Starting off as an entrepreneur in the public relations industry as a college student has been anything but easy. Aside from putting together a team, a business model, and the documents needed to complete our tasks, it all comes down to one thing: pulling in clients. Whether you’re targeting consumers or clients, there is a looming obstacle that any new, young business owner faces: How do you get those prospective customers to believe in your product or service? There are usually other options out there, and those options are most likely to have more experience behind them. As a young entrepreneur, how can you compete against age and experience?
For me, I have found success with my company during our first year by going out and finding new clients. Again, this hasn’t been easy, and I even step back sometimes and wonder how we’ve come so far in such a short period of time. I would like to share some of the things I’ve learned about acquiring new clients, and getting people to not only believe in me, but my company.
Make yourself personable
When trying to pull in a new customer or client, it is important to make that process as personal as possible. On paper, you may not be the best or most experienced option for them. You need to distinguish yourself from all the other options. You can do this by taking the communication into the real world.
Set-up face-to-face meetings, make a call to check-in, engage with them on a level more than just business. If you hope to grow, you have to put your personality and ambition behind your product; it is what will set you apart from the rest. Make that effort to communicate and make the client or customer believe in YOU, and your ability to give them what they need.
Work with other start-ups:
If there is one common trait us entrepreneurs share, it is AMBITION. We all want to grow and achieve greatness. By working with other entrepreneurs, you will realize that your common drive allows for great business, collaboration, and growth.
I trust working with other entrepreneurs as I am growing because of their drive and passion. We help each other grow and reach our goals. We understand one another, and know the mindset that it takes to see our projects through. It’s a great way to acquire a client, gain experience, and significantly grow.
Believe in your product and yourself
This sounds so cliché, but it’s incredibly true for an entrepreneur. If you do not believe in yourself or what you have to offer, how can you expect anyone else to? Confidence, not arrogance in yourself goes a long way when talking to prospective clients and customers. Your belief in yourself is easy to see, and other businesses want to be associated and work with confidence. After all, confidence is what fuels great ideas, growth, and business.
I have been confident in my services regardless of my age and lack of experience. I am confident in my instincts, skill, and knowledge of how my industry is changing. I make sure those around me see that confidence. Before any papers are signed, they need to have confidence in me, and that thought is never too far from my mind. Believe in your talent, ambition, and product. Others will soon believe the same thing.
Starting off as a young entrepreneur is exhilarating, frightening, and incredible all at the same time. However, those feelings are all for naught if your target market does not believe in your product. Regardless of a experience or age, there is always a way to set yourself apart from the field. Communicate with your target audience, make sure they see how much their business means to you. Work with those who understand your ambition and growth. Above all, Believe, Believe, Believe. Believe in your product and yourself, and that feeling will spread before you know it. If nothing else, just remember: your ambition knows no limits.
I am Harrison Kratz, a junior at Temple University and the founder of Kratz PR & Management. I love all things PR and social media, so find me on Twitter @KratzPR!
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