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As a business owner, you probably don't want one-time customers. I mean, you probably won't turn them away, either! But, having loyal repeat buyers creates stability in your business. Plus, it helps you build your credibility and establish your reputation in the marketplace.
If you’re feeling a bit stuck when it comes to client retention and customer happiness, here are a few ideas to stimulate customer loyalty.
Visiting your clients in person and have a conversation with them as often as possible. Catch a plane, hop in your vehicle and travel around to meet with them individually and get to know them better. Be sure you're staying safe out there. You don't want to end up calling a lawyer or a tow truck after a fender bender on your road trip.
Another way to keep happy and loyal clients is to reward and thank them often. A thank you will go a long way in helping you to make certain that your customers continue to choose to do business with you over the competition. There are many ways to reward your customers such as by offering special promotions or even sneak peeks of what products or services you may soon be rolling out before they go public. It may also help to acknowledge your customer’s birthdays and to send out a holiday card.
If you’re going to have a profitable and sustainable business then you must be a good problem solver. Make sure you train your customer service team and that they know how to handle a wide variety of matters that may arise. It’s important that you not only address these complaints but that you find suitable solutions in a timely manner too. You should avoid pushing issues aside for another day or hoping that they will just go away. You’ll have happier customers when you tackle matters head-on and can collect more positive online reviews for your business as well.
Of course, if you want your customers to want to return to your business, ensure all keep your equipment (and premises) well-maintained. That means anything your customers might interact with - websites, countertops, door handles... all of it! It's a detail often overlooked, especially when all that equipment is shiny and new. For example, if you're an ophthalmologist, maintenance means timely ophthalmic equipment repairs as well as basic computer updates. Prioritizing equipment maintenance demonstrates your commitment to delivering quality service or products, thus safeguarding your business's long-term success.
Your customers are eager to be heard and want to know they have a voice when it comes to how they’re feeling about your company and your products or services. Therefore, make it a point to be a good listener and give them the platform they need to let their thoughts, opinions, and insights be shared. Ask the tough questions and then lend an open ear so you can gather some tips as to what you can be doing better at your company going forward. Use this information you gather as a learning opportunity to fix what might be broken in your business. These are valuable tips and pointers from your customers that you can’t afford to overlook as a business owner.
Being sued can sometimes be the result of a business model mistake tht keeps your business from growing like it should - or make it collapse all together.
If you are at risk of being sued or simply want to ensure your business is protected for the future, here are some tips to follow.
No matter the size of your business, the right insurance coverage is a hedge of protection around your business. Even small business startup insurance (like E&O for coaches) can help protect you from being sued for a simple mistake by a litigious client or vendor.
A great attorney, it almost goes without saying, is important to have at the ready in case anything happens.
If someone makes a claim against your business, a legal representative can often mean the difference between a lengthy trial or resolving the matter before it ever gets that far.
You might not understand the laws and regulations when it comes to customer disputes on issues. Therefore, hiring an attorney and having them at hand will guarantee that your business can stay afloat and healthy when at risk of being sued.
If you mix business with pleasure and something happens in your marriage, it could hinder the success and health of your business. Your ex-partner could try and sue your company if they are involved in your business. They may even end up owning part or all of it. Contracts matter.
Cyber attacks, failure to use sound contracts and agreements, and assumptions can create other issues in your business that lead to getting sued. If a hacker performs a cyberattack and manages to breach your information, it could leak that information and make your business the star of a class-action lawsuit. Handshake agreements often lead to misunderstandings. Assuming each party is on the same page can cause a lot of consternation when things go off the rails.
Solid contracts, signed agreements, legal support, and the right insurance for your company can go a long way to protecting you and your assets from being the target of a lawsuit. Better to be safe than sorry.
If you're a freelancer, you probably understand the importance of having a strong online presence. Your website is central to being able to market your business and establish yourself as a successful freelancer. Indeed, a well-designed website serves many functions, including:
Here, this article will explore not the reasons why you need a website — we can safely assume that you already know them by heart and have probably discovered some new ones too — but the essential elements you need on your website. First of all, let’s tackle the obvious ones: You want a strong SEO-optimized presence as well as clear and obvious contact data.
We’ll jump straight to the lesser obvious aspects of a freelance business website, and why you need them for growth.
Professional-looking intro video
Video content has become increasingly popular due to its engaging nature and ability to convey information effectively. In fact, a video is more likely to engage your audience than a long text. That being said, you want to keep some crucial facts in mind:
A professional crafted video will help showcase your personality, skills, and passion for your work. It is also a great greeting for new visitors. Believe it or not, but there are plenty of inexpensive and high quality Ai video generators that can do the job for you.
Payment platform
Selling your services or products online has become a logical choice for freelancers. By integrating a payment platform into your website, such as the hosted payment form from PayTrace, you can streamline the process of receiving payments from your clients.
From a freelancing perspective, this not only saves you a lot of time and effort that you don’t spend preparing invoices and chasing payments, but it also offers a seamless and secure payment experience for your customers. This makes it easier for them to hire your services, or purchase your products, and for you to manage the transactional part of your relationship.
Newsletter sign-up button
Building a loyal audience and maintaining a strong connection with clients is vital for every business. The belief that only established companies can have a newsletter is wrong. For freelancers, the newsletter can be a fantastic tool that allows them to send exclusive content, keep the audience in the loop, and share latest offers and activities.
Even though newsletters may sound old-fashioned, they still help build loyalty and keep your customers in the loop. Therefore, adding a sign-up button on your website can help you build a group of potential leads. Regular (but not too regular) newsletters can nurture a loyal following, establish a sense of trust and credibility, and ultimately lead to repeat businesses and referrals.
As a freelancer, your website serves as a powerful marketing tool that can attract clients, establish your brand, and demonstrate your USP. As such, you want to seize the opportunities to make your website work harder for you with the tips shared above.
Some people are born to take on creative roles and others struggle to fit in with the confines of a traditional job. I've said it before and I'll say it until I die - we are ALL creative. But not all creatives are entrepreneurs.
For people who embrace their creative impulses, it can seem like you were always destined to pursue a different career path from the rest of society. Many people with a natural creative flair find themselves setting their own work agenda. Creative people may find their ideal role as an entrepreneur or freelancer, which allows them to work without the constraints of a traditional nine-to-five setup or to enjoy the flexibility of working to their own schedule. This may sound like the ideal way to work, but it can be challenging to keep your creativity flowing. Others, still, may only choose to pursue their creative endeavors as a hobby.
Many creative people find that they hit a stumbling block from time to time. This may mean that there are periods where they struggle to be productive and find that their creativity seems to have all but disappeared. So, what can be done when this situation strikes? Feeling that your creative juices have stopped flowing can be frustrating and pretty worrying when it is your income source. Take a look at these tips to help you recapture your creativity and regain your productivity:
When you feel stuck in a rut, and your creativity has come to a standstill, it is helpful to remove yourself from the situation. Whether you are a writer, an artist, a designer, or have an entirely different creative role, getting a change of scenery can be a big help.
Moving yourself away from the distractions of your daily life can provide you with the breathing space you need to regain your creativity. This could mean taking a break at a resort near Nashville or taking a trip to the coast. Whether you stay away for one night or a few, you should find that creating this distance is a great help.
When you use your creativity to generate your income, it is only natural that you want to deliver the best work every time. When your business and reputation depend on your creative abilities, it can be even more challenging when your creativity dries up. While this is never an easy situation, it can be helpful to ease the pressure on yourself. Putting yourself under excessive pressure to be perfect will only cause your creativity to dry up. Instead, it can be helpful to let go of this pressure and to be kinder to yourself.
Rather than trying to create your best work, it can be helpful to simply focus on creating some work. This means your work does not need to be perfect; you simply need to create something.
The work you produce may be incomplete, messy, or even nonsensical. However, the important thing is that you got started and produced something. This work then provides you with a foundation to work on, safe in the knowledge that your creativity will soon start to flow again.
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Let's talk about something we all know deep down: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to success in business. It's all about finding YOUR way and embracing your unique creative spirit (within legal boundaries, of course!). But hey, let's be real; carving out your own path can be a bit challenging, especially if you're a Fusion creative like me. No matter where you fall on the creative spectrum, if you're feeling a little lost on your journey to success, I've got you covered!
In this episode, I'm sharing five exercises that will bring clarity to your life and business. Trust me; they're game-changers! Tune in now to discover your path to success and get ready to unleash your creative freedom!
In this episode, we are talking about:
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Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
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It can be hard to find suppliers when starting a new business. Often times, particularly for product-based businesses, you've got to contend with minimum orders, set-up fees, and prototyping costs. That can be a big hurdle. The suppliers you use contribute directly to how well your business grows. Here are a few places to look:
Trade shows are one of the best ways to find what you need. There are usually products on display, so you can get up close with the samples and see if they fit what you need. Check the industry perodicals in your niche to find out when there are exhibitions. You should also check for attendance by industry leaders such as LOC Scientific for specialist products, such as lab design. You can often get a list of attendees far in advance when you book. If the people you think you might want to work with aren't there, it's probably not worth attending.
If you're a local business, you may rely on local support. And it helps to give something back by supporting other local businesses. Business-specific trade directories are a great way to find local suppliers. And the best thing about these is that they are very easy to find compared to using a search engine. A directory is often niche-specific, so you typically don't get convoluted results. Additionally, there is no ranking system or algorithm, so all are listed regardless.
Of course, Google and other search engines can be a great way to find suppliers. And they are also free, unlike some directory services. Any business worth using will have an online presence with at least a website. However, because of the way search engine algorithms work, it can be hard to find what you need. So, you must use keywords correctly when looking for a local supplier. And don't forget to read reviews and testimonials carefully before using a company.
Word of mouth is a very powerful thing in business. Most people will trust what others say about a service. So, much so that a survey of 40,000 consumers found that 80% use a business based on what others say. And today, social media is also a powerful tool for this. Most businesses and suppliers will have a social media account. So look at what others are saying. You can even use specific hashtags such as #LocalSupplier to find a supplier you need.
The web is full of data. And there are some sites that offer a quick snapshot of a specific business. So you can check these when looking for a supplier. Sites such as Clutch also rank local businesses and suppliers according to certain metrics. Or you can use industry-specific ranking sites. For example, Lumanity can help you find solutions for medical and healthcare supplies. These sites often only recommend and support the very best in your chosen industry.
There are a variety of ways to find the suppliers to get your business growing. Attending trade shows is great for networking; Google can give you quick results, and you can also use industry-specific reports. Above all, however, make sure that the people you're doing business with are a good fit for the mission, values, and purpose of your business. There's nothing worse than enlisting the support of a vendor who turns out to be problematic to your business or the world at large. Do your due diligence and build something you're really proud of!
Ready to break free from the ordinary and tap into your magical potential?
In the latest episode of the Creative Freedom Show, we're diving deep into the world of Undervalued Unicorns - those extraordinary creatives who are making waves but still flying under the radar.
Does that sound like you? Then you might be an Undervalued Unicorn. Tune in to the podcast and learn how to EMBRACE your inner Unicorn and STOP being Undervalued.
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
Woo to the hoo! It is Season 8, my friend! We are kicking off the season with the most frustrating and yet important topic I could ever share with you:
Business models.
I know. I know. You’d probably prefer to talk about anything else. But let me remind you that, whether you like it or not, you’ve already got a business model if you’re bringing in any income from your business.
The question, though, is whether or not it’s working for you.
So, is it? Working for you, I mean? Stay with me, and I’ll show you how to fix the top 6 business model mistakes I see with Creative Entrepreneurs.
In this episode, we are talking about:
Rising Tide community members can login and access your free downloads here.
Not a member yet? It's free! When you register for the Rising Tide, you also get email updates, the FREE learning library, and access to episode transcripts, worksheets, and more!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
Theme music: “Big Time” by Ikoliks, Artlist.io
Woo to the hoo! Creative Freedom Season 8 launches next week!... and we are kicking things off with the most frustrating yet important topic I could ever share with you! You don't want to miss it, so stay tuned!
Special thanks to our Patrons for your continued support.
"About Damn Time" is a parody of "About Damn Time", originally recorded by Lizzo. Parody lyrics by Lisa Robbin Young.
I've noticed a trend in my email inbox recently...
Even the high-ticket, luxury sellers are seeing belt-tightening behaviors in their audience. One high-end business consultant I know piled on a bunch of bonuses for their intensive, slashed the price by 25%, offered a longer payment plan than normal and still had "ONE SEAT LEFT" for their offer at the cart close deadline. They followed it up the next week with a group version of the same offer - something they've "never done before".
They kept using those words: "I've never done this before."
So no, it's not just you. Selling anything right now is requiring more effort for most folks.
Especially folks who don't have their business model figured out.
A rock-solid business model is essential if you want to achieve your goals and dreams. If you're a creative entrepreneur, you might not be focused on that aspect of your company.
I get it. Many folks are turned off and their eyes start to glaze over when I even mention the words. But it's the crux of how business gets done.
A business model is essentially the plan that outlines how your business will make money. It's the strategy you'll use to attract customers, deliver value, and generate revenue.
Now, you might be thinking, "But I'm a creative entrepreneur, why do I need a business model?"
Well, the truth is, having a solid business model is just as important for creative entrepreneurs as it is for any other business owner. In fact, I would argue that it's even more important.
Simply put, it's the foundation of your business. It's how you make money, who your target customers are, and how you deliver your product or service to them. Here at Creative Freedom HQ, we use a simple "equation" to help you create a business model that works for how you're wired to work:
It's a flexible framework that lets you lean into what matters most to you. It's much easier to navigate than most of the business model design tools out in the world right now.
Without a solid business model, your business is like a ship without a rudder. You may have a great product or service, but if you don't know how to reach your customers and generate revenue, you'll be steering in circles, and getting nowhere fast.
A business model helps you stay focused. When you have a clear understanding of how you're making money and who you're serving, you can concentrate on what matters most - delivering value to your customers, generating revenue, and enjoying the fruits of your labors!
A solid business model also makes it easier to make decisions. You'll know exactly who your target customers are and what they want, so you can create offers that meet their needs without a lot of extra spaghetti throwing!
And perhaps most importantly, a rock-solid business model helps weather the ups and downs of the market. With a clear understanding of your revenue streams and customer base, you'll be able to make informed decisions that keep your business profitable and growing.
That means you'll spend a lot less time scrambling to create revenue during the inevitable belt-tightening periods!
I like to say that if you're making any money in your business, you have a business model. The better question is whether or not it's working for you.
Taylor Swift is not just a talented musician, she's also a savvy businesswoman. She's moved from country to pop music and built a brand around her music. Swift knows her audience, and she adapts her business model to stay ahead of the game.
Business models evolve as you evolve. Take Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, for example. He's not a wrestler anymore. And he's not just an actor, either. Johnson built a personal brand around his larger-than-life personality. He then parlayed that into physical products like tequila. He's evolved his brand and his business model several times since his wrestling days.
What if you're not famous (yet)? Well, the same principles apply. Whether you're a freelance writer, a graphic designer, or a photographer, having a solid business model is essential if you want to succeed.
A solid business model will help you:
In our Rising Tide Community, we have a workshop that walks you through the process step-by-step. And the best part? Our business model workshop is available on demand, so you can take it at your own pace.
If you're not already a member of the Rising Tide Community, we're currently offering an open house, which means you can try our learning library and connect with other members in the community at no cost. Come play with us!
Regardless of whether you join us or not, it's important to have a rock-solid business model that works for how you're wired to work. Otherwise, you'll be launching, re-launching, and throwing spaghetti on the wall just to hit your income goals. And that's pretty exhausting!