Finding new customer on a shoe string budget

 

A busy professional asked me this question:

I need to find new customers and am aware of the various different marketing strategies.  My problem is that I am one person and I have limited time and money.  How can I be effective on a shoe string budget of both time and money?

The good news is that you are not alone.

Action versus aversion

Many solo-preneurs and entrepreneurs start much the same way.  The best way to combat the staffing and time issues is to find a small business with the same target market that you are going after.

For example

• Person A is a Peer Support Specialist focusing on mothers between the ages of 25-45 with young children.
• Person B is an owner of a lady’s gym wanting to attract mothers between the ages of 25-50.

Each person needs to be the face of their business.

Each person needs to take ownership of their marketing message and strategies.

Since their target market is the same and their mission of health (mental, physical, spiritual) is the same – they can conceivably work together and coordinate a marketing roadmap.  This doesn’t mean that they abandon their individual marketing plan.  This would just be included in their overall “Client Attraction and Marketing Roadmap”

(For assistance in creating a “Client Attraction and Marketing Roadmap”, please setup a one-on-one consult)

Possible Shared Roadmap

• Each can be a “wing-man” for the other at various business networking events.  They can setup leading questions to each other, in such a way that allows the other to introduce their message without seeming to trumpet their own horn.
• They can create collaborative and shared marketing materials.  This doubles their marketing dollars and reach.
• They can co-present events and speaking engagements that effectively markets to the same target base.
• They can create product bundles that include both services at a discount rate for “new clients”
• They can create a Shared Product Funnel that leads the buyer down both of their product lists

Where to find a collaborator

The simple answer is to be on the lookout.   While staying active and engaged, be watchful and mindful.

• Attend both virtual and business networking meeting
• Engage in Facebook Group conversations
• Research your LinkedIn network and see to whom your connections are connected
• Share who you are looking for with your friends, family, acquaintances

Hope this helps a little.

I realize that you situation will be different.  If you need additional help, please email for a one-on-one consult at LauraRose@RoseCoaching.info

Other articles on this topic can be found at http://www.lauraleerose.com/Articles.pdf

Additional webinars regarding the Future of Business Operations can be found here.

To participate in a confidential One-on-One Laser Coaching Session with Coach Laura, just email Laura@LauraLeeRose.com. Each session will include 20 minutes of Laser Coaching with time afterward for a few questions. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience coaching. Sign up now and come ready to chat. One-on-One Laser Coaching Signup

Written by Laura Rose

Author of the business and time management books: TimePeace: Making peace with time – and The Book of Answers:  105 Career Critical Situations .  Laura is a business and efficiency coach that specializes in time management, project management, and work-life balance strategies.   

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