Your business development + marketing plan needs an upgrade
How do new clients and customers find you?
I know, I am full of questions here of late. But as a female entrepreneur, this one deserves your attention as we roll into the New Year.
Following on last week’s post in which I suggested that you spend some time getting clear on what’s worked for you in your business in 2022… if this answer to this question was not one of your wins for the year, I suggest some digging might be in order now.
What’s working for you when it comes to seeking out and attracting your ideal client or customer? What’s not? What do you want to do the same or differently in 2023?
This is the perfect time to consider your business development plan, if not for the full year, at least for the first quarter of 2023.
Here’s why…
_____
Not tackling the need for business development plan leads you to:
Panic - you don’t know where to start, and not knowing that you end up going in circles
Feast or famine - you don't have a system for generating leads and clients, you never know where your next client is going to come from
Confusion - it's hard to make financial projections
Having a solid, thoughtful strategy will give you:
Peace of mind – you know what you need to do, the next right step to take
Insight – you know where and how to identify potential clients
Confidence – to talk about your business with those who can further your cause
A clear, actionable plan – to increase your revenue, grow your business, and create more impact
_____
Some ideas to get you thinking.
Whether you offer online (and IRL) services or products or both, here are some of the ways you can make your people aware of who you are, what you do, and how you can help them:
Deliver what you do at the highest level — by doing good work, delivering an exceptional product or client experience, you’ll generate good vibes all around and have a shot at also generating positive “word-of-mouth.” NB: this is free, just do what you do best
Networking — yes, this has been primarily a virtual activity the last couple of years, but that Is starting to change — people are once again getting together IRL.
No matter the medium or venue, this is one of the best ways to expand awareness and get connected with your target audience:
It will help you build a referral network
And, ideally, lead to referrals
Perhaps aided by a referral fee or affiliate link
Be on and engage in the right social platforms — you can’t be on every social platform, doing all of the activities you need to be doing in order to be effective and connect with your target audience, so be selective and choose wisely
Choose a format where you can shine — are you an awesome writer? great! get a blog going, learn a bit about SEO so you’re maximizing your discoverability and get started; is video your thing? fantastic! every platform LOVES video, so create a list of content ideas, pick your platforms and get started
Build your email list — yes, I am now sounding like a “broken record,” but really, you need to do this, no matter what business you’re in
PR / Media Placements / Podcast Interviews — with all of the experts out there sharing how you can DIY it and the matching platforms to connect you with those writers/interviewers in need of guests and content, there has never been a better time to get yourself placed and interviewed
IRL Speaking Engagements — as mentioned above, they’re back, and I know several female solopreneurs who’ve made this a priority and have seen success from their efforts.
The Right Process + Tools — if you offer B2(big)B services, you need to have your lead cultivation process set and your tools polished and ready; and if you’re in the B2(small)B services space, you should revisit your lead cultivation experience to be more efficient and effective.
_____
And some reminders from previous emails.
💡 please don’t try to be “all things to all people” - it will only lead you to be “nothing to anyone”
💡 know who your ideal client or customer is - this provides you with the clues - where they live online and IRL - so they can learn about you
💡 if you’re reading this, you’re either a solopreneur operating totally on your own or with a small, outsourced team - focus, focus, focus
💡 then, whatever you choose to focus on, be consistent
_____
You need your plan.
I hope this helps provide, not only inspiration, but also a way you can confidently approach the creation of your business development plan. I know I’m using this to craft my own efforts.
However, if you’ve reached a point where your revenue has plateaued and you’re not sure how to get it moving in the right direction (read: up and to the right), check out Option 5 on my VIP Intensive Menu.
An intensive, full day of live coaching + strategy could be just what you need to increase your revenue and have the impact you desire. ✨