How to Find New Customers

No matter what business you are in, we all need one thing… new customers.

But, how do you find them? How do you get outside of your family and friends and find people who WANT to do business with you?

The way to find new customers is to make new connections. This can be done in a variety of ways.

One way is through online and social media marketing. The benefit of this type of marketing is that it can connect you with people from anywhere in the world.

But, what about IN-PERSON connections?

How can you meet people in your community?

How can you develop local relationships that lead to referrals?

Building a loyal and local customer base can have a huge impact on your business.

Here are 3 ways to make new connections and find new customers:

1. BE SOCIAL

No, I don’t mean be social on social media. I mean intentionally interact with others. If you are invited to a neighborhood get-together, church function, work party, or sporting event, don’t make excuses that you are tired or too busy. ATTEND!

I know after a long day sometimes the last thing you want to do is go out and be social. Or, maybe going to a get-together where you don’t know a lot of people is uncomfortable. It can feel “safer” communicating from your home. But, life is not meant to be spent behind a phone or computer screen.

Get out and meet new people, because those new connections could be your next customer. Everyone feels uncomfortable in a new environment, but you never know who you will meet or what opportunities may open simply by connecting in a new environment with a different group of people.

Just to be clear, I don’t recommend attending these get-togethers just so you can hand out your business card. Instead, start conversations and LISTEN to what others are saying. It’s amazing how many times what you do can come up naturally in a conversation. When it does, offer something of value such an invitation to try a free sample or if the conversation would be better suited for a later time, offer to follow up with more information.

Just remember not to make the conversation about you or your business. Instead, spend time getting to know others and you will discover how your product or service may benefit them.

Aren’t part of a group that has a lot of social activities? JOIN ONE!

To find a group of people with similar interests, use a site such as Meetup.com. When my son was one, I was desperate to interact with moms of little ones. So I joined a mom’s meetup group in my area. Some of the moms I met in the group were my best customers and eight years later, many of them are still my best friends.

Meetup.com offers groups for all types of interests… from quilting groups to hiking groups to cooking groups!

Want to know how to get out of your circle of friends? Be social and make new friends!

2. ATTEND NETWORKING GROUPS

There are many different types of networking groups. Some are independent while others are part of a larger network. Some are free and others require a fee to attend or join. Some open their doors to all business owners and some restrict their membership to one business owner per category. There are also networking groups specifically for women or work-from-home moms. Most networking groups meet weekly, but others may have a bi-monthly or monthly meeting.

Now matter what type of group is in your area, there are many reasons to attend.

First, you get to know the businesses and business owners in your community. Second, you have the opportunity to introduce yourself and your business to the community. It’s a win-win situation. The goal of these groups is for business owners to connect, share success strategies, and offer support and referrals to others within the group.

I’ve attended many networking group meetings in my career and it’s led to more connections and customers than I can count. It’s important to attend a few times to see if the group is a good fit. And once you find a good group, attend regularly. Building a relationship with members is what keeps you in their mind when one of their clients is in need of your products or services. You refer people to them and they refer people to you.

How do you find a networking group?

• Search on Google and Facebook.
• Call your Chamber of Commerce.
• Ask your favorite business owners if they are a part of any networking groups. If they are, ask to attend with them as a guest.

3. PARTICIPATE IN VENDOR EVENTS & BUSINESS EXPOS

This is a great way to connect with potential new customers in your community. Call your Chamber of Commerce or do a Google search for business expos and trade shows that are happening in your area.

When you find an event, be sure to read the details carefully, including cost, what they provide, how they are advertising, expected attendance, and if they allow multiple vendors from the same company. Just because an event costs a lot or they are expecting a lot of people doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right event for you or your business.

Make sure those attending would be the type of customer or client you are looking for. This will vary for everyone so do your research before committing your time and resources.

Decide what you want most from the event. Is it sales? New leads? Potential recruits? Make sure what you do and offer at the event lines up with your goal.

For more information on how to connect and find new customers at your vendor events, CLICK HERE.

So take the time to make new connections, because people do business with those they know, like, and trust. When you are genuine and service-minded, your new connections will turn into customers.

We love hearing from you! What strategies do you use to find new customers?

Written by LYDIA MARTIN, shared from the Belinda Elsworth newsletter.