We Needed More Clients. Here’s What We Did.
In 2024, we booked $260,000 in NEW business that we could track back to one specific lead generation strategy.
Not ads. Not content marketing. Not SEO.
All good things, of course, and even things we worked on last year, but what generated that much NEW business (ie, new clients, not repeat buyers or ongoing payments) was something very different:
It was all through INTENTIONAL networking— not to be confused with all the other kinds of networking that conjures up images of business card pushers awkwardly balancing cheese plates while looking over your shoulder for a “more important” person to talk to.
Barf.
Intentional networking is pretty much the opposite of that. It’s all about building genuine relationships.
Here’s how we did it—
Angela and I knew we needed to foster more connections in 2024. So when January rolled around last year, I made it my personal goal to get to know 100 new people through business coffee chats during the year.
We also showed up in the network we founded, The Prosper Network, AND in other quality networking groups we connected with.
We focused on showing up consistently, not just when we needed something. We checked in, offered help, commented on people’s posts when it was relevant, cheered them on, encouraged them, and stayed top of mind in a way that felt natural and authentic.
Relationships, to us, aren’t transactions; they’re investments in the lives of real people—and we continue to treat them that way.
We got comfortable asking. We asked for podcast guesting spots, to present in other people’s communities. We made it a point to ask for introductions to others who might benefit from our services. If you’re doing good work, don’t be shy about asking your happy clients to spread the word. People are more than willing to connect you when they see the value you bring. We love profit sharing with our referral partners as a sign of our deep gratitude. AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHO PEOPLE KNOW!
We were generous in our own introductions and connections– something we’ve always done, well before we ever even joined forces to create this company. If we knew someone who could help someone we knew, we made the connection. When you’re known as a connector, a helper, and a generous spirit, opportunities naturally come your way because you’ve already deposited so much trust in the tank of goodwill between you and your colleagues.
And maybe most importantly, we maintained these relationships. Networking isn’t a one-and-done deal. We nurtured our connections with regular touchpoints—a quick email, a coffee chat, or even a simple “How’s it going?” Voxer note. Staying engaged keeps the relationship alive and thriving.
The results?
Well, $260K in new business, PLUS— repeat retainer business, a launch that exceeded our expectations in the final weeks of the year, and of course, a growing network of people who believe in what we are doing and trust us to deliver.
That is not something we take lightly.
If getting more clients enrolled in 2025 is one of your goals, we are here for it.
Don’t stop working on your sticky opt-ins and beautiful funnels.
But, also…
Be sure you set aside and prioritize the time to invest in relationship building this year.
Track who you talk to and who enrolls this year.
You might surprise yourself with your results!
TRY THIS:
Create a “coffee chat” 30 minute booking link in your calendar. (Not sure what to say when you get on zoom with someone? This might help!)
Send messages to people on Facebook/Linked In/Instagram/in your paid group programs who you “know” but don’t really know well. See if they’d like to meet with you.
Learn more about how we are gathering a community of like-spirited, established women in business— consultants, course creators, service providers, thought leaders, corporate leaders, artists, mental health professionals, and more— who all believe business should be done with generosity and reciprocity for all our collective expansion.
Ready to grow your network in a way that doesn’t feel smarmy? Get our free PROSPER NETWORK EXPANSION GUIDE.