Apart from direct sales, here are things that you could try:
- Be present in conferences and seminars where your customers are present – ideally, try to get a speaking slot on a panel
- Write a blog or a ‘though leadership’ piece in an industry relevant publication
- Make sensible comments or write sensible answers on questions on LinkedIn groups
- Use PR well… celebrate your early successes [early adopters are the most difficult to get, but post that many more customers are usually comfortable trying out a solution when they know that others have tried
- Request your initial customers to be your brand ambassadors – get testimonials – publish those with their photographs on LinkedIn and your official Facebook page – tag these early customers – of course with their permission
- Ask for warm introductions from early customers… even from those who do not buy from you but were impressed with the product/solution
- Ask for warm introductions from ALL your relevant contacts – father-in-law, neighbour’s brother’s uncle, ex-bosses, ex-clients, ex-vendors, etc. – literally anyone who you think may be able to make a warm introduction should be requested to make one. You never know which particular contact could change the fortunes of your startup.
Invest in creating well-designed communication material – digital or printed. Practice your pitch well – focus on the value proposition, not just product features.
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