When you need to attract new clients, there are some key ways that you can impress them and encourage them to do business with your company. For one, you can demonstrate your professionalism at all times. For another, strong communication is key to building trust and respect. Then, you can offer them out-of-office business meetings that involve an activity or event. Another great approach is inviting potential clients to a business lunch where you can impress them with your charisma and pay the bill. It is also advised to send gifts to clients that are relevant to your business. Lastly, make sure you have a company image and culture that are impressive and reflect your values and beliefs.
1. Professionalism
In terms of being able to attract new clients and encouraging them to do business with you, one of the best things that you can do for your company is to demonstrate your professionalism at all times during interactions and in any public space. The term professionalism relates to all standards, practices, and motivations associated with a profession. So, to prioritize professionalism, you need to demonstrate that you value and place a lot of emphasis on things like punctuality, formality, and a strong work ethic.
Whether you are conducting a client meeting, responding to customer queries or addressing the public, make sure the value of professionalism informs all of your processes and behaviors in business. You do not want to come across as lax, disorganized or informal as a company.
Make sure that you do not fall into the trap that many companies do in which you choose efficiency and ease over professionalism. An example of this would be choosing to make all customer support channels automated instead of having anyone available to answer phones or reply to emails. It is always better to spend a little more time and effort on professional practices than taking the easiest route in business. You will be rewarded later by developing a better reputation and retaining loyal clients.
2. Strong Communication
To attract new clients, think about how you communicate with any potential clients you may have. This is another massive driving force in your ability to land new clients and retain current ones. The more clear, more concise, honest, and transparent your communication is, the better. You want to develop a relationship with clients of mutual trust and respect, and this can only happen when they feel secure that you will respond promptly and honestly to any queries or doubts they may have.
Make sure you are always upfront about costs, timeframes, and any other aspect of your business with a client. You do not want them to have any surprises or doubts about your ability to perform. Respond as quickly as you can and make sure your tone is always professional, warm, and eager to help. A client should never feel like a burden or problem. Ensure they feel seen, heard, and supported at all times during your business dealings.
Your lines of communication should always be open and accessible. Try to have someone on the phone at all times, or else have a clear timeframe for replies so clients know when to expect your response.
3. Out-of-Office Business Meetings
Another great way to attract new clients is by inviting them out to discuss your business dealings while you take in a show or event or do an activity. Common places to take clients include a sports match or theatre show. On top of this, you can suggest that you go golfing. Golf is a brilliant sport to play while discussing business as there is a lot of downtime between holes where you can chat in a relaxed setting while having fun.
This allows your potential clients to see you in a more informal setting, get to know your personality, and relate to you on a personal level. Having fun like this builds trust and a bond that can translate over to business. Just be sure to scrub up on your golfing skills before you take out new clients! The average golf handicap for men is 14.2, while for women it is 27.5. You do not need to play like a professional, but you want to make sure your clients can have fun with you and enjoy the day without having to show you the ropes.
Of course, you can also just offer to take potential clients out for drinks or coffee if you are looking for a more low-key gesture. This will still allow them to unwind and impress them when you get the bill.
4. Business Lunches
Business lunches are a super popular way to attract new clients as they tend to be held in quite glamorous places. You can order nice drinks for the table, dress in smart casual attire and give your potential client an evening to remember in a place they may not normally frequent. Then, of course, you will cover all of the costs.
The great thing about business lunches is that they provide a relaxed environment for you and your client to get to know one another and chat about sports and other non-business topics to get comfortable first. Then, you can introduce the business chat over desserts and after-dinner drinks.
5. Sending Gifts
When you are trying to convince a potential client to do business with you, one of the oldest tricks in the book is to send them a gift. If your company produces products, why not send them a sample basket of your best items? If you are a service-based business, you could send a voucher for your services if this seems appropriate.
Alternatively, you can send any gift that is relevant to your business or that is an all-around winner. Common gift options for business clients include muffin baskets, bottles of wine and charcuterie samples. Consider what kind of message you want to send, what your company does, and what your potential client does, and decide which idea is most appropriate based on these factors. You can also give gift cards to clients for the holidays. It is a great way to show appreciation and give clients the flexibility to purchase something they want.
Sending gifts to potential clients shows you are willing to go the extra mile to impress them. Moreover, it suggests that you are very keen to do business with them and that you have considered what you think they will like.
6. Company Reputation and Culture
Your online, local, and global reputation is very important in terms of building trust and respect among potential clients. Make sure you know how people in the local community see you and how your marketing efforts affect your image online and around the world. Read online reviews and encourage feedback from clients and staff at all levels. The more you know about how you come across, the better you can shape your reputation.
In terms of company culture, you want to create an established environment that puts the customer first, values employees, and encourages lifelong learning for all workers. Moreover, you want to demonstrate respect toward your clients, employees, and the general public in all of your business decisions.
The better your reputation and company culture come across to potential clients, the more likely they are to want to work with you. Remember that all of your clients will be associated with your brand and your business dealings will reflect upon them. So, they want to know they are being associated with a well-reputed and ethical company.
FAQ's Related to Impressing Potential Clients
Why is communication important to attract new clients?
Communication is essential for impressing potential clients as strong communication implies you are eager to help and responsive. Your website should clearly display your contact information, such as your postal address, telephone number, and email address. Do not make it hard for clients to reach out to you, as this can be enough to put them off.
Why do companies send clients gifts?
Companies send gifts to potential clients to impress them and stand out against their competitors. If your potential client is torn between two companies, they might choose you over your competition based on the thoughtful gift you sent. Little gestures like this can be deal breakers and make all the difference for your business.
How do you use your company culture to impress potential clients?
You can use your company culture to impress potential clients by making sure your business seems legitimate and ethical. Make sure part of your company culture is to be transparent and honest about all of your business dealings. This will establish you as a company that values clear and honest communication, ethical practices, and continuous improvement.
How do business lunches lead to new clients?
Business lunches lead to new clients as they impress potential clients and allow you to get to know one another in a semi-casual setting. It is a fun afternoon for everyone involved and not too formal. Think of Mad Men’s Don Draper closing a deal over a scotch on the rocks – that’s the goal!
As you can see, the process of being able to attract new clients is many-faceted and takes some commitment. There are a lot of simple ways that you can impress clients and the more of these you accomplish, the better. For starters, you should demonstrate a commitment to professionalism at all times. On top of that, make sure your communication is clear, responsive, and transparent.
Then, you can host clients at events, take them to business lunches, and even send them gifts, such as food and drink baskets or vouchers. Finally, make sure your company’s reputation is excellent and people can see that your company culture is ethical. With these things in mind, you should have no problem impressing potential clients and encouraging them to do business with your company.
