Ask yourself these questions first:
1. Can you actually pinpoint a client who you know well enough that you can identify the product or service he or she needs?
2. Do you know a client in your database that you know exactly what product or service he or she needs that will help solve his or her problems or concerns?
3. Can you call a client and be comfortable in asking for referrals or a testimony for your marketing tool, or even ask if he or she can give your color business cards to their associates?
4. Can you use your clients as reference without even asking them for permission because you know well enough that they wouldn't mind?
5. Can you really say that your clients trust and respect you without any hesitation?
If you can answer positively to these questions, then you are indeed a fortunate business owner who can make a success out of your business.
We both have clients and customers. But one expert marketer gives this advice: if you want a sustained and profitable business, go for the clients. Focus on building relationships with clients because they are the ones that would keep your business going for a very long time.
Clients are what you need to have to help you grow your business. You might be asking, "what's the difference if you have customers or clients?" The difference is that clients stay for the long haul because they buy from you based on trust and respect, and not on the price or accessibility.
They're not like the customers who buy from you because they were persuaded by your business card printing online. They did not purchase because you happen to be in the right place at the right time that they were looking for your exact product. Your clients purchased from you because they see you as a trustworthy business that can provide them with valuable advice and guidance so they can make wise decisions and actions.
That's the difference between a client and a customer. The first one buys from you because he or she trusts you and has a relationship with you. The latter simply buys your product because he or she finds it convenient to do so.
So invest your time and energy in building relationships with your clients. A true client will help you through the long haul and will stay with you because he or she knows that you'll always be able to provide them value for their hard earned money.