Before you can get someone to buy from you you need to pass them through a 3-step process:

• They need to get to KNOW you;
• Then they need to LIKE you;
• Then they need to TRUST you…

Passing “strangers” through this process is the main purpose of your marketing.

Here are 10 ideas how to get strangers to know you, your company and your products or services:

1. Create an Ideal Prospect Profile

Find out what your ideal customer profile looks like and do some research in your database. Who are your top five clients? Who are your most profitable clients? Identify what pain points your ideal clients may have and how does your product help them? Create a profile to represent these ideal clients. 

Use the following methods to find other clients who match this profile.

2. Identify Ways to Meet Your Ideal Prospects

Start by analyzing where you met your “best” customers. Was it at a trade show or a seminar? Or via a referral? What events or activities your ideal prospects are likely to attend or be active in? Finally, what social media channels, newsfeeds and other digital publications are they likely to use or visit?

3. Listen to Them

Learn from your prospects what issues, challenges, frustrations and problems they want to solve. Make sure to create your message around those issues. Instead of wasting time talking about your product or service, use questions to dig deep and find out what really matters to your prospects.

4. Ask for Referrals

A happy client is your biggest brand ambassador. Ask your clients for referrals immediately after you make a sale and when the experience is still fresh in their minds. Keep in touch with your existing clients to make sure they are still happy with your product/service and with your company.

5. Network and Work Your Network

Join networking groups. Let your connections know what you do. Be specific when asking for what you need. Give to others – share your knowledge and connections. Make it easy for people to refer you to others. Send leads and clients to others. 

6. Use Social Media Strategically

Social media platforms are where your prospects go to find information. Being active and engaging on the one or two main platforms where your ideal prospects hang out – is a great way to connect with potential clients and understand their pain points. Remember – social media compliments your other marketing strategies. It doesn’t replace them.

7. Use Their Preferred Method of Communication

Everyone has a preferred method of communication, whether it’s text messaging, email, phone, WhatsApp or LinkedIn messaging. If you want to get a prospect to respond and communicate, then go to where they’re comfortable communicating and responding.

8. Send Valuable Content

Good content is one of the easiest and most effective ways to find prospects for your business. Avoid sending messages that focus on your product’s features. Instead, focus on your potential client’s pain points and potential solutions. 

9. Send Personalized Emails

Email, as a sales tool, is still alive and kicking. What is dying though is… mass mailing. Start by researching each prospect’s needs and draft a personalized email to demonstrate how much you know about them. Try to address their specific needs as much as possible.

10. Be Consistent

Dedicate some time each day to activities that will get more people to get to know you. This is never a quick fix solution, and the more you stay on it, the higher the chances of success, even when you do not see tangible results.

Now It’s YOUR Turn

For five minutes… come up with as many ideas as you can… what can YOU do to get new prospects to get to know you?