We don’t advertise or actively seek out new clients. How, then, do you grow a business? I couldn’t describe it any better than Ryan Carson’s latest Small Business 101 post: Tips for increasing sales.
He notes a few (probably obvious, but key) aspects that relate to interpersonal communication:
Network like a crazy person. People do business with people they know and trust. It’s that simple.
Not only do people do business with folks they know and trust, but they also do business with people their friends know and trust, which makes the next point so important, if not simply from a human standpoint, but also from a grow your business standpoint.
Don’t be an ass. This may sound obvious, but people like doing business with nice people. If you?re friendly and kind, it?s way more likely people will become repeat customers (not to mention the fact it?s just a better way to live).
and similarly
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Put yourself in your customer?s shoes. Treat your customers like you would want to be treated.
I’ve seen programmers ruin clients’ days. I’ve even heard tell that they’ve been made to cry. This isn’t any way to treat another human being in the first place, but certainly not someone that could instead be a fanatical supporter of your business!
Moral of the story: be nice, grow your business, make friends and have fun at the same time!
