Are you a startup looking to build a good relationship with your customers? Do you see a lot of potential customers within reach but don’t know how to reach them? Or, is your business losing more and more new customers?
The US Bureau of Labor found that 75% of new businesses make it through the first year. In the second year, the same source states that only 69% of startups survive. Statistics say only 50% of new businesses survive for 5 years after their grand opening.
All business owners want their company to thrive far into the future. However, no matter how big or old your business, it needs customers first. If you want to learn how to get more customers, keep reading.
1. Dress the Part
No matter what industry your business belongs to, it’s important to wear the right attire for it. Potential customers can tell when you’re serious about your work. One of the first signs is how you dress for it.
Wearing the proper work clothes exudes a sense of professionalism. The customers’ subconscious minds judge a business in the way the employees dress. Dressing up for the job is also a sign of respect to the customer.
Dress sharp, especially when your company deals with money or large assets. Your employees should have uniforms, too. Color-coded, collared polo shirts are a good start if you’re on a budget.
You are free to wear whatever you want in your private office. However, when you or your employees start interacting with customers, it’s best to suit up. Also, note that it’s better to overdress than to underdress.
2. Confidence Is Key
There’s nothing that kills a potential sale faster than lack of confidence. Others are more natural at pitching products and others who aren’t. It’s a crucial factor for succeeding in selling your products or services.
Remember, the way you project yourself has a drastic influence on people’s perceptions of you. Without enough confidence, your potential customers may only remain as potential customers. If you have enough of it, you can sell anything.
Thus, if you know you don’t display as much confidence, work on it. Practice by giving your clients personal business cards with a flourish or pitching the sale to yourself in front of a mirror. Take lessons from a professional if you must.
3. Don’t Forget to Smile
Whenever you meet new clients, offer them a smile. It’s such a small gesture but it’s a powerful tool too. A welcoming smile can engage your customer more and help you enjoy your work.
Sometimes your smile could go unnoticed. When it does, it goes a long way and builds rapport faster than any other gesture. Customers will feel more relaxed when you smile and the sales pitch can go smoother.
Also, when customers smile back, it can help boost your mood as well.
Sometimes, you won’t know it but your smile may come off as creepy or awkward. Practice your smile in front of a mirror.
4. Get Customers to Relax with Small Talk
Do you know how to get customers to relax around you? The answer is to make small talk with them. Don’t go straight for the sales pitch as a marketing strategy.
Small talk allows you to learn about your customer and show a bit of friendliness. Ask harmless questions take note of how your clients answer them. When the client gets relaxed and comfortable, pitch your sale.
The small talk is also a wonderful way of gathering information from your clients. Once you have enough information on them you can then revise your sales pitch. Personalize your pitch to your client.
5. Avoid Weak and Non-Specific Language
The language you use gives life to the offers for your potential clients. Sure and confident language creates an impact on your potential customers.
In contrast, weak and vague words can give your business a negative first impression. For example, if you’re giving recommendations to a client, avoid words like “you could do” or “maybe you should.” Instead, use phrases like “you want to” or “I recommend.”
Remember to say these phrases with confidence or you’ll lose their faith in you otherwise. If you use industry-specific terms, use as few as possible. Jargons can build up your credibility but remember that you still want your customers to be able to understand you.
6. Listen and Respond to Your Potential Customers’ Needs
Responsiveness is a big deal-maker for many service-based businesses. Even if your business isn’t, you want to show that you offer remarkable customer service. For this to happen, it’s important to listen and understand your clients’ needs at the first meeting.
Your clients will be coming to you for help with something. They may be looking for something specific to buy from you or they have an inquiry about your services. Instead of giving them a simple answer, try to be courteous and helpful.
Maintain eye contact when you ask for clarifications about the inquiry. Smile and keep your posture as you show them what you have in stock. If you don’t have what they need, let them know but include an alternative offer.
7. Be Consistent
Consistency is a powerful factor for success but it can be difficult to keep. Small businesses may find that this is a difficult step to maintain. However, it’s smart to create a system early on rather than later when the business is older or bigger.
Companies like McDonald’s are successful because they stay consistent. No matter where you are, you can always depend on McDonald’s to give you that burger you love. The same experience applies to you and your clients.
Remember, prospective customers expect consistency from your business so make sure to have it.
Start Gaining New Customers
That’s our quick guide on how you can attract and keep potential customers.
If you noticed, most of these tips are also crucial steps in building a relationship. In essence, that is what you’re doing. You are beginning a relationship with your clients.
Every business has a unique strategy to reach and impress new customers. Find a strategy that works for you. While it isn’t easy, doing a bit of customer research can be a big help.
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