Finding your first client when you are an entrepreneur or have just quit your job to start your agency is the most challenging task. Finding people who want to purchase your products or services is the big battle you have to undertake. Besides, your first customer is the one who will open the doors for you and make you realize what you are capable of as a business.

Potential clients can be found anywhere and this is what makes it even a harder hassle. But, it does not have to be difficult. You only need to fasten the process by using the right approaches. Here are the steps you can use to get your first buyer.

Identify your Target Market

Most entrepreneurs make a mistake of sending a message to the world without a care. But the truth is not every person needs your products or services. Besides, you will spend a lot of money, time, and other resources marketing your services to everyone. That is why it is a no-brainer you need to identify who you want to be your clients.

You can do this by categorizing your potential clients into clusters e.g. age, gender, socio-economic background, location, etc. Knowing who your targeted clients are is the first step to finding one that is need of your services.

Create a Potential Customer’s List

You can never start running a business without sketching a list of potential clients. This list is a good place to start getting clients or referrals. Here is what your list should entail:

• Family and Friends: Your contacts are the first people you should consult if they need your products or services. Chances are they might need them or they will refer you to those who are interested.
• Internet Research: If you are aware of someone who may be into what you are selling, then go ahead and search for then on the internet. You can do these on the various platforms like social media like LinkedIn, which is more professional than the other avenues.
• Events: Displaying your products and services through events like trade shows is another step to finding your new customer. Even though you will not sell, you will have built a relationship with potentials.
• Get a Lead List: This can be a bit expensive but a faster way to building a contact list. You can purchase the contact list or prospect emails that fit your targeted audience. With this, you can call them or do direct mail marketing.

Reach Out

Once you have made a list, it is time to contact potential clients. This can be done in several ways:

• Call them: It is only fair to say that cold calls scare every person and this is the same with businesses. But you don’t have to be aggressive or salesy in your calls. Instead, use a friendly but professional tone and ask questions like if they are interested in your products. Make sure the conversation is focused on the client and not on you. If they are not interested, ask them if they might know someone else in need of such services.
• Email: Just like in calls, use a nice tone in emails too. Start by introducing yourself and what you are offering. Make sure you are not sending a “buy” message. Remember to keep it short too.
• In–person: There are so many ways you can reach out to your prospects including doing it in-person. You can walk into their businesses or meet them wherever at any place. However, it is important to keep a few things into consideration. Avoid talking too much and have sales material to help you in the process.

Follow-Up

Just because someone has told you no today, does not mean they will mean it tomorrow. So keep a track of your contact list and maybe create a calendar for a follow up after some weeks or months. If you have not heard an answer yet, then do not be annoying by sending too many messages. Instead, follow up after a few days.

Final Thoughts

Getting your first client should not be a problem anymore. You need a way to entice your potentials and learn about them. You also need to build a good relationship and stay in touch with them.