Three simple and easy networking strategies to get clients

If you have started a new business and spent time and money on developing your branding and online presence, that’s great. Establishing your brand can ensure all your communication will be clear and reinforce your image. But you still need clients right? Ultimately, the need for clients should be your first priority for a new business.

When you are ramping up a practice, there is one amazing and powerful way to get the exposure you need. It’s networking! A very impactful marketing tool, networking can help you create a strong database and fill your practice quickly.

Network to meet lots of people. You know I’m a big fan of BNI (Business Networking International) which is a referral-driven group that meets weekly and acts as your sales team. In addition, I recommend you find a few other local groups because the more people you meet, the better.

Book coffee dates every week. As you start meeting people, get to know them through coffee dates. Set up several of these meetings every week to ensure you interact with enough prospects and connect with new referral sources.

Start a warm letter campaign. Build a database from all of your networking, then send your “warm letter”. This is not a one-time event. I recommend sending a monthly letter, letting your contacts know:

• How your business is doing
• Types of clients you can help
• Success stories as they occur
• Additional services you offer

This helps you build a relationship with your contacts and shows them how they can help you with referrals. The warm letter keeps you top-of-mind with people as they continue to learn about what you do. It’s so much more natural for contacts to recommend you as you stay in touch and educate them on a regular basis.

Your Client Attraction Assignmentr
Networking produces the fastest results because you are meeting lots of new people. What networking groups and associations attract your ideal clients? Do some research and attend each group that seems like a good fit. You don’t need to overload yourself. At the beginning, I sometimes went to seven groups in one week, but you can spread it out if needed.

Discover which groups work the best for you and continue to attend those. Then make it a practice to stay in touch with people regularly to make the most of your connections.