Tori Tait 19 August 2009 Articles > Sales & Marketing 256 views One Comment Print This Post  Email This Post

1. Speak up- As an entrepreneur, you are your number one sales person. You know your product/business/service the best and are the most qualified to share it with others. Entrepreneurship comes with the task of being our own salesperson, and this must be done with enthusiasm. If you believe in your business, eventually so will others. Word of mouth marketing (WOM) is the oldest form of advertising and it has remains the most powerful. So, don’t be shy…speak up!

2. Get uncomfortable- Often times, growth is uncomfortable. You must consciously step out of your comfort zone to take your business to the next level. Whether it might be picking up that phone and making that cold call, or approaching that dream client, it is not always easy and frankly is sometimes terrifying. The good news is, it gets easier! With a little practice and a lot of courage, you will start to feel more comfortable while successfully growing your business. Remember that you have to go get ‘em, they won’t come to you.

3. Give them something- In this economy, everyone appreciates a little something free. Leverage this fact and give something away. A small “something extra” can really make a client or customer happy and will likely secure you a repeat sale. If you are a service based business you might want to send clients a free newsletter, EBook, or tip sheet to get them coming back. If you are a product based business, perhaps something free from your overstock inventory would be a nice gesture.

4. Go where the fish are- You can’t catch fish unless you are in the water and similarly you can’t gain bigger clients unless you go where they are. Join networking groups, chamber meetings, and forums where your potential clients are. Hanging out with your target market will make you more aware of their needs and also much more visible to your potential clients.