The easiest way to find customers is to look for the ones that are raising their hands, asking for what you provide. One of the best forums to find those customers is Craigslist. I’ve used it to find customers that have turned into long term clients and turn up business on a regular basis.
Read Ads don’t Post Ads
The only investment you will be making will be time. Instead of posting ads and spending money, you will be reviewing ads in your niche. You’re looking for people that are asking for help that you can provide.
Once you find those people that have their hands in the air, reach out to them to let them know you can help. I consistently get about a 20% response rate from the messages I send this way. Here’s an example email that I send.
“Hi! I can help you with [NEED THEY POSTED ON CRAIGSLIST]. I have [MY RELEVANT EXPERIENCE]. I would be happy to talk to you to see how I can help you with your [PROJECT, PRODUCT, SERVICE, etc.].
You can email me directly a nat@passiveincomepress.com.I look forward to speaking with you soon!”
It’s quick, simple, and to the point. It gets results.
Prospect Regularly
Every day, new posts appear in the jobs section of Craigslist. This is the sweet spot. Focus your prospecting here.
Find the category related to what you are offering and read through the posts.
See who is asking for help you can provide. These posts might not be 100% on target, but they will provide you enough information to know if you can help.
Once you find the right prospect, send them a version of the email above to let them know that you would like to help.
Prospect Widely
Craigslist allows you to view posts outside your own local area. By clicking on the Craigslist link in the top left corner you will see a list of all the areas around the globe that have postings. This opens up a huge amount of opportunity.
If what you have to offer can be delivered virtually (most everything can these days) then you are free to approach potential customers no matter where they may be. Repeat your prospecting process in multiple locations. Create a schedule for the locations you will prospect each day. Rotate through the schedule and then start again.
With this approach, you will have a continuous supply of fresh contacts and plenty of opportunities to pursue.
Prospect Now
None of this advice will do any good if you don’t put it into action. Go to Craigslist now and try out your local area. Expand from there. Your goal is to send three messages from today’s activity.
Once you’ve done that, head over to the Passive Income Press Facebook group and let me know how you’ve done.
Now get to it!
