When I meet entrepreneurs, more than anything else, they tell me they need more clients. Without sales you don’t have a business, you have a hobby. So in this month’s column I’ve decided to share with you some powerful ways that you can use to increase sales and attract more clients to your business.

 

First though you need to understand who your clients are. I’m talking about demographics such as gender, age, education, family income etc. But also take a closer look and figure out details like what they like to do in their spare time, what they like to read, what kind of charities they support and where they live. Really sit down and get to know these people well. Once you’ve done that and you have a good picture of your clients you’re ready to go on to my four strategies.

 

 

I put social media first because every successful business must have a good online profile and that should include social media – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc. Build up your profile and your contacts and update it regularly. Also, don’t post the same information on all platforms – that’s just lazy and a good way to lose your audience. Be creative and keep it real.

 

 

Meeting new people and building strong relationships are essential to success in any industry. So plan out your time and budget and pick events that interest you, particularly paying attention to where you will meet the type of people who are your potential clients. Don’t just stick to one organization – mix it up, try out different types of events (social, business, sports, fashion etc.) at different times of the day, see how you enjoy them and what kind of people you meet. 

 

 

An essential part of any marketing campaign, speaking at association events, conferences and putting together your own events will demonstrate your expertise and build your reputation as an expert in your field. You should have one or two keynotes that are designed to both educate your audience and also attract them to your business as a solution provider. Plus you must have killer presentation skills to pull it off. Great public speaking ability and well thought out content is a must if you’re going to be successful in this area.

 

 

You need to write all the time – articles (like this one!), an email newsletter, blog posts, guest blog posts on other people’s blogs and a book or two (or three or four…). I’m in the process of writing my first book on public speaking – it’s a labour of love, but I never realized how much time and dedication it would take to complete and all the details that go into publishing it. So start it now!

 

We’ve gone through four ways that you can bring in more business and grow your bottom line. Now here are two tips that will help you succeed in the implementation of one or more of any of these – first, if you don’t have the time or expertise in a particular area either find someone who can do it for you (e.g. a freelance writer) or hire someone to coach you to become better in that area (e.g. a public speaking coach). My second tip is to be true to yourself and make sure all your communication is authentic and consistent.

 

Remember; above all else fuel your business with the passion that drew you to it in the first place. There is nothing more attractive to a potential client than passion for what you do.