Getting Clients - Methods that Work!

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[Just added a new Method on page 3..check it out]

I have not made many posts to the forum however I do monitor for ideas or trends in the marketing approach to merchants. I am a glorified marketer to multi-million dollar businesses in the payments industry. We all begin the journey finding ways to get merchants to buy our services.

There are a few tips I can share here for those of you working to get clients

1. If you are just breaking into the offline business the best place to start is with new businesses. You can go to your local county seat and purchase a monthly Trade Name registry list. Sometimes they sell them online but some may be behind in updated technology. It's worth the effort to go and pick it up monthly. Why? Because new businesses know that competition is fierce and are willing to spend money to launch their business.

2. Once you land a few clients, find out who their venders are - You can contact these venders and tell them them you share a mutual client and would like to have a referral relationship. Referrals are very important to growing your offline business.

3. Be very consistent!! - Consistency will make you a success in your marketing what ever medium you are using. If you are emailing then set a daily goal and do it first thing daily. When I was training offline agents I could tell who was successful and who was not by how consistent their marking plan was.

4. Journal what you are doing. Don't leave everything to memory. It's not wise. You will be surprised at how easy it is to find what is working and what is a time consumer.

5. Finally - Use your brain and be creative. don't be afraid to try different strategies. I have come up with my best eureka moments by trying a new strategy and bumping into something that can be life changing on the way.


Well I hope these tips were helpful. Finding new clients can be a daunting task but remember the payoff for having a reoccurring monthly income stream. People pay top dollar and many multiples of monthly earnings for businesses like this. Keep at it and you will have a valuable asset in the end.

If I can assist you feel free to Pm..


Tara Houck
#offline marketing #clients #get clients #leads #offline #offline software
  • Thanks very much for sharing. I have also started our new business and your tip would be very usefull
    • [1] reply
    • If you have any questions just ask!
  • Sparro...

    That's some great advice.

    I've been around the marketing arena for quite a while and you taught me something new that I'd never thought about before.

    If you're just starting out, then your best client would be new businesses.

    Who better to be in need of your products or services then someone who's trying to grow their new business.

    A more established business might not have the need to act now as would a new business because they have customers already that can help get them by until they can figure out how to grow even more.

    The new business needs every advantage it can get at the start.

    Good info.
    • [3] replies
    • Thanks Dealmaker, Glad to hear.

      The county seat lists sole proprietors and they are fairly fresh leads. They show up there usually before any other list you can purchase.
      • [1] reply
    • While I agree that new businesses are apt to be more receptive to getting their business online, I wouldn't discount the established businesses for the simple reason -- many of them have not kept their websites up-to-date and therefore need help too.

      Just a little bit of digging into the background of local businesses in your area (who has a website that gets updated and who doesn't) could very well mean the ability to land a new client.

      - How many of them have a fan page?
      - How many use postcards marketing to bring traffic to their website?
      - How many offer webinars that resemble their offline seminars?
      - How out of date is their web design? Could it be improved?
      - How can social networking boost their brand?

      And the list goes on...

      Yes, newly erected businesses need guidance to get known online, but established websites need a helping hand too.
      • [1] reply
    • New businesses aren't good because A they have no money to pay you and B They have no money to pay you. Look at people already spending a few thousand a month on adwords, these people are already spending money on online marketing and always looking for better returns on their marketing dollar.
      • [1] reply
  • So true!

    I get a few students and warriors coming to me and saying "I tried this or that strategy and it didnt work?"

    I then do a little digging to find out that they only tried it for maybe 1 or 2 days or less!

    Be consistent and committed!

    You didnt learn to walk or talk in 1-2 days! How is this any different?
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Wow, thank you so much for sharing that. Great advice for a newbie like me to get going. You should consider putting a course together.
    Regards
    Rob


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    • There are so many ways to market for B2B I have seen companies build portfolios of 10,000 merchants plus in less than 3 yrs. These tips are really just common sense and just the "tip" of the iceburg.

      As far as a course is concerned, I would have to see many requests from you guys. If you guys are interested then get your friends to this post and let me know.

      I come from the Payments Industry and consult large companies to sell their assets for them. I owned one of these companies for ten years and built a portfolio of merchants from 0 to 7,000 and sold it for many times it's annual earnings. The techniques that I offer MUST work because my reputation depends on it. I can't have a multi-million dollar company do a search in google and find a method that my name is attached to that they know is crap.

      I have a killer LinkedIn technique that would be life changing for some of you but again, It has to make sense for me to create it.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [6] replies
  • Our local chamber of commerce has a new member list of people that have joined this year...sometimes means they're new businesses.
  • Be very consistent + Use your brain and be creative

    I like this and I agree with what you say. Having this character will surely help us in maintaining the trust of our client. Thanks for this post! A good reminder!
  • Linkedin can be an absolute beast for this kind of marketing, but you have to know what you're doing.

    Think about it this way. When you hurt your back, why do you go and talk to a chiropractor? Generally because they have a reputation for being knowledgeable at the very subject that matters to you at that moment in time. Did you go to college with them? No. Did you see their certificates? No. They could be any old Joe schmoe and you're letting them crack your spine about.

    Why?

    Because they're an authority figure in the niche they're in. We assume that they know what they're talking about. You can do the same, but it takes work. Get yourself on linkedin, connect with people, share knowledge and become an authority figure. Then people will want to work with you, instead of the other way around.
  • 3 things that I do:

    1. Join your local Chamber
    2. Befriend an accountant and/or book-keeper
    3. FB Fan Page

    • [1] reply
    • For me, number two was when I saw HUGE increases in exposure (local accountant for me)

      Great advice!
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  • I love this, thank you sparro!
  • that's some great advice, i will definately try and apply some of this! thanks!
    • [1] reply
  • thanks for sharing this good stuff. Great advice, superb idea. I will try your tips.
  • I simply walk in a store while I am on my break and ask what they do on the internet. My closing rate is 50%
    • [1] reply
    • What type of business? seems impossible to close 50%.
  • Getting clients is NOT hard. The biggest challenge is believing that it is easy!

    Really.

    When you get right down to it, people are people. Business owners are no different.

    These business owners are thinking about their families, paying the lease, helping their aching back, etc. If you treat these business owners as a friend and get into conversations with them, you can find out what is bothering them. THEN, when you offer a simple solution and the owners REACT, then you have some ground to stand on.

    Yeah, this sounds simplistic, and yeah, there are some details to fill in... but in a nutshell, this is how to walk in and close a business owner.

    One thing that boosts your response through the roof is going into a business where you know something about the business and you can just talk shop, i.e. talking golf at a pro shop.
    • [ 3 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • couldnt agree more,..thx for the info
      • [1] reply
  • Tara....PM'd you regarding this:
    "

    Thanks.....Mike
    • [1] reply
    • Hi Tara,
      Great info...actually your comments were brief but hold a lot of weight.

      A lot of people want to hear about your killer Linked In strategy.

      On another note.... May I PM you I have an inquiry in regards to previous
      Background?

      Kamran
      • [1] reply
  • MWGrubb58: I'm with you on getting clients. Way to many people are over thinking this part.
  • Hi Sparro,

    I am very interested in the methods you talked about here. Thanks for posting the information you have in this thread. It is much appreciated.

    Tracy
  • Awesome, thanks for the tips!
  • sparro, thanks for all the great posts, very helpfull for newbies like myself,..
    • [1] reply
    • Really glad I can help...
      • [1] reply
  • You have galvanised me into action JR Rich!!!
    Thanks and the video sure gave me ideas.
    I am really grateful!
    I will sure fill you in on my progress.
    Thanks!

    Benny.
    • [1] reply

    • Benny,

      You're quite welcome. Just be sure to focus and persevere. Keep away from the "Shiny Object Syndrome" and keep contacting prospective clients until you have all the clients you can safely handle...

      Then, outsource everything!

      Best,
      --JR Rich
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • My best tip for getting clients is to find or start a networking group, You become the expert and if your products are top notch, you'll get lots of referrals. Considering the cost of a website and local search optimization (my primary services), the time is well spent! I attend a weekly meeting at a local restaurant and the only cost is lunch. I have closed several deals and have several more in the works.

    I'm looking forward to the LinkedIn report as that's an area I haven't fully tapped into yet.

    Feel free to connect with me at Glennette Goodbread | LinkedIn

    Glennette Goodbread, Owner
    Premium Web Design and Hosting
    Small Business Web Design and Hosting services - Albany Ga - Premium Web Design and Hosting
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Good stuff from all of you and especially JR Rich. I recently signed up with a company that does Video eMail Marketing and it' fabulous.

    It never get's sent to junk or spam. It has "me" in the videos, which my customers love!

    I don't think I'm supposed to post any links here, so I won't. If anyone wants the info please PM me......

    I just sent some to my Chamber members, and they thought it was great. Also, they ALL were opened

    Mike

    PS.....this is not a sales pitch ~ just trying to be helpful
    • [1] reply
    • Hey Rowdy,

      Thanks for the advice. I'm interested in the info on video marketing but I don't have enough posts to PM.
      Can you send any info to greatzen at hotmail?
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • Banned
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  • Tara,

    I wanted to ask you a question or two about your payment processing background. I'm sure you would have the answer to the question i want to ask. May i PM you?

    Kamran
    • [1] reply
    • You can Skype me as well tara.houck
  • I going to try to buy a list from the county today
  • Nice post Sparro. Great information. I used to use the new business lists in the past and hadn't really done anything about using it for my offline consulting. I will now. Thanks for the inspiration.
  • I have my small photography business in UK. I tried every thing like websites and SEO but still I am not getting any business. Have you any suggestion regarding me?
    • [1] reply
    • Duncan,

      I read recently of a woman who was simply walking into local businesses at random and offering to take high-res photos of their business & employees.

      I understand she was pulling-in consistent $100 days doing this.

      YMMV

      Best,
      --JR
      • [1] reply
  • Duncan, re: Photography...do you have a local Chamber of Commerce? Offer to take pics at events...give everyone you take a picture of your business card...and get one of theirs...you can put the pics up online and they can then pay to purchase them...this ALONE will make you great money but if you handle those folks appropriately (even those who DON'T buy) you can create an endless stream of prospects and clients from this one idea alone. Good luck!

    Mac the Knife
  • Thanks for the tips. I will use them. I think offline marketing is more effective then online or it can be effective using both depending on your own effort.
  • I agree that it is a great idea to look for new businesses. You can offer many more services than just SEO, like Web design, Google Places, etc. Plus they don't have any bad PR yet because they are now.
  • Yes I agree that consistency is the key to success whether you are in an online or offline business.
    • [1] reply
    • Well all. The time has arrived.
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  • Aswsome insight and information, sparro. Thanks for posting.
    • [1] reply
    • Sure Tuscan, Glad it helps. I would love to hear some result reports from you guys. Again, If you guys have any questions regarding any of these methods especially about using LinkedIn then ask away...
      • [2] replies
  • Banned
    Thanks very much for sharing.
  • That was very useful and inspiring, thanks for sharing tips.
    • [1] reply
    • Tip:This is not new but a reminder that forums ARE a great place to find clients. You have to dig a bit deeper for business owner forums but they are there if you do a bit of research. Type in the search

      plumbers "forums"

      And you will find forums like this one but with plumbers. Start a thread like I did here and place your sig link. This will get you responses..
  • Today is my first day reading to get ideas from Warrior Forum. I thank you for your advise. It is good to learn from online marketer that have experience. Any tips how to ask clients for referral?
  • Good advice..

    A lot of people overlook the importance of consistency.

    I heard somewhere that it takes an average of 7 contacts for someone to buy something from you. So, I keep that in mind when designing a sales funnel.

    It's just like the online world (only more effective). You know, all those list owners bombarding their lists with emails..... it's because it works.

    I generally farm a list of leads (whether that's google, facebook, local chamber, corporation commission, etc. etc. etc. I get a list).

    Then I weed out all the people that my service doesn't fit with. I target the clients that I WANT.

    Then I find a way to add some value to their business for free.. I don't have a universal freebie or anything. I've even tried just calling up a business and saying to them point blank "I'd like to work with your company, I think what I have to offer would be a great fit for you. What is your most pressing need right now, and how can I help solve it?"

    That particular client turned into a very long lasting client for me, and the help that I provided wasn't even related to the service i was selling. He was just happy that I gave him something that he really needed. It took me all of 2 hours to do and I've reaped the rewards for a very long time now.

    Anyway, back on track, I find something that I can offer them that they value.

    Once I do that, I put them into a follow-up funnel (this is where consistency comes in). I mail them, I drop stuff off, I call them just to check on how they're doing, I send them emails, I do everything I can to contact them at least 7 times (many times, more).

    Then, I ask if we can do business...

    It's not easy work, but it sure does make life a whole lot easier.


    Keep in mind that the important part of this equation, the thing that will keep you from spinning your wheels and wasting your time, is to WEED OUT THE PEOPLE THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO WORK WITH and only focus on the ones you do!
    • [1] reply
    • I've been working on building a leads list today but it is taking a long time (a combination of a chamber of commerce site and searching on Google). Putting together just 100 leads (my goal for this weekend) has taken a few hours. Is there a better / faster to track down leads?
      • [2] replies
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  • Thanks Tara. I subscribe to a local business paper that announces new business and was thinking of approaching those businesses. I was thinking of sending them a card congratulating them on opening up their own business, an idea I have yet to put into action :s
    • [1] reply
    • You would be better off calling them and saving the money if you have their phone number. If not then sending them a postcard would suffice. Back in the day I used to drive to the address unannounced!
  • I purchased LinkedInConfidential (I also have LinkedInFish) and have watched all the videos and read all the pdfs--took a while! OUTSTANDING VALUE!! If you want to create a solid networking system with LinkedIn, you need this product from Tara. Lots of detail, lots of out-of-the-box thinking, lots of creativity to make this work! This is totally white-hat, professional level stuff, but easy enough for a newbie to do. This is the crown jewel of marketing online, period!
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply

    • Wow Patricia, Thanks for this. You are very nice.
      • [1] reply
  • Thank you for sharing this
  • Where do you place it for auction?

    Also are you contacting dentists from linkedin or from their websites?
    • [1] reply
    • Tara:

      Here's an idea . You can do a search in Places for the domain target market (dentist Baltimore) Click on the map that comes up. Then click on the small orange dots - the ones without the letters. A lot of these in certain niches will indicate that the business at that address has no website. If you contact them re the auction, you can contact the losing auction bidders and you would know that they need a website

      Now what would be the best way to contact them as you cannot get an email address from that data? Maybe you could snail mail them?

      Frank
      • [1] reply
  • Thanks for the post and the followups. It has provided lots of good ideas and generated a rich exchange of experiences.
    • [1] reply
    • Sure Bizdeal. Not enough people discuss actual methods.

      If anyone else has a method. Don't be afraid to put a case study here...

      Case studies are lacking here at the forum
  • I have been fortunate or skillful enough to get my clients in unusual manner on quite a few occasions.

    Apart from proven ways based online promotion, local promotion also works fine for some particular services.
    • [1] reply
    • Why not share one of your methods that work so people can benefit.
  • thanks for sharing new knowledge
    • [1] reply
    • Sure Zharfan, If anyone has any questions just shoot.....
  • Thanks for the advice.. I will keep it in my mind. I hope it will work for me too.

    Adam.
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    Getting Clients - Methods that Work!

    [Just added a new Method on page 3..check it out] I have not made many posts to the forum however I do monitor for ideas or trends in the marketing approach to merchants. I am a glorified marketer to multi-million dollar businesses in the payments industry. We all begin the journey finding ways to get merchants to buy our services.