How Should I Go About Approaching Potential Clients?

[MissBossLJ]

Hello There,

Well basically I am involved in various business projects currently, and last night before i was about to go to sleep i came up with another project in which i am going to implement. I have done some market research today and it turns out my idea has not yet been implemented theirfore meaning a niche within this market. Without giving away my business module and idea. In order for this type of business to be successful i will rely directly on other businesses and self employed individuals, them in turn being the clients. The users in which will be using my business (service) will be the end consumer but in order for it to work successfully it is needed that all of the businesses sign up to this service for the market segements in which i have already outlined. So to cut it short i need to approach a variety of businesses within each of the subsequent sectors and inform them of the service in which we will be giving and how it can benefit them and their existing clientele and also help them to gaina dditional marketshare for their market by winning in new target audiences. To join we will be charging them a small joining fee and them once a consumer is put forward to them through our service they will pay us a small royalty per client. So the main question for me is how should i approach each business, and which will be the best way out of these ideas to convince them into joining the service. obviously they would wnt to know all about the company and business plan and marketing strategies etc but before if it was to get to that point how do i gauge their interest. Should i contact them by letter? or arrange an appointment or even phone the businesses?

P.s sorry if may sound confusing i just didnt want anyone stealing the idea as you never know whos out there lol.

Would appreciate any feedback on this matter

regards

LJ

[Gaulkin]

If its of value to them they will sign up, simple as that. If it actually is of value to them then it will sell itself.

[cg410]

Some thoughts:

1) Generally ideas don't sell themselves... sorry Gaulkin.

2) Your business idea will be successful not because your idea is so unique or special, but based on how you implement it. I've had dozens of clients give me NDAs before sharing their business idea, and after I've never thought, "Shit, I wish I hadn't signed that, I really want to pursue that idea." I have too many business ideas of my own to pursue, as does any entrepreneur that is good enough to steal your idea and make it work.

How do you approach clients? In general, by networking, finding them on the Internet, cold calling, direct mail, advertising, referrals, or visiting in person. For your specific clients? No idea because I have no idea what you're selling.

--Jon

[Gaulkin]

Some thoughts:

1) Generally ideas don't sell themselves... sorry Gaulkin.

2) Your business idea will be successful not because your idea is so unique or special, but based on how you implement it. I've had dozens of clients give me NDAs before sharing their business idea, and after I've never thought, "Shit, I wish I hadn't signed that, I really want to pursue that idea." I have too many business ideas of my own to pursue, as does any entrepreneur that is good enough to steal your idea and make it work.

How do you approach clients? In general, by networking, finding them on the Internet, cold calling, direct mail, advertising, referrals, or visiting in person. For your specific clients? No idea because I have no idea what you're selling.

--Jon

Who said anything about an idea? Products sell themselves all the time.

[anuragsharma]

I think you are mixing two things here - Security of your business idea and Marketing your idea. Keep them separate. There are many ways to approach your customer, which we all have read and known for a long time. What I feel is you are insecure what if a client says no and instead they themselves steal your idea and do better than you. Is this your main concern?