5 Strategic Ways to Convert Your First Customer

December 16, 2014 Saul Edmonds

How to Get Your First Customer And Give Your Business A Flying Start

Best results are often achieved well before you need a job, by consistently networking so that when you find yourself job-hunting you have a large network to work with.
Erik Qualman

How to Find Your Very First Customer

The difference between a start-up company and a start-up idea is the paying customers.

Some of the first customers to buy your products or services are a very rare breed indeed. They do not need to read testimonials in order to jump aboard, they are sympathetic to mistakes, and they are extremely patient. These are customers who are willing to pay for your product or service, even though you do not have any track record of sales and lack any experience.

Depending on the products or services you sell, here are 5 unique ways that you can entice your first customer to make a purchase with you.

1. Using All Your Relationships

Making cold calls when you are first in business is extremely difficult.

It is even more of a challenge to sell something that is either brand new or innovative.

The key to getting that first sale is to meet with people who have some sort of connection with you. Make a list of all the associates that you have even crossed paths with, and these will be your first prospects when it comes to reaching out to find your first customer.

Use your existing relationships that have any connection to the business world. If you can get introduced to just one business owner who is sympathetic to your journey, you could be well on your way to your first business sale.

2. Seek Out Your Prospect's Network

Try to find someone who has a relationship with a person you are trying to connect with, and make that person someone you meet or introduce yourself to.

Use this person as a recommendation when you muster up the strength to send your first client a message. Simply drop the name in the letter as you would an acquaintance.

Communicate in a friendly manner and see if you can arrange a meeting with them at a later date.

3. Focus on the Positive

When you speak with a person who has the potential to become your first customer, be ready to answer their questions in a positive manner.

If the questions focus around how long you have been in business or how many customers do you currently have, answer them in a positive way. Instead of real world customers, use the personal recommendations of family and friends. Take the focus off the fact you are still new in the industry. By accentuating the positive, you promote confidence and professionalism.

4. Creating Credible Partnerships

In the beginning, you have no professional credibility or referrals.

This is the time to use the credibility of a trusted company to help you to get your first customer.

Look for organisations that your potential customers already trust - perhaps a company or brand that they are familiar with. Now contact those companies and offer your services or products free of charge - in exchange for a public endorsement. You might be surprised how effective this is when you are first starting out in business.

5. Become Your Own Expert

Early in the game when you do not have any sort of track record - the next best thing is being an expert in your industry. Once a potential customer begins to trust you as an industry expert, they are closer than ever to making a purchase from you.

Develop real world experience so you can walk the walk after you talk the talk. Then once you have developed your expertise, get to Facebook and Twitter and tell the world.

Once you get that first customer, it will literally breathe life into your future efforts.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR FIRST CUSTOMER?

At Roundhouse, we have a range of products and service specially designed to assist startups to get up and going (without breaking the bank). From logo and brand design, to cost effective web solutions - Roundhouse is here to help give your business a flying start. For free business advice on how to make your new business succeed, call us today.

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