Getting more clients (especially for small businesses)
I love talking to new entrepreneurs and the conversation I had this week reminded me of the basics on getting clients.
Yesterday I was talking to a friend in the Canadian immigration space who’s opening up their own law firm.
Of course, we got to chatting about what to do at the beginning to try and attract those first few clients.
Most people know a lot of the basics like how to set up a website, maybe incorporate, create some social media accounts.
Then what? How do you actually give yourself the best chance at landing new clients asap?
A couple tips I offered that you can probably apply even if your business isn’t brand new:
Don’t spend too long on the prep
I’ve talked to so many new entrepreneurs who spend weeks, sometimes months, building their flashy new website and making sure everything is “just right” before launching.
It’s mostly a waste, in my opinion.
Throw together a basic website to start, ideally using something like Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, etc., so if you’re like me and don’t know how to code, you can still manage and edit it yourself (instead of relying on some slow IT guy).
Get the basics up quick and move on, especially because your business and offers are going to evolve over time anyway.
Call everyone you know
Even though you made that exciting Facebook post and LinkedIn announcement, most people still won’t know/care/remember that you started (or have) your own business.
So schedule a call, coffee or catch up with everyone you know, no matter who they are or what they do. Most businesses get clients through referrals, so it’s crucial to let everyone in your circle know what you’re doing these days.
Just make sure to treat it like a genuine conversation and catch up, don’t make it a blatant one-sided sales pitch.
Start building your personal brand
As you all know by now, I think everyone should be building their brand online - especially if you’re an entrepreneur.
In order to not get overwhelmed, pick 1 or 2 social media platforms max and start posting consistently. Growing 4+ accounts takes too much time and/or money, so instead, make it easier and simpler by focusing on no more than 2 and once you get into a rhythm you can add more.
Which 2 would I recommend? Depends on your business and industry, but maybe I’ll give my answer on Friday…
That’s it for today.
Although, I did just open up my calendar again with a few slots each week for some free business consulting. If you want my help or advice on a business you have or are thinking of starting (marketing, sales, tech, content creation, etc.), book in with me here before they’re all gone.
Have a great day,
- Josh Schachnow
Canadian immigration lawyer, CEO at Visto.ai