by Timothy Ijala

Created on: June 18, 2008   Last Updated: September 28, 2011

It is true to say that landing your first client is not easy. For some people it may take just a month for others months. But the truth is it can be done. Sometimes where the problem is is that we might want that client now, today. And we may do all the right things including marketing well but not get that client. You should not be discouraged. If others have been successful using the methods that you have, then you can and will be successful.

My approach to landing the first client is approaching family, friends and relatives about your product. Why this is the quickest way to land your first client is because this people often want you to succeed so if buying your products is a step to your success then they will do. And then with them you do not have to try so hard to convince them to become your client. Yes you should offer all the benefits that you would offer a would be client you have never met before, but it would be easier to convince them to buy your product other than someone off the street. And once they have bought your product it gives you confidence to venture out further.

They may give you criticism which coming from people that you know might be easier to take and less discouraging than someone you have never met before. And if the product is not what you said it will be you are less likely to get sued by the people who you know than by those who you do not know. And of course it is easier to keep friends and family buying your product because their may be a feeling that they owe it to you to do so especially if it is a good product. Just make sure that it remains as good as what you might have first offered them and keep on improving it.

Remember also that once someone has bought from you once they are likely to buy from you again especially if you offer them another complimentary product there and then. That is another way to turn first time clients into long time clients. Do a follow up not long after they have bought the first time from you. Keep in touch with them through newsletters and let them know what you have on offer and how it would benefit them.So do a follow up and continue to give your customers, whether family, friends or any other customer great customer service.

Somtimes you lose a great client because of poor customer service. Remember that it is easier to keep a client who is already buying from us than to get a new client. So treat your clients like gold in your possession. Another way to turn your first client into long term clients is to learn to wow them. It is not enough nowadays to just satisfy your client with good products or service. Anyone can do that. You need to delight the client. Anticipate his wants and fulfill them before he even thinks about them. Then you will have a client who won't want to leave you.

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