| Let's face it - when you're just starting out, you'll | | | | more business - just by being part of your client |
| take on just about any client or contact in an | | | | base. Having important clients - clients who are |
| attempt to boost sales and start the buzz about | | | | known spenders, trend spotters, and moneymakers - |
| yourself rolling. However, once you're past merely | | | | will pull new customers to you and your company, |
| surviving, try thriving by developing clients of | | | | with almost no effort on your part. |
| influence. | | | | Buyers want to buy. Let's face it - acquisition is a big |
| Look at the Web sites of advertising firms, venture | | | | draw for our species. All they need is the right |
| capital companies, and computer service providers. | | | | reason. And if you are offering the right product, the |
| It's likely that these companies will have devoted an | | | | right message, and a client list of other influential |
| entire Web page to Our Clients. And if you're out | | | | companies or individuals, you are going to be chosen |
| looking for a product or service that is going to cost | | | | - possibly without a bid, a proposal, or any other |
| you a hefty chunk of your budget, you better | | | | marketing. |
| believe that you will be researching the client list of | | | | The best way to win a Client of Influence is to woo |
| providers you consider. | | | | them. Join their organizations. Try to get to know |
| It only makes sense that we seek out referrals from | | | | them through networking. While it's always easiest to |
| people or companies that do business with companies | | | | go in through the top - the chief executive officer or |
| that we are thinking about hiring. However, if you | | | | president - don't underestimate the power of |
| have a Client of Influence as part of your client base, | | | | meeting a talented vice president or department |
| it's not only likely that you will add more to your | | | | manager. These people can get you the meeting you |
| roster - it's a fact. | | | | need, and if you win the job and do terrific work, |
| Human nature dictates that we aspire to be like | | | | these middle managers are going to remember you |
| those we admire. For that reason, fashion designers | | | | and be grateful for making them look knowledgeable. |
| give dresses worth tens of thousands of dollars to | | | | If you work for a non-profit, remember these same |
| celebrities in order to be "seen" on the red carpet, | | | | rules for Sponsors of Influence. There is a lot of |
| artists strive to win patrons who can influence other | | | | money out there for charity purposes, but you really |
| art buyers, and technology companies produce | | | | have to make your case to get it. Having a Sponsor |
| products that are not only functional but also stylish | | | | of Influence will benefit you when you go looking for |
| and market them as lifestyle accoutrements. | | | | additional financial aid - all you'll have to do is drop the |
| Once you've got your business up and running, it's | | | | right name. |
| time to start seeking out clients that can win you | | | | |