What makes your business a business is paying clients! Not your LLC paperwork, not the most beautifully curated social media feed, not taking ONE MORE COURSE. No, what makes a business a business, is paying clients!
So if you have the LLC filed and started your Instagram page and just wrapped up a course cool - let's find your clients!
1. Facebook Groups
Facebook is still my favorite place to build relationships and network. Figuring out where to be on Facebook takes a little patience and some trial-and-error. You want to join Facebook groups where your ideal clients hang out, not just groups filled with Virtual Assistants. The really cool thing about Facebook groups is that there is a group for just about everyone
2. Use Your Professional + Personal Network
Seriously! You can't keep your business a best kept secret. People are TERRIBLE mind readers. You're going to have to shout about your business from the rooftops. I know it can feel a little uncomfortable but tell your friends and family about your business -use your LinkedIn, personal Facebook page and Instagram to let everyone know you are open for business. We all know a realtor, photographer, attorney, small biz owner, beauty pro, personal trainer, restaurant owner or network marketer that could use your services.
3. Instagram Hashtags
My strategy for Instagram is this - start small and local. Find local businesses you would love to work with and start engaging. Starting local makes it SO easy (and natural) to start conversations. Here is what engaging means to me - liking Posts, commenting on Posts, sharing posts to your Stories, saving posts for referencing later, reacting to Stories, commenting on Stories, Sharing Reels to your Stories. Leaving an emoji is NOT engaging. Sorry, not sorry. Comment on that PureBarre studio you love or share the latte art of the day at the coffee shop you're obsessed with. Nurture the relationship, provide value and pitch your services.
4. Diversify HOW You Find Clients
There's nothing wrong with knowing your dream clients are conveniently located right in the "Type A Health and Wellness Coach Mama" Facebook Group. But just as your financial advisor would tell you to diversify your portfolio, I want you to diversify where you are looking for clients. The internet is AMAZING - and if you're already on a social media platform (Pinterest, TikTok, Clubhouse) you might as well use it for your business! Also consider networking IN REAL LIFE - networking groups, small groups at church, the PTA meeting because even if the person you are talking to may not need your services, chances are they know someone who can and you can use them as a referral source!
5. Barter with a Client
Now, I know technically this won't bring you cash, but in the beginning, I totally think it can be a great idea to take on a client for trade. Here's what you get - CONFIDENCE, experience, a testimonial and referrals - it can be a serious win-win. Use a contract and have a definitive start and end date so everyone is protected and leaves happy!
Let me know how you found your first few clients!
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