YOUR CLIENTELE

The most important part of your business is your clients.

Check out our tips below for best practices in growing your client network.

STEP 1. PRIMARY NETWORK

We suggest starting out with family members,. They can tell their friends, to tell their friends, and so on and so forth. If you’re super eager, ask for referrals and go after them!

GETTING REFERRALS

  • FUN FACT: Your clients are most likely to refer you after your initial consult with them. This means - before you’ve even provided any services! Don’t be scared to ask who else they may know that would love to work with you at the end of an introductory call.

  • BE SPECIFIC: It’s much easier for someone to refer you to their network if they know WHO you want to be introduced to. Ask for specific people:

    • “Do you think anyone in your office - maybe a business partner - might want to work with me too?”

    • “Do you have family in the city? I’d love to be their Stylist as well!”

    • Research their connections before-hand, and mention: “Do you happen to know X? I saw you guys were connected on LinkedIn…I’d love an introduction!”

  • BE CONSISTENT: Ask during every appointment in a casual way. Ask after as a follow-up. And remind them a few weeks later. People forget!

  • MAKE IT EASY: Provide them with a referral link, e-mail template they can send out, or tell them you’d be happy to e-mail their referral and CC them so they don’t have to do the work. Referring takes time - take it off of their plate.

  • Differentiating your primary network and your second connections is key in setting the appropriate follow up. To build awareness, start by scheduling calls and meet ups with your direct LinkedIn connections.

  • Make a list of of everyone in your network and create client profiles for them labeled “client” and “prospect.”

STEP 2. SECONDARY CONNECTIONS

Get your name out there! Attend conferences, events, meetups, etc. and make sure you have a stack of business cards ready. Online networking is also a great way to find clients - try sites like LinkedIn.

+ ENHANCE YOUR EXISTING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS

  • SNAIL MAIL: People so rarely receive a nice, handwritten note these days. You’d be surprised at how appreciated it is! Send a handwritten card to your top clients every few months - they’ll grow to love it, work with you more often, and tell their friends.

  • SET TO-DO ITEMS IN GARMENTIER: Keep your clients on a “reach-out schedule” so they don’t slip through the cracks. The hallmark of a great business owner is being proactive about their book. Clients are wowed at your follow-up and timely approach. Use your “TO DO’s” section of your client profiles and dashboards to keep you organized.

  • SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • EVENTS

  • USE YOUR CONNECTIONS: Start looking within second connections and ask for intro's from your primary connections

  • SHOP WHERE YOU SHOP: reaching out to some of your favorite boutiques or shops to suggest styling sessions with their customers. When you style with the stores merchandise it’s a great opportunity to get on their clients radar!

STEP 3. ONLINE PRESENCE

Promote your services on social media, blogs, stores, etc. at a discounted price for first-time clients.

CONTENT MARKETING

  • LOOK BOOKS: Utilize the “Look Books” feature in Garmentier to keep exciting new shopping and outfit ideas top-of-mind. Post the looks on social media, or schedule to-do items to send a new look suggestion to each client on a monthly basis.

EMAIL MARKETING

  • STAY TOP OF MIND: Keep newsletters and seasonal email templates in your ammo - email us at info@garmentier.co if you’d like help with templates with our marketing plans.

SOCIAL NETWORKING

  • SOCIAL MEDIA: Utilize your social media accounts to enhance your clients’ view of your brand - even when you’re not around. Promote your business on ALL social media platforms — Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter - all are helpful and drive traffic to your website!

  • BE SMART ABOUT YOUR BRANDING: Make sure you are communicating the right message, and not combining your work account with too much personal content. Your personality is important! But professionalism and expertise are too.

BLIND REACH-OUT

  • Local magazines are great way to find out about the “best lawyers”, etc.!

  • Make a list of potential clients, create a phone pitch and get them signed up for a free consultation.

Helpful Tips

  • Link your business website on your social media accounts. Keep your website updated with your current contact information and the services you offer. Join a networking group or two to build connections and learn from others.

  • Ask for Testimonials from previous clients that you can post on your website

  • You never know where you’ll find your next (or first) client. Someone can compliment you on your outfit, and that’s your cue to say – “Thanks, I’m a stylist. Here’s my card” and the rest is history!

  • If you don’t already have a blog, this is a great way to generate internet presence and as you build your website, you can add it right on. If you don’t have a blog, think about reaching out to some of your favorite bloggers to be apart of a guest post.

Sales & Clienteling TipsGarmentier Supportclienteling, Clienteling, Marketing, relationship building, Strategy