3 Steps to Finding New Customers

Step one: Knowing your Customer

To find your ideal customer, you first have to know them. Other than
the fact your future customer wants your products, what else do you know
about them? Ask yourself some of the following questions:

1. What hobbies do your customers have?
2. Do they have children?
3. Do they prefer buying online or offline?
4. What are their fears/concerns?
5. What makes them happy?


Step two: Finding Your Ideal Customer

The next step is a piece of cake! Once you discover what your ideal
customer's interests hobbies, and lifestyle is, finding them is the easy
part. There are TONS of message boards, groups, newsletters, and
websites dedicated to specific groups of people. You can do some research to
find these places on Yahoo Groups, Ezine Directories, or just by
searching.


Step three: Discover Your Own Interests

Take a minute to realise your own hobbies and interests. Do you like to
read and sell coffee or candles? Join a message board that talks about
books and get to know others there. Make sure to put your business in
your signature line! Use a creative ad such as "Relax with a cup of
(your company's name) coffee and a good book", or "Relax with a (company
name) scented candle and a good book". Try and get as creative as
possible so your signature line really stands out and makes other want to
click.

Also be sure to ask yourself why you joined this particular business to
begin with (aside from the money!). Sometimes this will give you ideas
of where your customers could be. For example, if you joined a bath and
body company because of your concern for the use of store brand soaps
on your children, you may consider seeking out a group or message board
of other mothers that share your same concern. Again, be sure to use
signature lines targeted to those who your products are targeted to!

Of course this is just the beginning. While you may choose to pay for
simple advertising on some websites and newsletters (and this is fine!),
if you are involved in the community be respectful to the current
members. Don't just place ads and leave, but instead get to know those in
the community. Follow the rules as you should within any community -
don't post with the assumption everyone will automatically buy from you.
Build relationships, be helpful, and the sales will follow!

(See DirectSalesHelpers.com for more Direct Sales Tips!)