Marketing & Sales
How can I build a reputation as a consultant in my community?
Public speaking is an excellent way to recruit new clients and to earn a reputation for excellence in your community.
Unless you live in a town so small it doesn’t have a chamber of commerce or a Lion’s Club, Rotary Club or other similar service organisation, you can begin offering your services as a speaker for luncheons, dinners or any other special occasion.
Use the phone book
In addition to using the telephone directory, see if anyone has published a directory of service organisations in your community.
Go through and make a list of organisations that hold monthly meetings and therefore may use guest speakers.
Contact each group and offer your public speaking services. These gatherings offer an excellent networking opportunity.
Ask for referrals
This often-overlooked method of finding new clients is such an easy marketing tool (which is why it’s usually not thought of); you’ll kick yourself for not thinking of it yourself.
When you have finished your consulting assignment and your client is in seventh heaven (and is no doubt singing your praises), that is an excellent time to ask for a referral!
Simply send a note or a short letter asking for the names of any colleagues, friends or business associates they feel might be good prospects for your consulting services.
Ask their permission to mention their name when you write to the people whose names they pass on to you.
Sometimes all it takes is having a mutual friend or respected business associate to get the potential client’s attention.