 85% of all jobs are filled through networking [1]. The same logic applies when you’re trying to win clients. Attend industry events, be active in online forums, and use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential clients.
The Power of Referrals: Let Your Clients Do the Talking
Word-of-mouth can be a very powerful tool. According to a Nielsen report, 92% of consumers trust suggestions from friends and family more than they trust advertising [2]. So, why not let your initial customers become your brand ambassadors? A simple referral program that rewards your customers for bringing in new clients can do wonders.
Social Media: The Modern-Day Billboard
In today’s digital age, social media is a hotbed for potential clients. It’s like a crowded marketplace where you can set up your stall. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have a wide reach. A local café, for instance, can post images of their mouth-watering pastries or a special discount offer to draw in customers. Statistics from Sprout Social show that 57% of consumers follow brands on social media to learn about new products or services [3]. So, ensuring you have a strong online presence can be key to landing that first client.
Cold Pitching: Don’t Wait for Clients, Reach Out to Them
Finally, there’s no harm in going old-school with cold pitching. It might feel scary to reach out to potential clients out of the blue, but who knows, your service might be just what they need. You have to present your services not as a sales pitch but as a solution to their problems.
The Bottom Line: Perseverance Pays Off
Don’t be disheartened if things don’t work out initially. Remember, patience is crucial when you’re figuring out how to get clients. You might face more rejections than you’d like, but it’s all part of the journey. Keep faith, apply the right strategies, and soon, you’ll see your client base growing.
Focus on delivering value. Be authentic. Ask for feedback. Learn from mistakes. And never quit!
Sources:
[1] “Here’s How You’re Going to Get Your Next Job”. LinkedIn, 2016: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-survey-reveals-85-all-jobs-filled-via-networking-lou-adler/
[2] “Global Trust in Advertising”. Nielsen, 2015: https://www.nielsen.com/de/insights/2015/global-trust-in-advertising/
[3] “Sprout Social Index”. Sprout Social, 2021, https://sproutsocial.com/insights/data/
