When it comes to
finding the best clients, following a few simple guidelines will most likely
produce the best results.
- First
impressions are important to getting off on the right foot with a new or potential
client. Make sure your brand is professional and cohesive and put into place an
effective process for vetting and processing clients.
- Don’t be
overly eager to take on a new client. Yes times are hard, but desperation will
scare away even the most interested and valuable potential clients. Even if job orders have slowed to a
trickle, remember that you are offering just as much value as the client.
- Don’t
rush into client relationships too fast.
Make sure that your new client respects your work and understands the
value you are brining to their firm.
Clients who insist on haggling over fees and attempt to get something
for nothing, will usually turn out to be long-term problems. Avoid the temptation to take on these
problem clients and focus instead on healthy client relationships that are
reciprocal and lucrative in the long-term.
- Take the
time to research your potential client.
Is their company financially healthy? Do they have long-term recruiting needs? Do they understand the value that a
recruiter will bring to their company?
You may even want to schedule a short face-to-face meeting with the
potential client.
- Make sure
that you follow up with your potential client on a regular basis. Even if a potential
client does not use your services right away, following up with them will keep
you at the forefront of their mind.