If you’re looking to win new business, you’ve got to start experimenting with new ways of managing your business and attracting customers.
How Do I Win New Business?
Ever heard the saying, “if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got?”
It’s a popular saying, so it’s likely you have. And it’s a popular saying because it tends to be true!
So, looking to win new business will mean that you have to step out of your comfort zone (more on that later!). Bear with the discomfort because the business results are likely to be well worth it.
To help you get started, here are five of my favourite business-winning strategies.
1. Get Creative
Being creative doesn’t just mean being a whiz with words, or a master of design. It’s all about ideas.
Something as simple as changing up your daily routine can inspire new ways of thinking; helping you to come up with fresh, creative ideas for your business.
For example, if you sit in the same chair, at the same desk, every single day, why not do some work standing up, do some regular exercise or take a walk in the fresh air?
Doing things a little bit differently will give your brain a ‘nudge’, helping to open up new patterns of thought.
Don’t forget: record your great ideas when you have them, or they’ll disappear. I keep a notebook with me at all times. (Or, if I’m driving, I voice-call my answerphone and leave myself a message!)
2. Put Your Customers First
Solopreneurs, Side-Hustlers and Freelancers like you have a huge advantage over the big boys.
You’ve got much more opportunity to connect with your customers on a personal level.
So don’t waste it!
Make your customers feel warm and special by engaging with them regularly. You could send email newsletters, ask them to complete quick surveys, or work on creating tantalising VIP-only offers that keep your best customers coming back.
Oh, and if you’re not already using social media to help engage your customers, you need to start.
Especially since 74% of people rely on social networks to guide their purchase decisions, and 80% trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation.
3. Work Smart (Not Hard!)
Did you know I spend the Christmas holiday each year tinkering around with my website?
Not because I am bored, but because I want it to do some of the hard work for me in the following year!
This is just one example of a simple system I have implemented in my business that has a massive impact.
So, step one would be to spend a few hours making a list of all the things that could be systemised. While step two is putting that list into order – hey, there’s a system already – will pay dividends.
Implementing some simple systems and processes can help you save time AND win new business in future.
Examples include setting up email automations that mean you don’t have to respond personally to every message that comes in.
You could also use tools like Calendly to automate calendar bookings, so people can arrange their own appointments with you. (Do you know you can also take pre-payment through Calendly too so there’s a way to systemise the ‘chasing payments’ process)
And, here’s an example for you. Want some help in developing systems in your business? Book a Clarity Call and let’s get it done.
4. Plan for Profit
Did you know that there’s a genuine link between passion and profit?
It’s called planning!
And the great news is that you don’t have to do much of it to get results.
So, dust off your original business plan and see what’s changed.
Haven’t got one? Start work on it today.
Make a plan for:
- important customer-attracting strategies like social media activity and marketing
- pricing and cashflow so that you know precisely what you are aiming for under that heading ‘Profit’
These things need time, thought, and care, because a few posts every now and again just won’t hack it and a ‘fingers-crossed’ attitude to the number of customers, pricing and sales volume just won’t work.
5. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone!
You knew this was coming… it’s time to push those boundaries!
We’ve all got a personal sticking point in business. That ‘thing’ you don’t do because you’re scared or you don’t know how – like setting realistic prices or starting that podcast.
But now, you’re finally going to learn that thing, and you’re going to use it to win new business!
Whatever it is, remember that your first time is likely to be your worst time. Accept that you probably won’t be perfect on your first go, but you’ll also learn from it…
…so your second time won’t be as bad, your third time even better than that, and by your fourth or fifth time, people might even mistake you for a pro!
What’s Next?
Well, here are a few options for you …
Why not book a Let’s Talk conversation where i can find out more about what you need and let you know, precisely, how I can help?
Alternatively, if you fancy diving straight in and spending 90-minutes with me on the one aspect of your business that’s getting in the way, book a Clarity Call.
Last but not least, take a look at my Working Together page where you’ll find information about my one-to-one support.