My Business Journey so far. Chapter 5 : Finding Clients

My Business Journey so far. Chapter 5 : Finding Clients... and Keeping them.

Last month I told the story of how I discovered Éminence Organic Skincare.

Unbeknownst to me it would be the brand that would direct my business future.

Now I had the premises and the product ranges it was my aim to begin to build and maintain my client base.

My clients began to increase in number slowly but surely.

To begin with I could only work around my husband's shift patterns handing over parental responsibilities to him whilst he was at home.

I would set myself little targets.

For example, in the early days I worked towards making enough contacts to hopefully have one treatment to carry out per day. Or if there wasn't a client to treat I would be happy just to receive a call from someone enquiring about the treatments I could offer them. It was all baby steps...

In my attempt to spread the word I posted price lists through doors, left flyers in cafés and on public notice boards, I even featured in a few magazines. However there was nothing more effective than word of mouth ( this was years before Tonbridge Mums was established) and meeting people face to face. This I achieved in a number of ways.

My children played their part in helping me "network" (not that I realised that was what I was attempting!)

Joining Mum and Baby groups, Pre-school and then School always ensured I was constantly interacting with potential clients.

In addition I began to get brave.

Taking part in events and then organising them myself. My Christmas Shopping Event, which I held in my home from 2010, was a regular fixture for a number of years.

This was when I first realised my passion for promoting other hardworking ladies juggling their home based businesses around their growing families. My guests loved these creative ladies. Enjoying shopping in a friendly atmosphere buying beautiful cakes, decorations, jewellery, gifts, cards and so on.

After a few years this event became too popular and it was no longer possible to fit everyone in my home!

In 2015 I was extremely lucky to be given the opportunity by fellow business owner Clare, to hold my final Christmas Shopping Event in the home of her fabulous new business, The Bakehouse at 124 which is still going strong some 10 years later!

Do you recognise yourself???

I've included some photos showing the wonderful women who supported me that evening.

All these precious moments have helped me connect again and again with new customers, building and shaping my business into what it is today.

Now I'm lucky to have a wonderful loyal client base but I will not be resting on my laurels. I never forget how vital it is to nurture my clients, to never lower my standards and never take them for granted. It is essential that my clients and customers know how important they are to me and they must always feel confident that they are guaranteed the very best service I can provide. After all they have made the life I lead, possible.

Thank you for your interest and thank you for reading.

Karen

xx

Founder of Karen Alexandra Beauty and WellBeing

2a Avebury Avenue Tonbridge