Top Tips for Securing a Potential Client
Having a strong client base is essential if you want your business to be a success. It is their custom and these professional relationships that bring money through the door and help you make connections elsewhere, too. However, getting clients to choose your company rather than going to your competition takes time and effort. First, you need to convince them that you are the right person for the job and that you will be the right fit for them in terms of that professional relationship, earning their trust and respect. If you have a potential client that you are trying to win over, here are some tips to help you secure that contract.
1. Do Your Research
If you go into your meeting with this potential client unprepared, this will be an instant turn-off for them. It will make you unprofessional and as though you don’t care whether they choose your business or not. Always research your potential client before you meet with them. Make sure that they know that you understand what they are looking for and what kind of service they are expecting from you. You need to make it clear to them that you understand their needs and that you are more than capable of meeting those needs and more.
2. Get to Know Them on a Personal Level
Understanding their needs as your client is key, but most potential clients are also looking at whether or not they have a connection with the people they do business with. Although you don’t need to become their best friend, it will work in your favor if you can get to know them on a more personal level and form a friendly bond with them, too. It’s always better to work with people that you like and respect, as this creates a more positive atmosphere and makes you more enthusiastic when collaborating on a professional project. It also makes it easier for you to trust your colleagues, so this personal touch is important if you want to make the right impression and secure your clients.
3. Send a Gift
Another thoughtful touch that can help win over a potential client is sending them a gift after your initial meeting to show your appreciation for their time and consideration. Gift hampers with foodie treats are always a well-received gift, and you could even include branded corporate chocolate gifts for a professional touch. Other appropriate gift options could be theatre tickets, a gift voucher for a spa day, or a beautiful bouget of flowers.
4. Keep in Touch but Don’t Be Pushy
It’s always smart to follow up after any meetings you have with a potential client or even send an email to let them know that you’re available for any further questions that they might have for you. However, make sure that you’re not spamming their inbox or being too pushy. Harassing them to give you an answer regarding whether or not they will be choosing your company, or putting pressure on them to do so, is incredibly off-putting and could potentially earn you a bad reputation as well as you losing this potential client.
If you are in charge of securing new clients for your company, use these tips to help you woe them without overstepping.
