One of the most common things I would hear when meeting with a new client is that they want a six-figure first launch or to get thousands of customers within a few months of starting out.
Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s entirely possible to generate a thriving business with a ton of clients and a considerable revenue margin. But the challenge is to get there.
It’s not something that you can do with growth hacking techniques and marketing schemes. Yes, you can see quick results, but they will probably burn you before you reach your goal. The success stories of those who have used those techniques come from the fact that their business models align with such tactics.
Besides, when you are starting out as a business owner, you don’t need to focus on growth right away. You are testing the waters and getting to know your target audience. If you try to grow to massive proportions when your product or service is not well established, you will be heading for disaster.
Instead, the goal of your early business days is to delight your customers. To make them rave about what you are doing, even if it’s a small group.
There is this huge misconception that if you are big enough, you will always have clients, but that’s not true. People don’t buy from you because you are big; they buy from you because they love what you are doing. They buy from you because you tailored your solution to their problems.
That’s why I’m such a huge advocate of the idea of engaging with your audience to learn as much as possible from their needs. It’s all about creating more value for them so you can serve them better, and in turn, making them happier.
So instead of scaling as much as you can, I propose you focus on delighting your audience.
Do something that doesn’t scale, something that makes them feel special and heard.
Your first customers will be those who will recommend you the most especially if you do things from the heart. They will feel connected to you; they will become your raving fans, supporting and propelling your business to new heights.
I know this represents a lot of hard work, but that’s the whole point of creating a sustainable growth for your business.
Just think about it, during the holidays you get a ton of emails from different companies. Most of them wish you well, but you know it’s the same email sent to everyone out there on their list.
But then, there are those business owners that send personalized emails to each of their customers, that have a live stream just to share the moment with them, or those that send a personal message through the social networks. Those are the ones you remember.
Yes, it’s not automated, but that’s why we value their effort. It’s because those business owners took the time to be a part of your life instead of reducing you to a number in some analytics program.
So look deep into your heart, and find those things that feel both aligned with you that you are willing to do to delight your customers. Those that will make them your raving fans and will ultimately help you scale.