{"id":11161,"date":"2012-05-17T10:33:12","date_gmt":"2012-05-17T14:33:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.andysowards.com\/blog\/?p=11161"},"modified":"2012-05-17T10:33:12","modified_gmt":"2012-05-17T14:33:12","slug":"6-free-ways-to-get-new-customers-like-a-successful-marketer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.andysowards.com\/blog\/2012\/6-free-ways-to-get-new-customers-like-a-successful-marketer\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Free Ways to Get New Customers Like a Successful Marketer"},"content":{"rendered":"

These following methods are drawn from my hands-on work acquiring customers for online companies like Harmony<\/a> (a new website management app) and Bloomfire<\/a> (team knowledge app). I’m usually given a shoestring budget, so “free” became one of my favorite words.<\/p>\n

The guiding mantra to the following methods is “earn the right to be heard.” If any of you have ever volunteered for Young Life, you’ve probably heard that mantra before. It’s the key to building relationships, and it’s a rad reminder on how to sell without sounding like a used car salesperson. Just like you wouldn’t blab about yourself the whole time when you’re going on a first date, you don’t want to blab about yourself and your business when you’re talking to a prospective customer for the first time. Instead, wear your listening hat and focus the conversation on them and their needs. Empathize. Only start pitching when they indicate that they’re ready to hear it.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, all it takes to set the stage for your pitch is a simple question: “Thanks for sharing about what’s happening\u2014may I offer some thoughts?” They’re always going to say yes, and at that point, you’ve earned the right to be heard. Treasure that privilege, because if you do, you will have their ear for a lifetime.<\/p>\n

1. Swap-meets<\/h2>\n

\"How<\/a>
\n“How to Win Friends & Influence People” By Dale Carnegie<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s assume your ideal client is a small business owner, kind of like yourself. Chances are, your accountant and your lawyer also work with other small business owners. Invite them to a swap-meet. Explain that the purpose of the meeting is to swap introductions. In other words, I’ll introduce you guys to the small business owners I work with if you’ll introduce me to the small business owners you work with.<\/p>\n

2. Guest posts<\/h2>\n

\"4<\/a>
\n4 Reasons Why Designers and Developers Should Learn to Write<\/em><\/p>\n

This time, let’s assume your ideal client is a marketing team. Think about what kind of blogs marketers read (e.g. MarketingProfs) and submit a guest post. Embed an offer in your article or signature that links to a landing page offering some valuable freebie in exchange for contact information. Some popular offers are a “free report” or “free whitepaper” in exchange for email addresses. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of reports and whitepapers. Here are some alternatives:<\/p>\n