09.15.08
Increase Your Customer Base
You can’t run a business by yourself; at a minimum you need customers. You can increase your customer base with a strong network, a passion for your work, and a reputation that customers value.
Often the stronger your network, the greater your business results will be. Beth Silver of Doubet Consulting, http://www.doubetllc.com/, talks about how the strength of her network has impacted her business success. “I have a great support system, with great mentors.” She credits her strong support system for helping her during her start-up phase and growth of her marketing consulting firm. She specializes in crafting effective marketing and PR strategies for entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized businesses, and she is known for her networking.
Entrepreneurs who follow their passion increase their chances of success. Beth is aware of why her clients hire her and part of it is enthusiasm for and belief in what she does. Her passion for her business was evident when she called a client a few hours after giving birth to her son. She puts it simply, “my first child is my business.” She prizes honesty, and willingly admits if she is the wrong person to do the work a client is looking for. In this way she has built a reputation for providing a truthful appraisal of her firm’s capabilities. This builds trust between Beth and current and future clients.
Entrepreneurs often get tripped up when they think they need to be an expert in every aspect of their business. It’s okay to not have all the answers, and can even strengthen relationships when you admit it. Asking for help is not a weakness. Entrepreneurs shorten their learning curve and gain new ideas through simply asking the right people for help. You may be surprised how willing people are to help. Asking for help can even build your business. Entrepreneurs assume the opposite effect and often don’t ask for help in the first place.
Want to build your reputation and increase your number of customers? Try connecting with others, working in a business you love, and asking for help when you need it. This worked for Beth Silver, and it can work for you.
