7 Places to Find New Clients

Finding clients isn't just a struggle for new business owners.  All business owners have to regularly and frequently search out new clients to keep new business coming in. Depending on the industry you're in, sometimes you have to do this more often than others. Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lenders fall into that category because once a client gets a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks, they're not likely to need your services again for awhile. So the big question is, how do you get these new clients? Here are 7 places to start looking for potential new clients for your business.

Places to Find Potential Clients

1. Referrals

The best place to start is with your current or past clients.  Reach out to them and ask if they know anyone in need of your services.  Maybe you have a recent success story you can share with them that they can relate to. Maybe they know of someone in a similar situation to the one you're describing and can pass you a referral.  

2. Friends and Family 

Think about who you know.  Maybe your immediate friends and family don't need your services, but maybe someone in their personal network could be a potential client for you.  You could even consider offering a referral program with some type of reward for those who bring you referrals.

3. Personal Activities

What do you do in your spare time? Look for potential customers at the gym or at your local coffee shop. If you're a parent, consider their friends' parents to be potential new clients. Make it a habit to talk to those other parents when you attend shool functions or sporting events.

4. Business Organizations

Visit different business organizations in your area and consider joining one.  Referral based organizations, such as Busniess Network International, present the perfect opportunity for gaining new clients.  Be sure to bring business cards to pass out, but remember to focus on building new relationships rather than bringing just a strong sell message.

5. Local Events 

By sponsoring local events, you can get your name out there in front of tons of potential clients. Keep your eyes out for upcoming events that you can associate yourself with or consider hosting an event yourself.  Be sure to think about what makes a good client for you and try to find events that those types of people will be attending.

6. Meetings and Seminars

Local chambers of commerce, trade associations, special interest groups, fairs and symposiums are a great way to meet new prospects.  One of the most efficient ways to get a group of prospects in one place is public speaking.  Consider offering a Q&A session or offer to be a presenter at their next function to let potential clients get a sense of your skills and personality.  If you're not the one hosting the event, you will get third party credibility from those who are hosting it.

7. Advertising

After going through all the above networks to find new clients, it's time to start advertising.  Reach outside your current networks and try to make new connections.  You can do this through traditional advertising or with online marketing.  You'll want to decide who your best potential customers are, figure out where they are and then decide which medium is best to reach them with.  If you're going for a younger demographic, Social Media marketing is a great way to reach out to those prospects.

Business development should be incorporated in your day to day work flow.  Keep in mind that approaching everyone you meet with a sales type attitude isn't the best way to gain new clients. You want to first build a relationship with these prosects because you want them to know they can trust you.  When it comes to mortgage lending, Lakelender Michael Lasson is here to help you every step of the way.  Dedication and first class service is guaranteed!

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your mortgage loan or refinancing at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

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Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

    

5 Ways to Expand Your Network

Networking is all about building relationships by sharing information and finding sources of support. It's time to step out of your comfort zone, expand your network and meet new people that could help you reach your goals.  Going up to a stranger can be an intimidating task; so the next time you find yourself standing alone, try some of these networking tips!

1. Bring a Wingman  

Many people don't like going out alone or walking into a place by themselves.  One way to overcome this fear is to bring a friend along.  Together you can meet new people and expand both of your networks.  Try choosing a friend in a different industry than yours and use your conversation to draw others in.

2. Participate in Alumni Events

Alumni chapters are a great way to stay connected and network outside your industry.  These events often include graduates from all different majors and its a fun way to learn from people you don't normally interact with. You have a shared interest in the school you attended, so you can always talk about your experience there if you can't come up with a conversation starter.

3. Volunteer Time

Charity events are great places to meet people with similar interests and passions.  Choose an organization with a cause you care about and volunteer for even just a few hours a month.  Not only will you meet new people in different industries, you will be helping your community and those in need.

4. Host Your Own Event

Rather than attending events where you don't know anyone, have those people come to you. People are naturally drawn to the host, even if its just to say thanks for hosting.  Plus you are in your space and will be more comfortable than in a foreign location.  Conversation will flow more easily and the pressure of finding people to talk to will be removed.

5. Join a Business Organization

Lakelender Michael Lasson is a member of the Lake Business Builders Business Network International (BNI) Chapter.  This is a great way to get to know other business professionals in your area.  Communicating with those business professionals in diverse markets, you get feedback on how your business is perceived by others outside of your industry.  It's also a good mental exercise.

As your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender, I'm committed to providing you with not only updated economic information and business tips, but also information on all the local events!  I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!

Source: http://www.success.com/article/8-ways-to-expand-your-network-today

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

6 Habits of Highly Successful Connectors

Networking is important for finding prospects, referral sources, and bringing in new business...but attending network functions alone is not enough. If you want networking to yield the best results, you've got to be a good connector!

Back in 1936, Dale Carnegie published the timeless business classic How to Win Friends and Influence People. In it he describes "six ways to make people like you" and it is the foundation for connecting with others.

1. Be genuinely interested in people. Passion is an infectious quality, and being interested in other people's success requires passion. 
2. Smile. According to Carnegie you should smile a lot...even when you're talking on the phone! Modern research shows that facial expressions and body language aren't just a reflection of emotions, they can actually influence them. 
3. Remember their name. Carnegie says there is no sweeter sound to people than their own name. If you have trouble with names here are five tricks that can help. 
4. Encourage people to talk about themselves. Asking lots of questions doesn't just reinforce you care about people, it gives you information for making relevant contact later on. The rule of thumb is "two ears, one mouth." In other words, listen twice as much as you talk. 
5. Then...talk in term of their interests. When it's your turn to talk, frame things in light of the other person's interests. Stay on topic and ask their opinion—you should quickly be able to keep any conversation going for as long as someone is willing to speak to you. 
6. Make sure people know they are important. There are many ways you can let people know they are important—"thank you notes" are one way. But if you deal with clients on a regular basis, aside from doing a good job, make sure the system you create for delivering that service is both intentional and unique. When you give people a great experience, they will return to you again and again. 

Give these helpful tips a try and feel free to pass them along to your team, clients, and colleagues.  If we haven't already, I hope to get the opportunity to CONNECT with you soon! 

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender
NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com