What is the best way to approach a prospective customer for your business?
If you are looking out to start a new business and don't know the correct or proper way to approach your prospective customers, how would you do it? How would you identify your customers in the first place?
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Aug 4, 2014
Dear first thing what business you are in ,the choose your target market my Demographic, Geographic ,M/F first start with your home town after getting success gradually increase ,do this and success will hit the door
Jul 25, 2014
Lots of insightful answers here already. Over the years it has always come back to .. What problem does your product or service solve ?
How will it make a difference in their lives ?
Then sit down and work out who your ideal customer is age,income,occupation,marital status,gender,education,family status,.
When you have done that, you move on to the Zen of customer profile ...psychographics.
Welcome to psychographics. This is the attitudes,values and beliefs of your ideal customer. You take your ideal customer and ask,
What motivates them ?
What type of lifestyle do they lead ?
What sort of activity do they enjoy and what interests them ?
What values are important to them ... Money ? Status ? Family ?
Layering psychographics over your ideal customer will enable you to zoom in on your perfect customer. Because "EVERYONE " is not your customer.
Hope this assist you and wish you success in your venture.
Jul 25, 2014
Always the direct, in person, approach is the most effective.
But most of us do not have that opportunity.
We suggest clients WRITE real letters of introduction.
Asking questions in the letter.
Usually the next step is a more personal session on the phone.
Before this being done you should have researched as much as possible about the prospect.
The internet provides so many assets to accomplish this task
Jul 24, 2014
Thank you everyone for such helpful information. I would work now keeping your suggestions in mind.
Jul 24, 2014
I would study the market where the product or service is to be sold. I would develop a marketing plan designed around a particular segment of that market and direct my website and social media towards that segment. Find out what industry groups there are and join. Go to networking functions where the target audience is in attendance. That is the approach I took. I wonder what approaches others may have taken. No idea is too good to borrow
Jul 23, 2014
I'd look at my competitors and see how they define their customers. I'd also go to networking events and tell people what you do and what you are looking for. Get some advice from them and ideas on how to define your customer.
Jul 23, 2014
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Jul 23, 2014
Find your differentiators.Things like feelings time in the business, style of your business, your willingness, compassionate,enterprising problem solver.Use as many SM tools to offer your opinions.Write something about what you think you do best and what they mean and do for your clients.Make a list of people you know make appointments with them and ask them what they think of your approach.Some may end up being your clients.
Jul 23, 2014
What need (or Purpose) does you product serve. Who has that need. The basics of the business dictates these questions be answered. If these two quest are answered one should be able to do some survey work to see what the next question in the mind of the potential user. The more information accumulated the more defined the business plan and sales approach.
Jul 23, 2014
The first thing you need to do is build your business's foundational values. Since a business is by definition an entity, WHO you are should form the bases of the foundational values. "Core Values" are an overlooked aspect of business-building.Usually, these are just an after-thought; something to put in the website because it is standard. But it is how you will attract customers because your values create the impression of how people/customers/markets view or perceive you.
Once you've identified your foundational values, you can establish your business's purpose and vision. Having your purpose and vision aligned with your foundational values will set the guidelines for your messaging; an important factor in reaching out to your target customers.
Establishing your values, purpose and vision will create the identity of your business which will make it easier for RIGHT-FIT markets to FIND you and for you to know exactly who you are catering your services to. Social Media is an important factor in building your presence but the messaging and its timing must be accurate. Your message must clearly resonate to your market.
Once you've made contact, the first thing you have to do is BUILD A RELATIONSHIP. Get to know your contact first; do not jump right into business matters right away. Why would anyone go into business with a person or entity he or she doesn't even know? Even from a contextual standpoint, you should have an idea on who these connections are.
Because you've established your foundational values, it will be easier for you to approach them. In fact, it should be natural because who you are is now who your business is. Remember, consumers base their decision to patronize a product or service not on rationale but on emotional connectivity. If they can read and align with your business's purpose, they will patronize you.
Engage you market. In direct retail, make it a point to talk to customers. In social media, respond to comments and likewise, comment on their posts as well. Business is not just about the idea of making money. You have to view opportunities to build long-lasting relationships.