How to find new clients / Meeting Notes March 2020
Location: Virtual
Attendees: Janet, Tamara, Mai, Sheila, Salma, Angela, Manda
A video recording of the meeting is available at this link until March 31, 2020.
Announcements
Upcoming Events
Note: Locations are tentative. Meetings will be held virtually as long as social distancing remains necessary.
April 21 – meeting in Hamilton – Social Media Marketing
May 17 – meeting in Grimsby – Losing a Big Client
Future Discussion Topics
- How to screen potential clients
- Big Dreams (rescheduled from cancelled meeting in February)
In the comments, please let us know what other topics you’d like to learn about or explore, or what you know a lot about and would like to share.
Vision Board Workshop
Tamara is learning to conduct vision board workshops and would like to do a test run with our group before she offers it to others. As it will take more time than our usual meetings, it will be held on a Saturday or Sunday. There will be a small registration fee to cover the cost of supplies. If this is something that interests you, please leave a comment.
Discussion: How to find new clients
Since the Coronavirus outbreak is having a huge impact on our ability to attend live networking events and face-to-face meetings, we focused on strategies that will be especially relevant at this time. It’s all about being where your target market is and coming from a place of support and help, rather than trying to make sales.
Facebook Groups
Entrepreneur groups are good, because many people have questions about working from home. Groups related to specific software or other areas of expertise are also good, because not everyone who uses a particular software has your level of training and experience. By answering their questions, you demonstrate that you’re a helpful person and they may come to you or refer to you when they need your services.
Even groups related to your hobbies are a great way to form connections. Not everyone has a business, but nearly everyone knows someone who does. It’s all about building relationships and growing your network!
Twitter Chats
Twitter chats are live events that are held on Twitter. The conversation is followed through the use of a specific hashtag for that event. Salma shared an example of an upcoming Twitter chat from Social Media Today, which will be about Social Distancing: Managing Social Media When You’re Not (Physically) In The Office – a topic that many of you are knowledgeable about!
More people will be spending time on LinkedIn these days, so make sure your profile is up-to-date, publish articles, and watch your notifications for opportunities to send birthday greetings and congratulatory messages. Watch our LinkedIn webinar from December for more pointers.
Alignable
Alignable is a newer social media site that’s specific to small business. They make it easy to connect with local businesses and to post any events you may be holding. Watch for discussions you can contribute to, such as How’s your Hamilton business being affected by the Coronavirus?
Facebook Lives / Virtual Meet-ups
Many people are doing this since they can’t get out and network. Participating in these allows you to connect with other business owners. Even if you don’t feel comfortable contributing to the discussion, it’s a good way to learn what people are struggling with and what type of help they need, and you can address those issues in your marketing messages.
You can even hold your own Q&A session on a specific topic related to your area of expertise.
Referrals
Ask your clients if they know anyone else who could benefit from your services. After they’ve praised you for something is an ideal time to ask.
If you’re not comfortable asking for referrals directly, add a request to your invoices or email signature.
Consider offering an incentive, such as two free hours, for any referrals that lead to paying clients.
Online Job Sites
Indeed, Kijiji and Craigslist all have potential. Search on “work from home” but be sure to watch for scams.
Other Options
Once the world opens up again, co-working spaces will be a good place to connect with other business owners. Speak to the owners about becoming the “in house” assistant to their members and/or giving a free presentation.
Libraries are another place where you may be able to offer free presentations or training sessions.
For additional ideas, refer to our May 2017 Meeting Notes.
If you have other suggestions, please leave a comment!
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