Do you feel like you are working and re-working the same customers over and over again? It can be easy to get into a comfort zone or end up with what you think is “enough” of a customer and prospect base to keep you busy for a while. Add to that the fact that you might be going to the same social events, the same leads and networking events, and interacting with basically the same people—and you can see how your business might need some new inspiration.
Even if our businesses are incredibly tiny—we need new people. New people give us the opportunity to practice our networking and promotion skills, but they also can give us ideas and inspiration that may be lacking. Not to mention—new people bring more new people and that is how businesses are built.
Have you ever worked in an office or work environment where there was virtually no turn-over? While too much turnover is a bad thing and creates an environment without any continuity—if people never leave and you never get new blood, new ideas, and shake things up, things stagnate and die from lack of energy. As sole proprietors of a home-based business, we don’t really have the opportunity for staff turnover or to hire new blood into our businesses—so we need to find new people in other areas of our lives. Try attending a new workshop or social service organization, start exercising at a different gym, even eating at new restaurants. Sure, it is nice to have some predictability and have your “favorites”—but if you are seeing the same customers and the same individuals on a daily or weekly basis, you are not getting enough “new” into your life to benefit your business. Shake things up, meet new people, extend yourself—it’s good for business.
Also: Get Permission to Share Your Client List
What If a Customer or Client Wants References?
Networking With Writers–Share Those Leads