Get customers and keep them coming back with these basic business guidelines.
When you first start a business you need to face the fact that you may not have any existing clients. But, as with most problems, there is always a solution. Here are a few ways to attract potential clients.
Get References
A reference is a person who will assure someone else of your business ethic, your commitment and integrity. Employers can serve as a reference for you when you start trying to gain customers. Whether you worked on a part-time or full-time basis, if you established a good relationship with an employer, he/she could be your first reference. They could also be your first business client.
Target Your Market
Make sure you can define who your potential customers would be. You need to know what range of people you are targeting in order to grow your customer base. Identify your target market through research. Focus on this market and hone in on serving their needs.
Network
Take up every opportunity to let people know who you are and what you do. Telling people about your business; the service you offer and how you could help them, is what marketing is all about. Place yourself in a position to network, after all word of mouth is the cheapest form of advertising.
Offer Incentives/Deals
To attract interest in your company and draw in customers, offer value-added deals or packages for the first few months. This will distinguish your product and let potential customers know that you are interested in serving them best.
Start Small to be Big
Don’t bite off more than you can chew, as the saying goes. Instead of taking on a huge project from a client, sometimes it can be better to take on a few smaller ones. This way you can build up confidence and experience before you tackle major business deals.
Make a Marketing Video/Brochure
Create a short video or a small brochure about your company that you can send to as many groups as possible. Target Chamber of Commerce, Trade Associations or any business development groups and let them know that your company is in business.
terry
September 23, 2010
i like these steps cos they are pragmatic
Africa Report Team
October 6, 2010
Hi Sergy
Finding a business that is right for you is the entrepreneur’s challenge!
But you can get useful entrepreneurial skills from our website.
Click here to go to our ‘Start a Business’ section and read more articles that help you startup.
Engr Ogwuda peter
December 27, 2010
Your programme is wonderfully educative, please keep at it so as to better the lives of our young entrepreneurs. God bless you, please keep it up.
phillip
January 7, 2011
Thanks for the advice, it is very helpful to people who are just starting their business. Keep up the good work.
Shekwase
January 18, 2011
I always enjoy and look forward to watching Africa Report on our local TV. I feel very encouraged to see how other Africans are also struggling to make ends meet, or how they strive to make a living out of nothing. I get the inspiration to start out something for myself, but as usual I am not sure how to find the finances to capitalise my business.
Keep on updating us Africa Report, its very educative…
Shekwa – Zambia
Shekwase
January 18, 2011
This is a very interesting programme, it gives me hope, lots of it.
Africa Report Team
January 20, 2011
Hi Natukunda,
We look forward to featuring you one day in one of our seasons of Africa Report, so keep up the hope and dreams! Thanks for the message, we are glad that you feel inspired by our show and the other entrepreneurs out there.
Africa Report Team
Kazanga J
January 21, 2011
Please, I am inspired by my fellow business partners, keep it up.
Kazanga
Zambezi, Zambia
Kazanga J
January 21, 2011
I get inspired by the way the other African business fellows are doing, keep it up.
Kazanga
Samuel Gada
January 25, 2011
Thanks very much for an inspiring business tips. More of this please.
Nathaniel
January 28, 2011
That’s a workable idea. It’s fantastic.
Danford Julius Magonyozi
February 7, 2011
First of all, I would like to congratulate all members of the team at Africa Report, you help many young Africans for good and have well organised articles on how to start a business. Even I myself learnt new things from your presentation. Thank you very much and be blessed.
Apostle Love Oladunni
February 9, 2011
This is one of the great channels to fulfill God’s promise of raising Africans to practically lead the world. It is our turn to take the LEAD, whether the other continent like it or not. God has said it and it’s coming to be. God bless Africa Report. From: Apostle Love Oladunni. – Moment of Change International
Wandile Bhembe Swaziland
February 14, 2011
Just watched ur show yestdy n got da motivation. Ive got small busissnes categorised in da textile industry but seems 2 b failing due 2 lack of funds, marketplace, n quality production. Pls may u help me gather all da requirments 2 start my busissnes. I hav a brand dat I want 2 bring 2 da whole world in foot wear, clothing, jewellery.