You may have developed the most wonderful product or the most helpful, efficient service, but it will not pay off if you don't manage to sell it. Finding new customers and building business relationships does not happen by itself. Therefore, it is important that you always keep your goal in sight and start looking for potential customers in different places. Below, you will find some tips to make this easier.

Activate your network 

Depending on the sector in which you are active, your own network often offers fertile ground on which to build your operation. Many contacts will be in similar sectors, or at least they will be able to help you in your search for new customers. Dare to make strong requests from your network to put you in touch with the people you want to reach. If you already have specific prospects in mind, this is often the best way to get to know them. Personal recommendations are almost always better and more confidential. However, don't package this as a sales pitch; overloading a prospect with options and offers, pricing schemes and plans doesn't work. Tell a bit more about yourself and have a heart-to-heart, but don't try to impose. If the 'click' is there, good results will follow naturally.

Be clear in your reach-outs 

Good agreements make for good friends, and in the world of business this is no less true. Make sure that all the agreements you make are clear, and always be on time and prepared. Extend this to any further collaboration: if the expectations are clear and you follow them up meticulously, this immediately creates a feeling of trust with your customer.

A small tip: If you want to meet up with a potential customer, it is best to be proactive and give him a few dates. That way, the prospect can respond quickly, which means you can swiftly set a date.

Think, but also do 

I have also noticed this with myself: you keep track of every interesting contact, until you end up with endless lists full of possible prospects who should be contacted, at some point in time... Such prospect lists are useful, but they should preferably be put into practice as soon as possible. To achieve results, you have to take action. Always. It doesn't hurt to leave it for a while - there are often more urgent matters to take care of - but try to set aside a moment for this every week. That way, you will stay on top, and with a bit of luck, you will be able to keep replenishing your pipeline.

Do you want more concrete tips to work on your business? Follow Wodan & Co on Youtube for a weekly tip about entrepreneurship on Wodan's Day or order 'The Convincing Company Compass', a workbook with numerous tips, examples and models to fine-tune your business operations.