When I was first starting out trying to close the sale as an solo-entrepreneur, I would offer only one rate and the offer was basically “This is what I charge, take it or leave it.” So people would either take it or leave it.
Then I realized that clients work in a different way. Many people like options (I do too). They don’t want to be “forced” into taking something that doesn’t suit them. They want the option of small, medium or large.
There’s also some psychology to it. Some people naturally go for the biggest, fastest, “super sized” option, just because that’s their personality. Others are more cautious and like to take their time doing things. Sometimes, it’s simply a question of mo-ney and what they can afford.
One of the best things to do to quickly establish credibility, get massive exposure, and attract new clients, is speaking. Hands down. Whether you organize your own seminars on a regular basis to continually fill the pipeline (the way I did for years), or get booked for talks to “pre-formed” groups like associations, it works like a charm-provided you give very good info.
If you deliver the talk properly, there’s always a group of people at the end of your talk who rush up to the podium to chat with you. Some will tell you how much they enjoyed the talk, some will be e-zine readers who’ve wanted to meet you for years, some will want free advice or to “pick your brain.” But, there’s one question you’ll almost always get and it comes in two parts. The first part’s the good part; “I’m interested in working with you.” The second one is the tricky part; “What do you charge?”
Have you ever been stopped in your marketing tracks because of procrastination and didn’t know where it was coming from? This happened a few times with some of my private clients recently, and we noticed that every time, it wasn’t really procrastination, it was a fear of some sort that was holding them back.
Perhaps you’ve experienced it too? The fear of reaching out to people, fear of failure, fear of success, fear of not doing something right, and the kicker, fear of REJECTION? I don’t think I know anyone who’s not experienced some form of fear of rejection when marketing themselves. I think it’s innate for many of us. Problem is, it holds us back from doing what it takes to get clients. And it’s got to stop.
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Let’s face it, most solopreneurs put marketing on the back burner, something they get to only once they’ve put out all the fires that need to be put out, once they answer each and every e-mail in their inbox, once they’ve sent every client what they promised to send. Yes, it’s really important to do all of these things; however, you’ve got to realize that if you don’t MAKE the time for your Client Attraction (i.e., Marketing), then you’re simply not going to attract all the clients you need. Make sense?
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Over the years of coaching thousands of self-employed professionals to attract more clients, I’ve created a few systems to keep you on track and make Client Attraction a priority. What we’ve got to do is have you clear the decks and get rid of the “leaks” in your day.
Too many people ride the ‘feast or famine’ roller coaster of having clients, especially SUCCESSFUL entrepreneurs. Some months they have almost too many clients and are WAY too busy, and other months, they’re feeling the pinch. The well is dry and they’re digging their well when they’re thirsty. I’ve been there in the past, and there’s nothing worse than experiencing those two extremes on a regular basis. It’ll make you want to go back to Corporate for good! (NOT ME!)
You’ve heard me talk about my NO EXCUSES approach to getting clients. That means that the number one rule I have is that I do SOMETHING to bring clients or client referrals towards me every single day. Otherwise, you’ll find that no matter how good you are, your pipeline will eventually dry up.
If you’re serious about attracting clients consistently, I believe you should use every single piece of marketing “real estate” you can. Whether you’ve been in business for one year or 22 years, when you’re marketing your business, you want to have systems in place that PULL in clients without you having to do much to make it happen.
Sometimes, it’s best to not reinvent the wheel or “fix what ain’t broke,” as the saying goes. Let’s say you have several clients you absolutely LOVE (they get great results from working with you, they pay you on time and never negotiated, you like them, they send referrals, etc.). Now, look at where all of these clients have come from.
Perhaps it’s a particular networking group, or a talk that you gave, a referral from a strategic alliance or Center of Influence, or a referral from a client. It’s important to see where your clients have come from so that you can do more of the same.
