Here's a simple task you can do to better connect with some of your customers.
Over the years, I have gotten several leads from LinkedIn. They are from people I know/have met in real life. While most people I know or meet do not need flooring when I meet them, many will at some point in the future. Having more connections on LinkedIn can help, especially if people know/remember you. And, it helps even more if you have periodic useful updates on there (I share links to blog posts that I think may be useful).
Now, what's interesting is that over time, as I have more customers, I've also found that I've gotten more repeat customers and referrals via LinkedIn. Something I did a few years ago was reach out to past customers - in a nice, friendly, non salesy way. And, this has led to some additional repeat business, and several said that it was specifically because of LinkedIn that they remembered and/or found me (plus, I do occasionally get emails on LinkedIn from customers and business collegues.)
So at the end of last year (when I had time during the holiday season), I made a list of all of my customers from 2012 and then went to search and see if they were on LinkedIn, and if so, I sent them a friendly invite to connect. It actually didn't take that long. I copied and pasted most of the message, but then changed the name and sometimes the first line. I would do a search and if I found them, and they had a picture, I would connect; or else I would just move on from the list. I did this in doses, a bit each day (I probably have about 200-250 customers per year.). So, I would do this in manageable bursts of 15-20 minutes at a time.
I then told myself that I would be better about this in 2013. I told myself I would do this once a month (at the beginning of the month) and do this at the same time that updated my email database (at the 1st of the month, I add in all the new people for the previous month...or at least it goes on my "to do list" and it gets done by the 10th - close enough.
Well I was good about this for a few months...I did this through April. Then, I slacked off (as we got really busy). So, today, as my appts were postponed and I have time to catch up, I'm getting back on the wagon. I just did May, June and July and I'm confident I can get Aug & Sept done before lunch. It's really not taking me long...it's just that I'm doing laundry and clean up in between.
It's a simple and relatively quick (and free) thing to do. It's really all about increasing and connecting more w/ your sphere, and I need to be more diligent about this. At the end of the year (when it's quiet), I will go back through 2011 customers...this has been on my project list since the beginning of the year. Someday.
But, seriously, the easiest way to get new customers is by reaching out to happy and loyal customers. I think we all know this...I just think we often forget or it's not top of mind or we get wrapped up in other activities.
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