BY DEREK GOODMAN
Creating a strong, loyal client base is one of the most important parts of starting a small business. However, it can be pretty intimidating for first-timers. My Rich Brand is excited to help first-time business owners navigate these kinds of situations. Here are some tips to get you started:
FREE UP YOUR TIME
Business owners are naturally busy people. After all, starting a business comes with a long and seemingly endless to-do list. However, one of the simplest ways to free up some of that time is to figure out what tasks on that list are outsourceable.
For example, vital but tedious tasks, such as forming an LLC for your business, are often good candidates for handing over to a service provider. It’s a straightforward enough process that comes with major legal benefits and even tax advantages, but it involves a lot of paperwork and red tape. Handing that work over to a formation service frees up your time so you can better attend to clients’ needs.
FOSTER CONNECTIONS
One of the best ways to develop a strong business relationship with a client is to allow a personal connection where appropriate — the keyword here being “appropriate.” You don’t need to become friends with your clients. In fact, attempting to do this can backfire, while succeeding can make your relationship far more complicated.
However, you should make an effort to get to know your clients as people. Ask them about what they do in their free time and make a note about the things that matter to them. You can bring these up again in later conversations, making it clear that you value them as people beyond the value they bring to your business.
LEVEL UP YOUR MARKETING GAME
Brand awareness is crucial when it comes to making a name for yourself in your industry. With a solid marketing strategy that includes content marketing, social media management, PR, email marketing, and digital advertising, you can position your brand for increased presence. And by working with a dedicated marketing team like My Rich Brand, you’ll end up with a comprehensive approach that enables you to reach your target audience and ultimately achieve your business goals.
GET AN EDUCATION BOOST
Running a business definitely comes with a learning curve, and for many small business owners without a business background, this means on-the-job training. You simply learn as you go. However, to push your venture into new heights, choosing to enhance your business acumen through a degree program or certification can pay off exponentially. You’ll have the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge when it comes to strategy, management, and diverse business skills. This doesn’t have to be a stressful undertaking either. Many people choose online programs for the flexibility and pace so they can continue to earn while they learn.
DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
One of the simplest and most effective ways to get and retain clients is to deliver consistent, high-quality, and professional work. This doesn’t just mean doing a good job with the project — although that’s obviously important. It also includes clear and effective communication, back and forth collaboration, and meeting (or adequately adjusting) deadlines.
You don’t have to be perfect — that’s where professionalism comes in. Take deadlines as an example. Being unable to meet a deadline for a project is perfectly normal and can happen for many reasons. You can typically avoid having this become a significant issue by communicating with your client as soon as you know that a deadline delay will — or even might — happen.
Moreover, if you’re completing work that the client needs to be done on a specific timeline, use deadlines that offer sufficient cushion. Even if you meet the deadline, the client may require changes or have feedback, and the additional time will come in handy. This kind of forethought and professionalism will make a strong impression and make clients excited to continue working with you.
Creating a loyal, engaged client list can do wonders for your business. Once you have a foundational client base, you can use that work as a jumping-off point to secure more clients down the line. Focus on projects that highlight your strengths and allow you to do the work that will make your business shine.
