Howdy, Stranger!
“Hi! I’m so-and-so…
I run The Happy Clam Restaurant
here in town.”
When’s the last time you had a
“getting to know you” conversation
with a total stranger…
or a new potential client?
Has it been awhile?
A couple weeks?
A couple months?
Thank you, COVID-19
for virtually eliminating that
in-person, social encounter!
Maybe you have NEVER had that
type of social conversation with
a stranger…and that’s ok.
We aren’t all wild, loud,
in-your-face extroverts!
(You’re welcome, world, for that!)
Seriously though,
as children it’s ingrained in us
to “never talk to strangers.”
And as adults, many of
us still struggle.
I still struggle, sometimes.
So do our businesses.
Especially small businesses.
Especially NEW businesses.
Why?
Because it can be scary
walking into the unknown–
for business owners AND clients!
Trust is earned, not bought.
But remember, our clients,
strangers until they get to know us,
drive our connections!
So for our businesses to
really thrive we need to
talk to strangers–and help them
feel comfortable doing
business with us.
Think about it…
How do you feel when going
to a new business?
Nervous?
Anxious?
A little uncomfortable?
Unsure what to expect?
EXACTLY!
I feel the same way!
So what can you do to put
people at ease?
To turn strangers
into comfortable clients?
It’s simple.
Help them get to know you!
Before you do business.
Before they need your help.
Before they even open
your (virtual) door.
Ready?
Let’s get started!
5 strategies to turn strangers
into clients!
1. Share a Personal Story
People LOVE stories…
Especially personal stories!
When you share little
anecdotes about your life,
your family, your hobbies,
your pets…you are
building a relationship
with your readers!
When your readers get a little
glimpse into your personal world
every week or every month,
they get to know you.
They start to like you.
They begin to trust you.
And that is how lasting connections—
and clients—are formed.
So, go tell a story!
Better yet, include a short
personal story in your
newsletter each month!
2. Connect on Social Media
Think social media is just for,
well, social connections?
Think again!
There are a whole host of
business-focused social
media platforms out there!
LinkedIn is the most popular
business site, but Instagram,
Twitter, and Business
Facebook pages can all be
strong business tools.
The key is sharing business-
related posts and information in your
niche area, but also allowing your
personality to shine through!
Professional posts build credibility,
trust, and business connections,
but personal comments and viewpoints
allow people to see the authentic, unique,
“you” side of you!
And that’s equally as important as the
“business you”.
Potential clients want to know the “real
person” behind the credentials.
Don’t be afraid to let that person show!
3. Community Activity
Are you visible in your community?
Do people know who you are or what you
are interested in OUTSIDE of your office?
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Why is this important?
Simple.
People want to know YOU…
the real you…
not the business you or the work you
but the PERSON behind the business.
Makes sense, right?
So what should you do?
Volunteer.
Write a short weekly newspaper
column with your name and picture.
(Yes, it can be about
virtually anything :))
Attend community forums and meetings.
Vote.
Actively participate in simple activities
that show you care about your community
and that help people get to know you.
And when those same people need the
services your business provides?
They will already feel comfortable with you,
like they can trust you,
like you are already connected–
after all, you’ve been attending the same
community board meetings for a year now!
So, go ahead, embrace your community!
4. Spotlight on…
You know that “getting to know you”
segment of a monthly newsletter
or special section in the local newspaper?
That one that highlights employees
or local businesses?
Use it!
Showcase a different staff member
each month so the wider community
can get to know that person…
as a PERSON, not just as an
employee of your business!
Solo professional?
Share something “new” you
did this month–
a hobby, a volunteer endeavor, or
even a home improvement project.
Something that shows YOU,
and your interests,
outside of work.
This helps your community
get to know you–
as an individual AND as a business.
Then you won’t feel like a stranger!
5. Host an Open House
This one is a little more work…
and a little more nerve-wracking.
BUT it’s a fantastic way
to greet your community!
Refreshments.
Door prizes.
Magnets.
Pens.
(who doesn’t like free pens?)
It is a great way for people to
see your business without the
pressure of DOING BUSINESS.
They can meet you, see your space,
learn more about what you offer–
all in a relaxed, low stress environment.
It may sound simple,
but later on, when they NEED the
services you provide, they will
remember you…and your business.
And how comfortable you
made them feel!
So what do you think?
Pretty painless, right?
Will one of these strategies
help you to connect more easily…
to turn a stranger
into a long-lasting client?
I hope so!
Just remember, clients drive connections…
and all your best clients were once just strangers–
strangers waiting to get to know the real you!
So go ahead…
talk to strangers,
meet your community,
grow your business–TODAY!
Your next client is just a stranger away!
See you on the trail,
