By Managing Director/Business Owner, Lead Facilitator Rebel Business School, Angie Beeston.
So, we’ve got our business ideas and want to get things moving! As a business entrepreneur, one of the most important tasks is to continuously seek out new customers to grow your business. Remember, to have a business we need to….
Sell something to someone!
Sounds simple? There are some key ways to consider on how to find your customers. Those wonderful individuals who will become part of your tribe, who will be happy and proud to buy from you. Here are seven winning ways to do just that –
1. Who is your customer?
The most important factor is to identify who your customer is. You’ve got your product or services sorted and know what you want to sell, but understanding who you will be selling to is vital. This is a fundamental step to help you to begin targeting those customers who will want to buy from you – remember buying is emotive, we tap into our hearts when we find something we really want to buy or feel we need to have.
So, ask yourself – what matters to them? Understand what your products or services give to others and communicate this to them.
2. Be more Social… media
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok to name a few provide a great way to reach new customers. Work on creating a social media strategy – this can simply be creating content, interesting ideas, information about the industry you are in, conversations, questions….. anything to get some conversations going with your audience.
Use these platforms to showcase your products or services, engage with your audience, and attract new customers and ambassadors.
An important note – be a giver, not just a taker!
Make sure you use social media as a two way street, it is much more meaningful if you like, share and comment to support others and their businesses. It will ensure you create a supportive brand and reputation, not just one of those businesses who only wants to sell, sell, sell to you. People will engage much more with individuals who are supportive of others.
You never know, you might just have a major influencer like, share or comment on your posts! Now that will spread the word for you…
3. Meeting New People!
A key part of finding new customers is getting to meet new people in wider business or social circles.
Attending networking events is powerful – a way to expand your connections.
Think of networking as an opportunity to learn new things, to find out information about the area, other businesses, understanding other people, maybe even making some new friends or potential collaborative partnerships for your business.
Give yourself a chance to ask lots of questions and have some great conversations with people – some of my most trusted friends I’ve met through networking.
When you’re running your own business, having good connections who you can totally trust as a sounding board is very important.
You can attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to meet new people and build relationships. You could also join local business groups to connect with other entrepreneurs in your area. How about trying online networking, not just face to face? Powerful if you want to work on a global basis.
Networking events can be a great way to connect with potential customers and generate new leads. Attend events where your target audience is likely to be present and make meaningful connections.
Don’t forget Rebel have plenty of networking opportunities both in person and online and many Rebels who have attended the courses create their own networking groups to continue the support.
4. Thank you, Referrals!
Consider offering referral bonuses. Some businesses have done very well building their customer base by encouraging your existing customers to refer new customers to your business by offering them a bonus or discount. Word-of-mouth marketing can be a powerful tool for small businesses.
You may want to send a thank you gift – it could be flowers, chocolates, a thank you card, a loyalty card loaded with some money for a coffee treat, it doesn’t need to be expensive but don’t forget to acknowledge the person who has referred you to the new client. It means so much when they feel valued too!
And, they’re more likely to want to refer you again and again!
5. Website presence.
Having a website is essential in today’s digital age. Your website should showcase your products or services, provide information about your business, and offer a way for potential customers to contact you. Have good clear photos and keep this up to date. Make sure all the buttons work!
Don’t forget to link your social media accounts to your website and encourage people to sign up to newsletters so you can capture details and potentially encourage more sales, if not now, in the future. Email marketing is an effective way to stay in touch with your existing customers and reach new ones. Build an email list and send out regular newsletters with updates, promotions, and valuable content.
6. Howdy Partner!
To help you grow and develop your business, you may find partnering with other businesses can help you reach new customers. Look for businesses that complement yours and explore ways you can work together to cross-promote your products or services.
This can help you to reach new audiences and generate new leads.
Maybe there is a way to share the cost of a table at an event or supporting one another with supplies to each other’s customers. Make sure you are both completely clear on what the expectations will be – important to set the framework at the beginning so you know the outcomes.
7. Stop me and try one!
Offer free trials or samples if possible. By offering a taster of your products or services gives potential customers the chance to try them out. This can be a great way to get people interested in what you have to offer and convert them into paying customers.
The key point to remember here…..
Don’t forget to ASK for the sale!
Sales can seem a daunting prospect, and out of your comfort zone, so just imagine what life will be like when you start winning new customers and people are happy to pay for your products and/or services.
This is usually all the motivation a business entrepreneur needs to give them the confidence to take pride in their products and services. People will spend money so why not with you?
Enjoy the journey of making new connections, building trusted business relationships and gaining customers!
Loved this blog article?
Watch Angie’s Rebel+ masterclass about the same topic.
In this dynamic workshop, you’ll uncover innovative strategies and practical techniques to identify, engage, and win over your ideal customers.
Get ready to discover your customer goldmine and watch your business flourish like never before.
Angie Beeston
Angie started her business in October 2010, originally as ABC Business Support, rebranding to Evolution 4 Business Limited in 2014. She works with small business owners through to global companies, helping to support individuals, teams and organisations through executive leadership coaching, business mentoring, bespoke training and delivering Leadership Programmes recognised by the Institute of Leadership & Management.
Angie has worked with global brands such as Serco, AEG Europe, SSE Wembley, Eventim Apollo, Thames Clippers, The Caravan Club, Sainsburys to name but a few. Her passion is developing inspiring leaders of the future, creating a bespoke experience of personal development for clients.