1. Strategic Partnerships
A strategic partner is someone who sells complimentary services meaning you share the same target without competing for the work. The first step in finding potential partners is to be clear on your target. If your target is small business owners who have a need for marketing services, then look for an outsourced CFO who also targets small business owners. The idea is the adage ‘two heads are better than one’. By using the power of two, you can reach more and grow your influence.
I would encourage you to identify five potential people who meet this criterion each month. These meetings are easy to have. Why? They are easy because your agenda is not to sell him/her your service or product. Your session focuses on how the two of you can mutually benefit one another. This conversation should be fairly casual and informative. Concentrate on building rapport to determine if A. wants to cultivate a relationship and B. if you sell into the same audience.
Before the end of the conversation, ask your new partner whether they’d be willing to introduce you to some people. These people will be (of course) your target. If you ask, be prepared to do the same for them. The key here is the follow-up.
2. Upwork and Other Similar sites
Joining freelance sites may seem like a no-brainer or not. I’m not sure. Regardless whether it is you should create an online profile on sites like Upwork and bid on work. Doing so accomplishes a couple of things other than paying your bills it builds up your clientele. I have often found great contractors using sites like Upwork and continued working with them long beyond the initial project.
Another benefit as you are building up your business is it allows you to figure out your process. As you are building your business, you are also learning how you work. The more opportunities you have, the more, you can perfect your process to get better at what you do.
These two quick tips can help you launch your business. They can also help you recharge your business if you’re finding it difficult to get new clients.
LinkedIn and Twitter can also be great for finding clients. Social media in general can give you an opportunity to reach bigger audiences and to learn how to sell your services.