| If you're one of the legions of women out there running | | | | that your target audience is a part of (professional |
| home-based businesses, chances are that at some | | | | networking groups like Chambers of Commerce, online |
| point, you've hit the wall with regards to finding new | | | | groups like Facebook or LinkedIn, playgroups, health |
| clients. You've had lunches, parties, coffees, | | | | clubs, whatever) so you can get exposure to these |
| get-togethers with every friend, relative and neighbor | | | | people and build trust and rapport with them. And |
| you can think of. You know that you've asked | | | | when you're in these situations, ASK FOR THE |
| everyone you personally know to either buy your | | | | BUSINESS! "Do you know anyone who might be willing |
| goods and services or to refer someone they think | | | | to host a party...?" or "Can you think of someone who |
| might benefit from them. When you've exhausted your | | | | could benefit from ...(your offering here)...?" Yes, this |
| inner circle, where do you go to get more clients? | | | | approach takes time, but your business development is |
| Most of the direct sales companies have a ton of | | | | a continual process and building your network will yield |
| training and coaching to help you figure out where to | | | | the results you want. People love to buy from people |
| find your clients. Chances are, you already know how | | | | they like, know, and trust. |
| to do all those things, but still are finding it hard to just | | | | 3) Find a friend, colleague, buddy or a coach to support |
| get started again. It's time to get outside of your inner | | | | you in your business. If you're doing it all alone, chances |
| circle of friends, but that also means getting out of | | | | are you have little support and less accountability with |
| your comfort zone. And that can be a little tough, since | | | | regards to achieving the results you want. When |
| it means facing rejection, etc. But it's also where all the | | | | you're pushing yourself to go beyond what's already |
| possibilities for growing your business are! | | | | comfortable and familiar to you, it makes sense to get |
| Here are four easy steps you can take to finding | | | | some support so you don't get overwhelmed and give |
| more clients and growing your business: | | | | up. If you can partner with someone who knows your |
| 1) Make sure you know who your target market is. | | | | goals and the two of you can support each other, it |
| You need to know exactly who your customers will | | | | makes getting out there and doing the tough stuff so |
| be, where they shop, what they buy, what they read, | | | | much easier! |
| what's most important and most challenging for them, | | | | 4) Find an ally. For instance, if you're a yoga instructor |
| etc. Is your product or service something that mothers | | | | looking to expand your client base, you might find your |
| of young children would buy? Or is it something that | | | | next 20 clients by partnering with a wellness facility, an |
| would benefit professionals who have recently been | | | | organic farm co-op, a health and nutrition store, or a |
| laid off or down-sized? By clarifying who your ideal | | | | fitness center. This doesn't have to be any "formal" |
| clients are, you'll be better able to determine the next | | | | business partnership. Request an introduction to the |
| step: how to reach them. | | | | manager/owner of the organization, set up an |
| 2) Get in front of those potential customers -this can | | | | informational interview, and discuss the benefits you |
| be asking friends/family for introductions to others, or | | | | could both receive from referring clients back and |
| attending a conference/tradeshow/event (like | | | | forth to each other. Consider offering a discount or a |
| International Women's Conference, a job fair, etc.) | | | | bonus to clients that come from this alliance. |
| where your target audience might be, or joining groups | | | | |