When You Approach Business Owners

24 replies
When you approach Kings or Queens, do you go before them empty handed? No, you go with a gift, as far as I know anyways. That's how they used to do it in the past. I believe it was a great idea. Remember Queen Sheba when she visited King Solomon? She brought so many gifts and spices and so many things, only to depart with more gifts from the King as well. RECIPROCITY.

Stop worrying about how much money you will get from the clients. Approach them with FREE gifts or FREE insight or FREE advice at first and watch what's gonna happen!

Once they realise you are a goldmine and a go to person; they won't hesitate to give you their money. Stop trying to approach them too cold while empty handed.

Can you write a press release and get it distributed for a business owner. That will probably cost you $20 and 5 days in total to do. That's value in the eyes of your prospects and you can earn their respect.

Approach them to do something for FREE and then begin working your relationship with them.

Can you offer them a FREE Report that provides them some valuable info?

Think of something. There are so many ways. There are many biz's with no websites. Can you offer them a FREE wordpress site and then take hosting money?

The more time you spend talking to clients, the more you'll get to know what to do for them and the more value you will provide. The more money you'll earn. The more testimonials. The more doors of opportunities. That's how you CREATE your own LUCK!

You can do it. Don't worry about what you can't do, the forum can help you. We are here to help. If you can't do something, just tell the client to give you a couple of days, come here and we can help.

So start talking to every business owners in front of you, worry about niches later. If you are just starting instead of spending countless months pondering about the niches you should target first, talk to everybody in front of you or on the phone.
#approach #business #owners
  • Profile picture of the author manjit129
    Hi Tanya,

    What a great post! I really love the idea of writing a Press Release for the business owner before you meet to demonstrate value to them. Such a simple idea but one that I hadn't thought of. Provide value!

    In your experience, what is the best received value item that you've provided to a business owner to get your foot in the door? I would love to know your thoughts. Thanks.
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    • Profile picture of the author tanya7zhou
      Originally Posted by manjit129 View Post

      Hi Tanya,

      What a great post! I really love the idea of writing a Press Release for the business owner before you meet to demonstrate value to them. Such a simple idea but one that I hadn't thought of. Provide value!

      In your experience, what is the best received value item that you've provided to a business owner to get your foot in the door? I would love to know your thoughts. Thanks.
      I educate my prospects nowadays before I do business with them. I warm them, arouse them and get them all ready to take things to the next level.

      Most of my biz comes from referrals. If there is a BIG fish I want to catch, I usually create a package as a gift to them. I have used press releases to get a foot through the door. It works. But again, I have used most methods we discuss here to get someon'es attention. A few months ago, I used google places listings to aqcuire a plastic surgeon. Something so small, got me a great client.

      You can use any method, they all work. Just do it. During my humble beginnings, I used Free websites, Free reports, Free niche related articles and news to gain trust.

      Bring me a valuable gift and I will listen to you!
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  • Profile picture of the author e30drifter
    I am writing a free e-report to get the door open.
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    • Profile picture of the author tanya7zhou
      Originally Posted by e30drifter View Post

      I am writing a free e-report to get the door open.
      Sometimes it takes too much time to get it all ready, unless you are very experienced to finish the Job within a week.

      Spend most of your times in front of business owners. don't be caught up creating things and you neglect bringing business in.
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      • Profile picture of the author cbest
        Originally Posted by tanya7zhou View Post


        Spend most of your times in front of business owners. don't be caught up creating things and you neglect bringing business in.
        One of the biggest mistakes new business owners make online or off is over analyzing...studying..preparing... or setting up their office etc... instead of contacting prospects.

        Get out in front of people right away... earn while you learn. The quickest way to get better is to go ahead and get out there.. make your mistakes so that you can then touch up your script or copywriting and get better at it.


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  • Profile picture of the author ganesh
    I go to meet my offline clients with a QR code with their business details or address or phone number coded into it. It takes me about two to three minutes to get one done and that too at zero cost. I offer it to them as my gift and also explain them on how to use it. During the explanation I also make sure that I propose them some of my services. At the end of the conversation I usually walk out with their check in my hand.
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    • Profile picture of the author tanya7zhou
      Originally Posted by ganesh View Post

      I go to meet my offline clients with a QR code with their business details or address or phone number coded into it. It takes me about two to three minutes to get one done and that too at zero cost. I offer it to them as my gift and also explain them on how to use it. During the explanation I also make sure that I propose them some of my services. At the end of the conversation I usually walk out with their check in my hand.
      Like what my 5 year old son will proudly say....... SIMPLE! It's simple guys. Think and do something.

      That is why them Dan Kennedy's Alan Weiss and Jay Abraham are where they are now. They think, provide value and they get paid.
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      • Profile picture of the author tanya7zhou
        Giving customers value and gifts is a strategic option that is smart.

        If done correctly, the prospect will feel guided to buy your product with
        overwhelming evidence that it's the right thing for them to do. They'll feel that you took the time, that you care, that you are willing to go that extra mile to make sure it's the appropriate choice for them. I took the tip from Jay Abraham
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  • Profile picture of the author danielkanuck
    I can't get out of the habit of offering something for free. It's such a wonderful marketing strategy. It's amazing how far the technique of giving something away for free can go.

    I currently offer free reports, but i used to be heavy in doing free consultations in the past... that was before i discovered information products and the possibility of putting my business on autopilot. Now the free report method is taking over as my number 1 choice. Great post.
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    • Profile picture of the author tanya7zhou
      Originally Posted by danielkanuck View Post

      I can't get out of the habit of offering something for free. It's such a wonderful marketing strategy. It's amazing how far the technique of giving something away for free can go.

      I currently offer free reports, but i used to be heavy in doing free consultations in the past... that was before i discovered information products and the possibility of putting my business on autopilot. Now the free report method is taking over as my number 1 choice. Great post.
      Hey Daniel

      Thanks for letting guys here know what's working for you in your business.
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  • Profile picture of the author kiddoman
    You seems to release a truth in a symbolistic way! It is pretty funny and meaningful! Admire your ideas!
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  • Profile picture of the author Headfirst
    Originally Posted by tanya7zhou View Post

    When you approach Kings or Queens, do you go before them empty handed?
    If you think of business owners as Kings and Queens you wont get far. Business owners are your peers. You should approach them as such.

    Don't make it more complex than it needs to be.
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  • Great post and so true. I struggled to get clients at first, even when I offered to do a free analysis of their on-line presence because truth is most people don't like to be told what they are doing wrong.

    However, that all changed when I offered them a Page 1 ranked video for free. Now that was something that not only proved my skills to them but was useful in its own right... and guess what? I got a lot more clients because of it.

    Always give first... you will more often than not receive.
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    • Profile picture of the author JustinDupre
      Originally Posted by thesorcerersapprentice View Post

      Great post and so true. I struggled to get clients at first, even when I offered to do a free analysis of their on-line presence because truth is most people don't like to be told what they are doing wrong.

      However, that all changed when I offered them a Page 1 ranked video for free. Now that was something that not only proved my skills to them but was useful in its own right... and guess what? I got a lot more clients because of it.

      Always give first... you will more often than not receive.

      Awesome reply! The page 1 ranked video for free is a great marketing strategy indeed. Giving before receiving no wonder you are getting more clients now.
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      • Profile picture of the author tanya7zhou
        Originally Posted by thesorcerersapprentice View Post

        Great post and so true. I struggled to get clients at first, even when I offered to do a free analysis of their on-line presence because truth is most people don't like to be told what they are doing wrong.

        However, that all changed when I offered them a Page 1 ranked video for free. Now that was something that not only proved my skills to them but was useful in its own right... and guess what? I got a lot more clients because of it.

        Always give first... you will more often than not receive.
        Originally Posted by JustinDupre View Post

        Awesome reply! The page 1 ranked video for free is a great marketing strategy indeed. Giving before receiving no wonder you are getting more clients now.
        So true guys. All you have to do is to offer them something of value and you will get your foot in the door. No business person wants someone to waste their time or just come in to take their hard earned money.

        But if you offer something of value and they can see the benefits and see a few results coming in, they will silently beg you to work with them.

        Things are changing and we have to change the way we deal with these business owners.

        If someone comes to my business and they offer something of value to me, I will certainly pay attention to them.

        Don't forget that we are trying to get our foot through the door so we can show them how to grow their 20 cents to a dollar.
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        • Profile picture of the author jayardel
          I am new to sales and would like to start a community advertising program for local businesses. I would be selling advertising space.

          How do you suggest I make the first contact with the business owner? Email, telephone cold calling, going to each business in person (frowned upon where I come from)?

          Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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    • Profile picture of the author StevieJK
      Originally Posted by thesorcerersapprentice View Post

      Great post and so true. I struggled to get clients at first, even when I offered to do a free analysis of their on-line presence because truth is most people don't like to be told what they are doing wrong.

      However, that all changed when I offered them a Page 1 ranked video for free. Now that was something that not only proved my skills to them but was useful in its own right... and guess what? I got a lot more clients because of it.

      Always give first... you will more often than not receive.
      Great idea offering a free video ranked on page 1 of Google!

      Can I ask how you word your initial emails to prospects offering them this?

      Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author DazedandConfused
    Great ideas all -
    Or - to go with the Kings and Queens method...
    we could just bring them the head of one of their competitors on a platter! -
    THAT'LL get your foot in the door! :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author LErinator
    I've done an external and internal analysis for businesses when I have approached them before. If it looks professional and you have a porter's five forces or a swot analysis with details and plans or recommendations they are usually blown away, or at least impressed you went into such thorough detail.
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  • Profile picture of the author tuscan
    Great post. I gave a business owner a free report on mobile marketing today since I knew before going in that he was stressed for time - but agreed to see me anyway. I like to think of it as a silent partner who can help close the deal for me in my absence.
    The key is to keep working it and know that people respond differently to a particular sales approach...so mix it up and keep it simple (KISS).
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  • Profile picture of the author Kristabelle
    the big marketers have been giving free reports for sooo long. Its a natural thing for them so why not everyone else. tuscan - Love It - Keep It Simple St*pid.. KISS -
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary Wilhite
    You seem to give the truth,which is meaningful,i admire your thoughts.cheers.
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    • Profile picture of the author tanya7zhou
      Clients/business owners/managing directors are people like the rest of us. They want to be respected and they want to work with people they can trust.

      Build trust first. Even though the good old - cold calling still works a bit; I think if you are there for a long time, you need to build real relationships

      The key to massive business success as a marketer is to build trust and provide VALUE all of the times.

      Educate Educate & Educate your clients and prospects. They will begin to warm up to you. Keep asking your self questions like "How can I add more value to my clients and prospects?"

      Send them gifts with reasons why you thought the gift might be useful to them. As you continue to build value, your worth in their minds will continue to grow. ......until you become their only viable solution or go to person.

      Stay in touch constantly and never lose a prospective client. Build your value first. Give before you receive. Don't be greedy. Give them until they feel like they should also invest in you.

      When they invest in you, make sure every part of your business is perfect. Your customer service, your reliability, your word, etc impress them and over deliver

      Sorry, I went off topic here.
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  • Profile picture of the author sparro

    So start talking to every business owners in front of you, worry about niches later. If you are just starting instead of spending countless months pondering about the niches you should target first, talk to everybody in front of you or on the phone.
    Good Advice. Niches are only good if targeting one saves you time. Finding an email list of Vets or using the same template as your "Free Offering". Otherwise start talking to everyone. The more people you speak with the more confidence and trustworthiness you will exude.
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