How to get your first 10 clients on LinkedIn

• Define Your Ideal Client

• Research the Problems They Face

• Package Your Offer

• Connect with Your Ideal Clients on LinkedIn

• Engage and Interact

• Share Content of Interest

• Send a Low-Key Outreach Message

 Starting a new business can be thrilling yet daunting, especially when it comes to securing your first ten clients. Whether you're a seasoned professional pivoting to entrepreneurship or a new solopreneur, this guide will help you understand the essential steps to attract your first ten clients. Here's a straightforward approach to making that happen.

Acquiring clients is often one of the most daunting challenges for solopreneurs and small business owners. Many excel at delivering their services but struggle with the sales and marketing aspect, which is crucial for business growth. The challenge lies not only in finding potential clients but also in effectively communicating value in a way that resonates with them.  Many entrepreneurs find themselves relying heavily on referrals and warm introductions, and when these dry up, they realise they lack the skills or strategies to attract clients from a cold start. Marketing, despite being essential, can feel overwhelming, especially without a structured approach, and the misconception that it should be easy adds to the frustration. 

The key to successful client acquisition is having a simple, repeatable process that doesn't rely on pestering people or hoping for a viral breakthrough. Waiting for clients to come to you is not a viable strategy. Instead, you need an approach that consistently generates interest and builds relationships over time. So, here is a simple approach which you can use which is not too pushy and simple to do for any business.

Step 1: Define Your Ideal Client

You can't sell to everyone, and that's okay. Defining your ideal client is the cornerstone of your business strategy. Picture who they are: their profession, challenges, and aspirations. By narrowing down your focus, you can tailor your messaging and services to meet their specific needs.

Why this matters: Knowing your target audience helps you create content and services that resonate. For example, let's say you aim to work with newly qualified lawyers struggling to find their footing. By focusing on their specific needs, you can tailor your offerings to solve their problems effectively.

Exercise: Take a moment to write down a detailed description of your ideal client. Include their age, profession, income level, key challenges, and where they spend their time online. This exercise will help you visualise who you are speaking to, making your marketing efforts more targeted and effective.

Step 2: Research the Problems They Face

Once you've identified your ideal clients, delve into the challenges they encounter. This isn't about guessing; it’s about understanding what keeps them up at night and finding the problems they value enough to pay for a solution.

Actionable Tip: Use surveys, polls, and forums to gather insights. Tools like Google Forms or LinkedIn polls can be incredibly effective for this purpose. For instance, identifying a common issue such as confidence in courtrooms for new lawyers can help tailor your services to address this gap.

In Practice: Attend industry events and webinars where your ideal clients are likely to gather. Listen actively to their pain points and take notes. This real-world interaction can provide invaluable insights that online research might miss. Also, consider joining relevant social media groups and forums where discussions are happening organically. You can also use Google forms and do an anonymous survey on LinkedIn.

Step 3: Package Your Offer

Now that you know the problem, it's time to present your solution. Package your offer in a clear, compelling way. Create a one-pager or a landing page that outlines your services, the problems you solve, and how you solve them. Include a call-to-action for a booking link where clients can schedule a consultation.

Example: If you develop an offer for new lawyers, you might create a simple landing page that highlights the benefits of your confidence-building program and includes an easy way for them to book a call.

Design Matters: Make sure your landing page is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use clear, concise language and include testimonials or case studies if possible. These elements can enhance credibility and encourage potential clients to take action. Don't overcomplicate it. Keep it simple.

Step 4: Connect with Your Ideal Clients on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding and engaging with potential clients. Start by connecting with individuals who match your ideal client profile. Engage with their content, join discussions, and make yourself visible within their network.

Why LinkedIn? As a professional platform, it offers a direct line to decision-makers and professionals who are seeking solutions to their problems. It's also a place where you can showcase your expertise through articles, posts, and interactions.

Profile Optimisation: Before you start connecting, ensure your LinkedIn profile is optimised to reflect your expertise and the solutions you offer. Use a professional photo, write a compelling headline, and make sure your summary highlights your value proposition clearly.

Step 5: Engage and Interact

Interaction is key to building relationships. Engage with your connections without pitching your services right away. Comment on their posts, share insights, and contribute to discussions. This will build trust and establish you as a knowledgeable presence in your field.

Reflection: At first, you might feel hesitant about engaging online, worried about what others might think. But once you start contributing meaningfully to conversations, you'll likely see a significant increase in engagement and interest in your services.

Networking Strategy: Set a daily goal for engagement. For example, comment on at least twenty posts, share one insightful post, and initiate a conversation with a new connection each day. Consistency in these actions will build familiarity and trust within your network. Block out time in your diary.

Step 6: Share Content of Interest

Share content that is relevant and valuable to your target audience. This could be blog posts, articles, or insights that address their challenges. By doing this, you demonstrate your expertise and keep your audience engaged.

Tip: Align your content with the problems you solve. For instance, writing articles about overcoming courtroom anxiety can attract attention from the very audience you want to reach.

Content Calendar: Develop a content calendar to plan your posts ahead of time. Include a mix of content types such as images, videos, infographics etc - but remember, keep the promotion to a just one post per week. Regular posting keeps you top of mind and provides ongoing value to your audience.

Step 7: Send a Low-Key Outreach Message

Now that you’ve built rapport, it’s time to reach out. Send a message that offers value, such as a link to your one-pager. Keep it relaxed and non-intrusive. Aim to contact about 20 people per day.

Message Template: "Hi [Name], I've been working with newly qualified lawyers to help them gain confidence in courtrooms. If this is something you or someone you know might benefit from, I'd love to share more about my approach. Here’s a link to more information: [Landing Page URL]."

Follow-Up Strategy: Follow up with a gentle nudge if you don’t hear back within a week. Sometimes a simple reminder can rekindle interest. Remember to keep the tone friendly and professional, respecting the recipient's time and attention.

The Simple Truth

Getting your first ten clients is all about clarity, focus, and consistent action. By following these steps, you're not only setting yourself up for success but also establishing a sustainable approach to client acquisition. Don’t overcomplicate things; focus on understanding your audience and delivering value.

Long-Term Success: As you secure your first clients, leverage their feedback and testimonials to refine your services and marketing approach. Happy clients can become advocates for your business, referring new clients your way and helping to build your reputation.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn. Let’s connect and make your journey a successful one!

Ready to act? DM me on LinkedIn to discuss how I can help you get leads, clients, and freedom.