by PKMitchell

Created on: March 30, 2009

Network, network, network. Starting a new business is challenging enough, with all of the paperwork, licenses, business plans, et al. When looking for your first clients, use what and who you know. First, tell all of your contacts what your new business is all about and then ask them to start telling their contacts. This is exactly how networking works: friends telling friends, who then tell more friends.

Trust and credibility are huge factors when your potential clients are considering which company should get their business. Networking is so effective because it carries with it a built-in trust. Think about what you do when you are searching for a business, for example, to cut down trees in your yard. This is not a service you need everyday so you probably don't know any of the companies that provide this service in your area. What is normally your first step? You ask around. You check with friends and family to see if they've ever used a tree service and what they thought of the company they used.

Use your networking skills at formal functions as well. Chambers of commerce, business associations, even structured networking groups are great resources for making new contacts, passing out your business card, and asking for referrals.

So you've used your contact to land your first clients. How do you keep them? By maintaining that level of trust and credibility that earned those clients to begin with. While providing your services or products to these clients, also focus on two crucial aspects of maintaining a healthy client base customer service and integrity.

The "golden rule" is to treat customers as you'd want to be treated. However, to succeed in your own business and to retain long-term clients, you will need to provide a level of customer service that exceeds what you would expect from a business. Anticipate their needs, go out of your way to meet and exceed them, and ensure that your employees understand they need to provide the same high-quality level of service to all clients.

To maintain your integrity, focus on what it takes to become known as a reliable business person who keeps his or her word. Under-promise and over-deliver your products and services. Surprise your clients by beating deadlines, coming in under budget, and providing them the finest quality service or product available. Your clients will develop a loyalty to your high standards of business and will become long-term clients.

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