How To Funnel Clients?

[chickblogger]

Hi, guys:

I have a hypothetical for you. Let's say you run a website design service and are getting an influx of clients, so much so that you have to turn some away. But you don't really want to turn them away, and instead which to somehow funnel these clients to others who are looking for work and can take them on.

What is the best way to do this? I was thinking of setting up a membership type thing where members pay me a small one time fee and I pass along client contact details. Or should it be a monthly fee? Not sure how to work it.

Any tips and advise for me on a client funnel service? I have about four right now that are looking for my service, but I can't possibly take them on as I am already swamped with work. I'm sure there are others out there who would love to take them on. How should I set this up?

Let me know.

[goxmedia]

Hi ChickBlogger,

Well, first off, congratulations on having so much interest in your service/business. That's awesome!

I would possibly consider a different approach for your situation (based solely on what I know about you from the post above).

Here are a couple of ideas:

1. Raise your prices. This will help accomplish three things (among others):
a. Segment your "herd" (Dan Kennedy reference) into a higher-end clientele.
b. Allow you to focus your time on premium projects.
c. Realize higher revenues despite fewer (and sometimes headache prone) projects (at the lower price point).

2. Bring aboard "A" team players to support your increased demand. This will take a little time since these types of employees don't grow on trees. Don't settle for less. This is your business and reputation on the line!

I always tend to shy away from sending business elsewhere, particularly when I'm not intimately familiar with the capabilities, character, or ethics of that source. Even then, there is no need (IMHO) to send business away.

You're growing and that's fantastic!

Best of luck,

[gatorx]

If you are getting more customers then increase your business; hire some more people to do the job. You are losing valuable customers by not giving them the service. Some of them would turn out to be loyal customers. And you will also lose mouths that will spread your business and attract more and more customers. You will regret if you miss this opportunity and turn away people who come to you.

You can increase the prices, as goxmedia stated, but this might be detrimental to the development of your business.

[chickblogger]

@Gregory:

I did increase my rates a tad and have one other person that helps me with my workload and do not envision or plan to add staff as that would bring on additional headaches of sort. So I suppose will have to increase my rate and take on the work I can actually do. Am still processing how best to move forward.

Thanks for your feedback. Appreciate it.

Missy

[chickblogger]

@GatorX:

Thanks for the tip and the feedback. It seems that I have a few options and now need to decide what I will do or plan to do.

Cheers,
Missy

[goxmedia]

Best of luck Missy. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll do fine.