"Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself." ~Robert Collier
A dear friend of mine recently sent me an amazing article by Ali Brown, founder and CEO of Ali International LLC. This was my first time hearing about Ali Brown and this article was so helpful, that I had to pass along.
Her article, "Get Your Practice Started With Beta Clients," is basically about taking on practice clients for a small fee or for pro bono, in order to introduce your services to the world and generate word-of-mouth referrals. It seems like a wonderful idea for those noodles just starting to stick.
When I first threw my noodles, I took on a few practice clients myself for both my logo company, Sugar Butter Designs and my kid's band, THE HICCUPS! What I found most fascinating about Ali Brown's article though, was that just because you're starting out, doesn't mean you have to take any practice clients or "Beta Clients," that come your way. Ali has 3 KEY rules to making your target market Beta Client work for you.
Her article, "Get Your Practice Started With Beta Clients," is basically about taking on practice clients for a small fee or for pro bono, in order to introduce your services to the world and generate word-of-mouth referrals. It seems like a wonderful idea for those noodles just starting to stick.
When I first threw my noodles, I took on a few practice clients myself for both my logo company, Sugar Butter Designs and my kid's band, THE HICCUPS! What I found most fascinating about Ali Brown's article though, was that just because you're starting out, doesn't mean you have to take any practice clients or "Beta Clients," that come your way. Ali has 3 KEY rules to making your target market Beta Client work for you.
1. Negotiate for a 10-20 minute feedback session.
2. Get a testimonial from them.
3. Be clear that you are giving them a "discounted rate or free service" at what Ali likes to call, a "referral price." So basically, they need to throw you a specific amount of referrals your way, assuming they are happy with your service.
Ali Brown's article was a huge help for my sticky noodles. Sometimes, I let myself get so caught up in the "getting clients" part of my business, that I forget my worth. So, take on those Beta Clients and get the word out, but remember, you should get something out of it too besides a happy new client.
Go HERE to check out Ali Brown's article, "Get Your Practice Started With Beta Clients."
2. Get a testimonial from them.
3. Be clear that you are giving them a "discounted rate or free service" at what Ali likes to call, a "referral price." So basically, they need to throw you a specific amount of referrals your way, assuming they are happy with your service.
Ali Brown's article was a huge help for my sticky noodles. Sometimes, I let myself get so caught up in the "getting clients" part of my business, that I forget my worth. So, take on those Beta Clients and get the word out, but remember, you should get something out of it too besides a happy new client.
Go HERE to check out Ali Brown's article, "Get Your Practice Started With Beta Clients."