Keeping up with the needs of your customers means listening to their pain points, wants and expectations. June’s Lioness Networking conversation focused on helping entrepreneurs create strong relationships with customers, not just to drive business growth but also to build interpersonal connections, help others and support communities.
“Our diverse networking group means that you can get ideas from a lot of different industries. What is old and overdone in one area is fresh and new in another,” said Bobbie Carlton, editor-in-chief of Lioness Magazine and founder of Innovation Women.
So, let’s learn
We started the event by inviting attendees to introduce themselves. After learning more about these entrepreneurs, we launched a poll and conversation about their business differentiators.
Dr. Grazyna Pajunen, functional nutritionist, said that you differentiate yourself by finding what people really need.
Natalie Benamou, founder of HerCsuite, echoed this with a series of questions to ask when seeking to understand your audience. “What problem do you solve? What is the pain point? How do you, as an entrepreneur, help them avoid or solve their pain?”
Get yourself and your business out there
The conversation grew in the breakout rooms where small groups of entrepreneurs discussed their experiences and offered actionable strategies to bring in new customers, gather and use customer feedback and build referral programs.
- Networking – Many spoke about the importance of networking and networking events for creating connections with new customers.
- Public speaking opportunities – presenting at conferences or offering workshops in large settings allows you to build relationships and meet potential customers who have already shown their interest in your work. (Check out Innovation Women to learn how to build your speaking career.)
- Podcast guesting or publishing a book lets you become known for the work you do.
- Social media content allows you to reach potential new customers with your messaging, stay connected with current customers and provide platforms to listen and learn about those who need your services or product.
Word of mouth and gratitude
- Testimonies allow current customers to share the reasons you and your business are awesome. Put these testimonials on your website, social media and emails.
- Referral and loyalty programs build connections and show your gratitude. You can opt for a full program like Pamela Sams, financial advisor at Jackson Sams Wealth Strategies, and her Client Ambassador Program. The ambassadors invite one of their friends to join them for a dinner hosted by Sams. This allows her to thank her current customers and meet new ones. Not ready for a formal program? Make a practice of sending handwritten, personalized thank-you notes or thoughtful gifts to those who help your business with referrals and introductions.
- Uplift others through an act of kindness. A note of gratitude or an offer of help are genuine ways to create a real connection. We all want to feel welcomed and appreciated, and customers are no different.
Remember, one size does not fit all
Every business is as unique as its founder, so you need to create your own vision and plan for attracting customers. What works for one may not work for another. Your personal touch is key in all of these conversations. Who you are and how you connect with people is key to reaching new customers.
Looking for a community of like-minded women entrepreneurs? Do you want to learn and share? We want you to join our community! Sign up for July Lioness Networking.
You can also bring our community with you every day by joining the Lioness Entrepreneurship Forum (Facebook group).
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