Entrepreneurship is daunting. I’m shy by nature but can easily be an extrovert when necessary. I’m a homebody. I realized that I find peace of mind and recharge my batteries in my solitude. People are often blown away when I tell them because I’m usually pretty talkative upon introduction. Nevertheless, if I want my business to grow on a major scale, I’m not going to find new clients if I hide in my home office all day.
About a year ago, a fellow entrepreneur asked how I get over being timid when it comes to marketing to people in person. They said they want to acquire new clients however they can’t overcome being shy. I told them “it's exactly like taking a shot. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath and do it." Depending on the setting (because this would be widely inappropriate at a funeral), walk up to people, extend your hand and introduce yourself. Feel out the conversation and when the time is right, introduce your brand and what you can offer. That’s how networking is done. People won’t know who you are until you tell them.
Now that you’ve got their attention, be enthusiastic about your skills and services you can provide. If you don’t believe in yourself and your brand, don’t expect your potential clients to be interested in you or your skills. It’s like dating. People have to be interested enough to want to invest their time and/or money with you and not the competition. Sell yourself. When people connect with you, you gain their trust and they’re more likely to want to shop with you.
New clients are great but repeat clients are the sweet spot. Be consistent. You convinced them that you’re good at what you do, now it’s your duty to prove why you’re the best. Never stop learning everything you can in your industry. Master your skills. Learn new ones and then master those. Aim for progression, not perfection.
Lastly, remain authentic with who you are. People can smell BS and hate being manipulated. There are people who need your services and are willing to pay you for them. Find your niche market and cater to them. The rest will work itself out.
Entrepreneurship isn’t for the meek. Be brave. Be bold. Be unapologetic.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time.
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