Advice For Women Entrepreneurs
How to Maintain a Successful Business
1. - Stay in Touch. - The years I’ve spent as the teacher’s pet, and later on as the boss’ pet, have been the key to my success as a freelancer. Through the years, I’ve stayed in touch with old contacts, former colleagues, previous employers, and past mentors. I have been careful not to burn any proverbial bridges after parting ways, growing apart, or once a contract culminates.
2. - Keep Your Business Relationships Positive. - It was sometimes a challenge to leave a situation on good terms, but I reminded myself that the world is small, and it would be likely to cross paths with certain people again. I have proven myself right on several occasions, and those were the times I wanted to pat myself on the back for doing my best to leave business relationships on a positive note. Because of this, I have been able to return to an employer, contact a client, or face an old coworker with a smile.
3. - Be Memorable. - Staying in touch with your contacts is essential to keeping your name at the top of the freelancer pile. It’s also wise to strike a balance between being a memorable, likeable colleague and being a stickler for good work. I have an unusual name, which also works in my favor when it comes to being remembered.
4. - Keep the Lines of Communication Alive. - Previous clients should only be contacted a few times a year, in order for your name to remain at the top of their list. Contacting them too often will make them wonder why you have so much free time on your hands. I prefer using different ways of contacting people, so they know that I am active on all mediums. In some instances, a quick Facebook or LinkedIn message would be appropriate. In others, maybe a text message would be better, depending on how you communicated in the past. I like to place a phone call at least once a year for an added personal touch.
5. - Be There When Needed. - The most important thing to keep in mind when reaching out to professional acquaintances is to do it out of the goodness of your heart. I never expect to get new business the same day I contact an old colleague or client. The best thing I ever expect to come from reaching out them is that they will remember me when and if a future opportunity presents itself.
I stay in touch with previous employers and teachers until this very day. I have been offered repeat business from clients after several years of us not working together because of this. It is easier, and more fruitful, to retain business, than to go out and contract new clients. Making an effort to stay in touch not only brings in business, it also saves time and money for business development efforts.
Read the full article at: SmartLing
Patty Block, President and Founder of The Block Group, established her company to advocate for women-owned businesses, helping them position their companies for strategic growth. Charting the course for impactful, sustainable, profitable businesses, the beacon is control: of your strategic direction, your money, your time, your staffing, and your ability to bring in business. The Block Group brings together the people, resources and ideas that build results.
Business consulting for women entrepreneurs in Houston.
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