Written by: Maggie Perotin, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise
Running a business is one of the most challenging things you’ll ever do in your life. It continually pushes you to be creative, reinvent your offerings, and show up consistently, which often creates an emotional roller coaster. And yet, on the flip side, not many things in life are as rewarding as seeing your dreams, ideas, and creations come to life to help others.
The point I’m making here is that all entrepreneurs go through similar struggles at each stage of their business growth. Whether you’re just starting or running a 4 or 7 figure business, you still have your issues and worries. Finding more clients is the # 1 challenge most of my clients have. It’s a struggle that all businesses need to overcome to grow and mature.
Why that’s the case?
From my experience, there are thee main reasons you might be struggling more than others in this area right now (especially if you’re new).
1. Not Knowing Who Your Ideal Client Is
"You define yourself by either what your clients want or what you believe they'll need for the future. So: Define yourself by your client, not your competitor." - Ginni Rometty
Not knowing your niche is a common challenge for entrepreneurs in their very early stages of running a business. Quickly though, you realize that when you try to market your products and services to everyone, you’ll reach no one as a result.
It's because no one will feel like you're talking specifically to them like you understand them and their needs. Just imagine, if someone tried to sell you strawberries when you wanted a melon, would you buy them?
That's why knowing who your ideal client is, allows you to get to know them well and put the right solutions in front of them.
2. Not Talking to Enough People
"Your ability to communicate is an important tool in the pursuit of your goals, whether it is with your family, your co-workers, or your clients and customers." - Les Brown
Once you know who you can help, next you need to get out there and talk to as many people as possible.
Firstly, it allows you to understand your ideal client: know their dreams and challenges so that you can match your solutions to them.
Secondly, because now you know your clients' language, you can refine your messaging and develop sales techniques feel natural, and not 'salesy.' Speaking your clients' language is what makes them feel understood and attracted to you.
3. Not Being Visible
"Clients become very attached to the fitter who they feel understands them." - Hubert de Givenchy
The great thing about knowing who's your ideal client is that you can also quickly determine where to find them. You don't want to spend your time and energy on LinkedIn if your audience hangs out on Instagram.
Ask yourself: which social media do they use, in what other places in person and online can I find them? The point is, wherever they spend the most time, that’s where you need to hang out and be visible consistently.
It's better to be consistently viable on one or two key platforms than stretch yourself thin, being everywhere sporadically. People need to know you, like you and trust you before they ever buy from you. You can create such a relationship if you're where they are, you are there regularly, and you engage with them.
That's why it's better to spend 1 hr daily in one place, having deep conversations and building relationships with your potential clients than 10 mins in 6 places only to scratch a surface.
And one more thing.
Everything we’ve talked about above falls into the marketing part of your business. All in all, whether you’re are just starting or growing and thinking to scale, you do need an overreaching marketing strategy that guides you. Once you have it, from there, you can set goals and tactics to implement it.
And if you do it consistently, you'll have no problem finding clients regularly, but you'll also create a system that will soon become second nature, and it'll serve your business as you scale. The keyword here is CONSISTENCY.
After all, anyone can start and run a mile or two, but not everyone can run a marathon. Can you?
Maggie Perotin, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Maggie Perotin is a business and leadership coach, helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses without the overwhelm so they can live the life they want. Through her DREAM-PLAN-DO coaching model, she helps her clients reach their potential and get results while maintaining balance in life. Maggie has over 13 years of coaching and leadership experience in the corporate world in various domains. She holds a Masters Degree in International Relations, Facility Management Administration designation, and currently pursuing an Executive MBA at Jack Welch Management Institute. Maggie uses all her knowledge and experience to help entrepreneurs be strategic and creative in building a successful business and brand that attract their ideal clients. She is passionate about spending quality time with her blended family with four kids in the Canadian nature, traveling, self-development, and healthy cuisine of the world.
