One of the downsides (and often scary parts) of being self employed is that ultimately, it’s up to you to drum up new business. You’ve got to make sure the new clients and money keeps coming through the door. Because if you don’t do, no one else will!
If you’re looking to shake things up and get new business, try these tips we’ve pulled together. And before you ask, NO. None of them involve you spending hours cultivating the perfect Instagram feed or investing in super expensive social media ad campaigns.
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Here are 5 simple ways you can start to drum up new business today.
1. Switch up your networking game
Get out of your networking rut and start attending different kinds of events. Ask Google and people you know for recommendations and suggestions for places and events you don’t usually go. Maybe surf through Meetup.com and find something that piques your interest.
These could be actual networking events or other types of events where you might find your Ultimate Ideal Client. Don’t forget – you can network ANYWHERE!
2. Make use of your email list
So many of us have been collecting people’s emails for a newsletter we never get round to writing or sending. This is despite the fact that that email marketing is up to 40 times more effective than social media!
Spend some time planning an email campaign. No relentless sales pitches or pointless emails allowed! Think about what your existing clients and future clients would value. Expert advice? Offers and deals? Information shared in an entertaining, easy to digest or humorous way?
Haven’t built up your email list yet or struggling on what to write? Try tip number 3…
3. Position yourself as the expert
To your potential clients and customers – you are the expert. What free content can you offer them that showcases your knowledge and expertise?
Perhaps you could put together a short PDF with checklists or a simple how to guide that people could download from your website? (after signing up and opting in to your mailing list)
You could update your blog with posts sharing useful advice. This will help your SEO rankings too!
Could you guest write a post or collaborate for someone else’s blog? Remember, to listen to the episode we did on The Simplifiers Podcast that simplified how to start an email list!
And don’t forget to submit yourself as a potential guest for any relevant podcasts too!
4. Collaborate.
You’re not alone. Think about other businesses out there that are targeting the same types of people, but don’t offer exactly what you do. Can you team up with them and offer something fresh and different?
Here’s an example: If you work in events decor, perhaps you can team up with a florist to offer special packages, expertise and deals for newly engaged couples.
If you work in social media marketing, is there a website designer or SEO expert who would be interested in working together to provide a one-stop service for those of us who just don’t want to have to focus on online marketing?
There are so many ways we can work together with other businesses – you just need to think of how you can meet your client’s needs and overcome their challenges.
5. Ask for referrals
Get in touch with previous clients or customers. Ask them if they enjoyed/are still enjoying your product or service and if they give you a positive response, don’t be afraid to ask for referrals! It’s not icky or pushy – if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
Often people just need a nudge and you can even sweeten the deal with an offer or small gift. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful and it could be one of the most effective but low effort ways to drum up more business.
Resources we recommend:
- HOW TO GUIDE: Beginners guide to email marketing
- BLOG POST: How do I determine who is my Ultimate Ideal Client?
Listen to The Simplifiers Podcast
Make 2019 your best year ever with advice, guidance and tips from the expert guests who feature in The Simplifiers Podcast. Find all our episodes HERE.
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