Finding and attracting clients

What strategies are effective for our community in securing new client engagements? We recently organised a sharing session; here are some key takeaways.

I wanted to share some insights from a recent session we had in our community about finding and attracting clients. Since we are all on this rollercoaster ride of working for ourselves in the impact space, we shared what's been working for us, the challenges along the way, and how we're navigating through them. There's much more to it, but here are some of the main takeaways.

In IMMA we often talk about business development as planting seeds. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

The Golden Thread: Personal Introductions

A recurring theme in our conversation was the unmatched value of personal introductions. A carefully crafted introduction is more than a lead; it's a vote of confidence, a prelude to trust. The lesson here? Cultivate your network, not just when you need something, but nurture genuine connections consistently. And when you ask for an intro, do the hard work to make it easy by providing the information they need.

Nurturing Over Time: The Long Game

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a solid client base. Some seeds take longer to sprout. Follow-up isn't just a step; it's a strategy. Consistency and genuine interest in your contacts' challenges, something cool you are working on, or a neat article you found can, over time, turn conversations into meaningful projects.

For seedlings to grow you need to water them consistently, the same goes with your relationships. Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Buddy Up

Finding people who complement what you do can open up new avenues. These collaborations aren't just about expanding your offer; they're about creating new value for clients and learning from adjacent fields. Look for partners who align with your values and vision, and consider how you can jointly solve more significant client challenges.

Visibility With Authenticity

Talking about what we do online can feel icky, but sharing your genuine experiences, projects, and lessons learned along the way can attract like-minded clients. This approach isn't about self-promotion; it's storytelling with a purpose.

Embracing the Messy Journey

Our discussion was candid about the hurdles we face, from defining our niche to speaking to diverse client types and geographical reach; it’s easy to feel scattered. Also, the struggle with balancing the desire to evolve with the practicality of leveraging past successes. What we found? Lean into what you're known for while gently pushing the boundaries. Your past work is your springboard, not a chain.

At the end of the day, we're all trying to do great work in a world that desperately needs it. Sharing our ups and downs, our successes, and challenges makes us reflect, learn, and feel less alone.

Thanks to everyone in our community for sharing, supporting, and growing together. 🫶

Join Us?

If the idea of pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and being part of a supportive community excites you, we're here. Because at IMMA, it's all about making change, not just waiting for it.

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The shortcut

To sum things up and inspire you:

1. Expand Your Network: How can you actively seek or provide thoughtful introductions?

2. Patience and Consistency: How can you make sure to follow up consistently and nurture relationships over time with updates and insights?

3. Share Your Journey: What of your past and current work and projects can you share online? How can you give insights into your process and approach?

4. Strategic Partnerships: Who could you partner with that complements your skills or service offering?

5. Transform Challenges into Opportunities: Where do you currently feel stuck? What would be the next best step forward? What excites you when you think about the future of your business?

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Interesting opportunities for you

Every week, we comb through numerous job boards to find freelance opportunities, saving our members hours of time. Here is a selection of 10 opportunities for this week.

Digital Producer - Outlandish
📍 North London office preferred, or remote with regular office visits
💰£250-£350/day based on experience
⏰ ASAP

Communications Manager - BuildPalestine
📍 Remote
⏰ ASAP

Marketing Specialist - Homeworld Collective
📍Remote (US-based timezones highly preferred)
💰 $50-$60 per hour
⏰ ASAP

Communication Consultant - WINGS
📍Remote
⏰ 26th of February

Communications and Marketing Coordinator - Digital Public Goods
📍Remote
💰 $45,000 - $50,000 USD
⏰ 29th of February

Associates - Facilitators, Project Manager - Reos Partner
📍Europe, North Africa, or West Asia.
⏰ 1st of March

US Corporate Program Manager - The Week
📍US
💰 $60,000
⏰ 28th of February

Assistant - Home Collective
📍Remote
💰$40-$50 per hour
⏰ ASAP

Consultant for VACS Data Dashboard - Together For Girls
📍Remote
⏰ 26th of February

Sales Development Lead - Optera
📍Remote
💰 $5,000/Month
⏰ ASAP

✨✨✨ We've shared 700+ freelance gigs and need your input! In just 1 minute, share your experience and help us measure our impact. ✨✨✨

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Behind the Scenes at IMMA:

• We've hit a milestone – over 1,800 readers of this newsletter! A heartfelt thanks to each of you.

• Last week’s 'Explore IMMA Sessions' was inspiring, filled with incredible stories and connections from around the globe. If you're pondering whether IMMA is the community for you, don't hesitate to join our next session.

• I recently applied for a coaching program and, though I wasn't accepted, it spurred me to define IMMA's vision in a pitch deck, bringing much-needed clarity. The journey often holds more value than the destination, and deadlines can be the perfect catalyst for action. 😅

  
  Thank you for being here and reading, I appreciate you.

  
  Lilli

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