Karen Repoli April 30, 2021 Have you been in this scenario: your website got a professional makeover, your products and services are spiffed up and ready to sell, and you open your doors waiting for that first client to find you. You’ll have some sales, some inquiries about services, and some sign ups to your email list. But then you’ll get feedback from people who don’t take that next step to hire you. Or the sales of your products will slow down to a trickle. You’ll get myriad reasons why prospects don’t sign on but it’s hard not to take that rejection personally. I started my business 15 years ago, and I know what that feels like!
It is way to easy to see this as a rejection of yourself. But , remember that they are not rejecting YOU personally; they are simply not ready right now to hire you (or by your eBook, or your e-course). How you handle this rejection will foretell how your business will grow over the years. These tips can help you in this situation.
Thank your prospects for their feedback.
Many people shy away from giving negative feedback but it can only help you in the long run. Don’t be afraid to ask that question because how can you improve if you don’t know why you received that rejection? This is not the time to unfriend them on social media; quite the opposite. Continue following them, respond to their posts and comments, and show them and the world that you are available when they change their mind about your services. Some of the easiest sales I’ve made have been to prospects who tell me, “I’ve been following you on social media, so I know you are the expert I need!”
Turn the rejection into a win with a lower-priced option.
If a prospect can’t afford to work with you 1:1, suggest your eBook, or a home study course. You should have a library of products at varying price points so you can attract a wide array of clients, no matter what their economic level. If you don’t have a library yet, encourage them to opt-in to your email list so you can stay in contact and let them know when you have new products added.
Don’t know how to get people to sign up to your list? Ask yourself, what value you can offer people before they hand over their email address? Take some time to think this offer through because simply saying, “Sign up for my newsletter” or “Get my updates” are not enough to warrant interest in joining your list. You need to attract the RIGHT people to your list, so customize your offer to the type of person you want to serve.
Be consistent in your marketing efforts.
Don’t throw in the towel simply because your sales have slowed down. Do the opposite: find new ways to reach your target market. Be proactive with making offers to your email list. Post more frequently on social media to increase your visibility. Take advantage of real life networking events to meet local business owners. It’s tough to build a business from the shadows so make a determined effort to come into the spotlight and toot your own horn.
Most importantly, have a follow up plan with anyone who has turned down your services. Maybe the timing isn’t right. Maybe they need to grow their own business before hiring you. Maybe they need to handle some family expenses first before focusing on their business. You just never know when the timing will become right, so always find a way to follow up or stay in touch.
Also, ask for referrals. The timing may not be right for Prospect 1 but maybe they know someone in their circle who would be your ideal client. It bears asking because you never know when a personal introduction can lead to your ideal client. And as a service provider one of the best ways to build your business is through word of mouth.
Cultivating relationships that turn into an endless stream of client referrals requires a bit of planning. That’s why I created How to Get More (and better) Client Referrals. You can get your copy in the Devilish Details Destroyed Book Shop.
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