Have you ever found yourself so busy handling client business that you stop networking, having one-to-ones, and putting yourself out there because, well, YOU’VE GOT TOO MUCH BUSINESS TO HANDLE?
And then what happens? You complete all of those client engagements and then YIKES-you turn around and there is nothing coming in. Nada, nuttin’, zero, zed. I can totally speak to this, because it’s happened to me numerous times. I network like a fiend, then am pushed to the max, handling all the business I’ve received from the outreach I’ve done, stopped the outreach (because I’m too busy with the client work) and then WHAM-nothing coming in.
This has happened to me nearly every summer when I move Downeast with my kids for July and August. When I come home in September, it’s like starting all over again. (I have a whole new plan on how this will work this summer.)
You MUST find a way to consistently network, put yourself out there and fill your pipeline. No matter how busy, or crazy your business (or life) becomes. Because when your pipeline is empty,it takes a lot of time, energy and perseverance to get the momentum going again. Not only have I seen it myself, but I’ve seen it with many of my clients.
And what’s worse, when you finally have room to breathe, and you go to find that new client work and there’s nothing there, that little voice (you know which one I mean) starts saying, “What if I don’t get work soon, I might not be able to pay my bills!” or “Wow-you really don’t have any business-what a failure!”
Then it becomes harder than ever to attract business when you come from a scarcity mentality.
So consider this:
1-Consistently schedule (and of course, attend) networking events
2-Make the time to go-no matter how busy you are
3-Schedule time each day or week for follow-up with leads and those that have indicated they might like to work with you
4–Schedule time to have at least one or two one-to-ones a week with potential clients or strategic alliances (those that are movers and shakers and can refer you)
5-Continue to practice gratitude for all the great clients (and client work) that you have-there’s nothing like gratitude to keep you in an abundant place, and attracting more and more new business
Let me know how this works for you-I’d love to hear from you!
 Mandy works with talented, high energy self employed professionals and very small businesses who struggle to market their business effectively, stretch their capacity and play a bigger game. Mandy’s client’s receive proven, specific information on what they need to do to get more clients and grow their business. As a result, those who coach with Mandy increase their business, get more clients and make more money, faster and easier than they ever would have on their own. Sign up for her free Cd “7 Productivity Secrets of Successful Entrepreneurs” right down below. |
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