A few weeks ago, while sending an invoice to a major customer of mine, a very influential Dutch NGO, I decided that it would be a good idea to include a few of my business cards, together with a note saying, “Hi xxx, I’m including a few of my business cards. If, by any chance, you happen to know someone who needs my services, please do not hesitate to pass one on to him or her. Many thanks, Jonathan”.
Yesterday, I received a phone call from a lady working for another Dutch NGO. “Hi Jonathan”, she said, “I just got your phone number from xxx. We’re looking for a translator to work for us on a regular basis…”.
Like me, as a freelance translator, you probably can’t afford to spend a fortune on marketing campaigns. The solution is simple: use your satisfied customers: make them your best ambassadors. Word of mouth is a marketing tool that’s as old as the hills, but you don’t have to wait for it to happen by itself, you can stir it into action.
All it takes is a little imagination to come up with any number of ways you can ask your clients to become your ambassadors. Who knows, they may even be flattered by the knowledge that you think their opinion carries such weight. It costs nothing and it works wonders!
Try it and share your experience here!
Filed under: Marketing | Tagged: Business, Clients, Marketing
