Build your client base

When we started Downtown Cartel,  I was pretty naive about how to go about building a client base. The last several months have been a crash course in that. I have a lot to learn still, but I think I have made significant progress. Here are a few things I have learned along the way.

Make use of everyone you know

The last couple weeks I have been going through my GMail, Linked In, and Facebook contacts and finding a ton of people that I forgot I knew (sorry friends!). One by one I am going through and contacting them individually, catching them up on what I am doing with the business and letting them know we are actively seeking client work. It really amazes me, but the most unlikely friends and family can bring you some of your best business.

Be willing to do what it takes to gain the client

One of the quickest ways to sell yourself to a potential client is to make it easy for them to choose you. To do that be willing to help them cut costs on the projects they bring you. Sometimes that will mean cutting your rates a bit, or sometimes helping them identify the core features that they really need. Look for innovative ways to create extra value in their project at no additional cost.

Work for repeat business

When you begin a project with a new client often you are implementing just the first version of what their ultimate product will be. Make sure you work closely with them to achieve their vision of what the end product will be like. You can achieve this by giving your clients the opportunity to provide regular feedback on the progress of your work. If you are not giving your client that opportunity at least every 2 weeks you are probably doing something wrong. Alternatively, if you see that their vision is a bit misguided but there is great value in their idea, help them see a different, better vision for the product. If you can do this, you will win clients for life.