If you work with one-on-one clients, you need this system. Period. Without it, you’re letting business slip out of your hands.
In today’s Build Your Business Challenge, Actionable Advice in 60 Seconds or Less, I’m going to tell you exactly what this system is and how to implement it.
Best of all, if you have this system in place, you could sign up more clients than ever before. In fact, when I implemented this system for just 8 weeks, I filled my client roster and a three month waiting list.
Check out today’s video so you can get this must-have in place ASAP!
Go here to dive into last week’s six-email action challenge.
Are you accepting this week’s action challenge?
First, tweet about it!
Then, declare it in the comments below, get to work, and report back when you’ve done it.
And if you have tips on this week’s challenge, please share them in the comments as well.
Great tip for those who don’t follow up at all yet – something as simple as and Excel sheet can get you started! And later you could upgrade your process to using a proper free/paid CRM solution. The one we use at the moment is Capsule CRM, but InfusionSoft or Ontraport have CRM built in straight away.
Thanks for sharing that, Tamara! (II couldn’t fit that tip into the 60 seconds! 🙂 ) Love that you gave specific examples for people to consider. Thank you!
I use a google spreadsheet so I can share it with my assistant. It dovetails into this post on client systems. https://jennyshih.com/2012/05/steal-this-my-business-system-secrets-for-booking-new-clients/
I accept! Great system. So simple, yet something I never thought to do. I usually make notes in my notebook or in email. Good to have it all in one place.
Yes!
Accept! I usually make a note in my planner to follow up but that can quickly get lost in the mix plus I’d have to go back and find my last notes. This way it’s all in one place. I’d love to know your recommendations for a crm software! I will check out Tamara’s suggestion above, Thanks so much Jenny!
Yay!! A simple spreadsheet does the trick, even as your business grows. There are some upsides to a formal CRM but I’ve never really needed it, especially since I’m just a one woman show with only a limited number of clients at a given time.
That is encouraging, thank you.. I actually like creating cool spreadsheets so I think I’ll take your advice on that! The more I think about it the better it sounds, it could be customizable, I can change it up whenever I want and the only thing it costs me is time. Thank you!
You got it, and you’re welcome!
So true! I have found that I need a little more prompting to get motivated to do all the followups. Contactually (contactually.com) has been a lifesaver for me. It does have a monthly fee, but that is quickly paid for with all the business it generates. The best part is the social media integration… all my contacts are automatically added and email and cell phone communications are also auto recorded so I am not continuously having to remember who I talked to that day. The weekly summary email give a sense of accomplishment.
Try blocking out an hour a week in your calendar to follow up. Then it’s set in there just like your weekly blog and newsletter. They become part of the get-it-done and keep-the-ship-running process of your business.
I’ve heard good things about Contactually but have never used it. I didn’t realize it was recorded for you — that’s pretty cool! Thank you for sharing the resource here!
As a freelance writer – not really a business consultant – I find this invaluable for the publications I pitch! Thanks!
You got it, Jenny! This can be used for anyone in almost any business that requires even little bit of sales. Smart thinking to use it for pitches, too!
Jenny
Very good advise. Love the notion of Action Challenge as well.
Know what? Like the brevity as well—-Also, like your “style”–
smooth, but real. No Song And Dance– And, it’s all about Connection.
beauty
Thanks, Randy!
Going to put this into action today! I have a exploratory session with a potential client and will keep note of the conversation! I’ll add a column to check when I’ve followed up!
I’ve done a great job of keeping a spreadsheet of questions and comments emailed to me about my blog, but really need to step up the potential client follow-up. Thanks for the reminder!
Yes! When I learned to follow up with prospects, everything shifted in my business. I’m not kidding you. We all lead busy lives, and a little prompt from someone we’re considering hiring can go a long way. Once I learned the importance and effectiveness of follow-up, I’m shocked when I see businesses not do it! I’m excited for you, Jennifer!
Being a very busy person, I love, love, love these 60 second videos great info and actions steps to take. So fantastic, thank you Jenny!
Thank you, and you’re welcome!
Great advice and I have just created 2 of these – one for my current business and one for my new one. Already relieved to offload what I was keeping in my head 🙂 For the new business, it will be great to have this in place from the get-go. Having both will be important so I don’t drop the ball as both of them pick up…. Thanks!
It’s so stressful to put the burden of this tracking on your brain or on your inbox. This little spreadsheet will save you so much mental and creative space… and help you follow up diligently! 🙂
Thank You for this Jenny!
I have a list of leads, but I wasn’t putting everyone on there, so I added to the list, and just sent a couple e-mail follow ups. Thank You so much for the swift kick. Very inspiring that you do that under 60 seconds!
Thank You
Love that you’re jumping on this, Tova. I love action takers!
Done! Spreadsheet created, and then the phone rang….and I put my first prospect into it! 🙂 How’s that for timing? Thanks, Jenny!
Yay! I LOVE action-takers! Way to go, Maggie!!
Bloomin heck ‘yes’!
Simple, but genius plan – thank you.
You’re welcome!!
Great post, Jenny. I have such a tracking system in place, but would love to hear more about your favorite methods and frequency of followup with 1:1 prospects. Perhaps the subject of a future video?
Best,
Shani
It’s more of an art than a science and depends on each individual prospect. A rough timeline for follow up after a consult would be immediately, again in 3-5 days, then a week later, then 2 weeks later, then a month. But it’s really dependent on how you work and what’s going on with the other person.
I generally follow up via email. And the follow ups should be more than “I’m just checking in to see if you want to hire me.” They’re about reinitiating connection, reminding them how you can help them, and showing genuine interest.
For super soft prospects (meaning not hot leads), a great way to go is sending free content (links to posts or videos you think they’d like) and just letting them know you’re thinking of them.
Great advice Jenny! What I have to remember is to regularly update the spreadsheet.
Yes! Make yourself a checklist like the one I have here: https://jennyshih.com/2012/05/steal-this-my-business-system-secrets-for-booking-new-clients/
And every time you have a new prospect, check your checklist and that way you’ll know to keep the sheet updated. Eventually it will be second nature, but until then, checklists are fantastic.
As I’m adding in more 1-on-1 options and getting more interest in consulting with me, this is perfect timing! I am up for it!
Awesome!
OOH. I *just made a spreadsheet like this last week – but didn’t think to include “potential future clients”, and a note about whether they’re a potential client now or down the road.
Thank you!
Yes — add all of that in there so when you can keep in touch with everyone and reach out when it feels like the right time to share an offering.