5 Highly Effective Tips for Entrepreneurs to Turn Neighbours into Customers or Reps!
Okay frankly speaking we never ever thought that we would ever consider how to turn neighbours into customers! Not the ones we had when we first came to UK at the least! No disrespect lol!
Roll forward 10 years and we stumble across home based business and we thought wow all our neighbours are gonna love tis. Never mind that we had never even spoken to some. After all our upline said your neighbour is anyone within 3 feet f you…Bingo. That meant everyone…Woot! How wrong we were…
Some neighbours smiled politely and said they would get back to us…then proceeded to avoid us like the plague…We dont blame them…much! We had the proverbial smarmy, salesy, we are gonna get rich already approach!
In this post we share our gaffes and how we have learned to attract the right people into our business!
So …
Want to grow your home based business or network marketing or even MLM team but don’t want to be considered smarmy or aggressively salesy?
In this episode, we share strategies on how you can turn neighbours into customers or partners without becoming anti social. You know that pushy, salesy robot…Neither do we!
Tune in to the Audio Below and Subscribe to our Podcast:
Click Here to Grab Your Free Training on How To Overcome Objections to Your Business!
So who is a neighbour? In my view it’s anyone in your locality.
According to the Oxford Dictionary a neighbour is:
“A person living next door to or very near to the speaker or person referred to…”
Yet we prefer the biblical definition from the same dictionary:
“Any person in need of one’s help or kindness…”
[bctt tweet=”“You are only as strong as your network,” “]
But how do we turn neighbours into customers? Well…
Yet following our earlier post about the mistakes I made starting a Home Business, we’re about to drop a bomb shell and say you can actually share your business with neighbours…Once you have mastered the art of Selling!
Now the assumption is you are reading this because you are either a home business owner or are contemplating one…Well if still in doubt or feeling like you may have made a mistake, stop right there for you need to see our 7 compelling reasons to start a home based business.
Why do we say this? Because there is plenty of business opportunities & resources right in your neighbourhood waiting for you to tap into. You can form a business relationship anytime and anywhere with live human beings! That girl on the B&Q till or local super market could be your next big hitter or refer your next big client…Sweet!
Although online networking has become instrumental in the way we cultivate and leverage connections, it will never replace the meaningful bonds we forge from face-to-face interaction. Nurture an extensive network within your own community, and then be bold enough to ask for the sale. So let’s talk about this as one of the ways to turn neighbours into customers or team members…
#1 Turn neighbours into customers by Asking for the sale.
We’ve talked about this before yet we feel it fits this discussion too. As entrepreneurs we must always remember that good relationships are critical to building and operating a successful business. It’s imperative that you are not only a good neighbour, but an active member of your local community. As you nurture your relationship with members of the community, don’t be afraid to directly ask for the sale.
Personal example: Julie is an active member and general secretary to our Local Ugandan community in Liverpool aka UCAL, over time we have not only created great personal relationships with several members, they are also part of our local team and customers.
The lesson here is People are more likely to consider your services if they know, like, and trust you.
[bctt tweet=”People are more likely to consider your services if they know, like, and trust you. #homebusinesssuccess ” username=”Juleskalpauli”]
I have been asked this and answered in one of my videos, and re-purposed into a “Podcast UrPowerEchoes with Juleskal” podcast you can grab the lessons on either if you’re looking to sharpen your sales skills.
Bottom line is make friends with your neighbours, genuine friendship. And you won’t find it awkward to share your business or products with them, or asking for the sale. Neither will you be attached to the outcome; Yes or Nay both are okay!
#2 Turn neighbours into customers – Volunteer in your Community
Now, this is different from the suggestion before. How?
Volunteer for conferences and community events freely, it’s called Giving! As you freely give of your time to your community, you will learn:
who they are,
what they do,
what are their pain points.
WHAT DO THEY WANT, NEED, DESIRE….
Focus on the Desires…because these we justify and go for them faster than wants or needs! Once you know who they are, you will learn who is business material and who is not. Who NEEDS or DESIRES your products/services and who may be a negative energy. Listen to your gut instinct, intuition here, very important.
And the fun bit, you will inadvertently expand your network hugely. In giving back to your community and neighbours, when you do share what you do as you will, coz they will ask…They will truly relate to your brand, a brand that has the community spirit and that is priceless for your business or team growth.
Who would you rather buy from? A stranger down the road or your “neighbour” whom you attend community events with?
[bctt tweet=”a brand that has the community spirit and gives back, that is priceless “]
Personal Example: We are part of our local parish ministry and we actively participate in the activities. Recently one of the parishioners who we had in passing told about our travel club last year, decided to purchase our product as a customer. She happily shared it with a couple of her friends who decided to purchase too. It’s a ripple effect this giving malarkey. Give and give freely. It’s in giving that we receive…So true!
So our tried and tested advice is, even if you may not have children, consider volunteering in your local school or community center. Trust us what you do may have nothing to do with revenue. Yet you are investing in your community and the rewards shall come guaranteed.
“If you show love to your community, your community will reciprocate to the benefit of your business in ways you cannot imagine.” ~ Julie Syl Kalungi
#3 Turn neighbours into customers Join a Local Meet-up Group. For the bricks and mortar Owner Share work space aka Co-working.
Again Meetups are a no brainer esp. in the USA. I joined several meetups and finally settled for two both of them on Mindset and Law of attraction! One of them called The Fellsters run by an amazing woman who has overcome cancer twice called Gill Fell find her website here. I have met some amazing people at these meetups. It was great to know that my thoughts were not loopy lol.
Gill has recommended some amazing business ladies, aka neighbours to us! In addition to meeting some amazing people. See you can turn neighbours into customers! And remember its true: the size of your network, determines your net worth! Reach out and make friends with neighbours who share your passion and enthusiasm for enterprise. People in complimentary businesses so the element of “competition” doesn’t arise…although competition in our view is healthy!
Now Sharing work space or Co-working as it’s called, involves sharing workspace and collaborating with like-minded individuals. Quite ideal for a start-up or sole-proprietor who needs office space but cannot afford the whole room or floor! While we haven’t tried this yet, we know a few solopreneurs who’ve formed great business relationships and got their co-workers and neighbours to become customers of clients. Imagine way back in high school, usually your neighbour in class became your best friend…right! Well working in the same space means two things, you get close or hate each other’s guts…chose the first will ya!
#4 Turn neighbours into customers – Welcome New Neighbours and Connect with Other Parents.
As parents of two active teenagers, we can’t resist getting to know parents of other children in their various activities groups and those in the same school as our children. They can be great people too. So what I do: I introduce myself as warmly as possible, ask about their lives, children, work, business, easy chat etc. For new neighbours I simply go knock and welcome them to the neighbourhood or drop off a welcome card with my names and address of course. A warm pie or box of fruits is usually welcome too!
And I ASK FOR THEIR Business card. I then make a point to make a social call just so my number is in their radar, and maintain a level of interest in what they are about until we are socially aligned or have a mutual interest or…If we find we aren’t compatible that’s okay too. See how easy it is to turn neighbours into customers? Its as easy as making contact and being your awesome self.
Bonus Tip:
Ever considered becoming the referrer? Esp. if your neighbour is a business owner. For instance we refer anyone looking o have their car serviced or tires checked to our neighbour who has a Garage for car repairs.
Our neighbour in turn has been a total gem in getting our cars fixed and road worthy. He also referred some of his friends to us for our primary Business. If yo wish to attract enterprising people, become that person. Give more and you will attract more.
Leverage those personal relationships for your mutual and individual businesses…heck be the Einstein and start such a group or community in your area and see your net worth grow.
Yes you can turn neighbours into customers, clients or business partners. You just gotta be BOLD, step away from your desk sometimes, meet real people without expecting anything in return, enjoy the giving and ask the right questions at the right time!
“When you embrace the responsibility to show others the way, to root them out of their complacency, you also show them that life, as seen through the lens …, is abundant, compelling and deeply fulfilling.” ~ Wayne Nugent
Have you enjoyed our tutorial thus far? then please TWEET BELOW!
[bctt tweet=”embrace the responsibility to show others the way, to root them out of their complacency ~ Wayne Nugent “]
Well, did this training on How to turn neighbours into Customers help You? If so, we would greatly appreciate it if you Like, Use the Share buttons on either side, comment below, Save/Pin it and share on Facebook
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You are absolutely amazing and deserve more…
Live. Learn. Love
Julie Syl & Pauli
Skype: Julie.Kalungi1
Email: julie[at]Juleskalpauli[dot]com
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I am not in the line of business that would require me to do this but awesome information!
Ohh we all are in that line of business where we can refer neighbours or serve them Claudette. We just dont see it that way! 🙂
This is very interesting topic! Lol. I work at home and I dont usually talk to my neighbour since I am just at home! This are very good idea.
Hey Kelly get out and talk to some people. Join some Local meet up groups and get communicating with others. It can be fun too 🙂
It makes total sense. Everyone’s a potential customer and marketing to your neighbors is easier since they’re nearby. It really just depends on your strategy and approach.
For real Carol,
Just be natural and dont be attached to the outcome. Also be ready for some weird neighbours and surprises in your hood! 🙂
Such an interesting idea! I have personally never really thought about this, but it makes sense they’re literally right there. I’m one of those people who forget that the actual, physical people are in my network too.
Hey Nadalie,
Your neighbours are at least luke warm. they are not Ice cold. So why not leverage that and get to know them a bit more, learn their pain points, determine and qualify and eiher serve or cut loose 🙂
I applaud those that can make it work. We’ve always had a policy of not mixing business with friends. Too easy to lose both.
Scott,
Dot you think your product/service is good enough for the neighbours? Afterall what can they possibly say> YES or NO and even give you a referral! Get comfy with sharing with them I would say!
Meet up groups – GREAT IDEA! Meeting like-minded people is always the best way to up your customers!! 🙂
Meet Up Groups are great GiGi,
I am a member of a bunch of them. My excuse to go out there and network, practice my communication skills and Get some fresh air too!
Its important to build good relationship with neighbors. If you are living apart for family then, in emergency or in any need neighbors play a pivotal role. I loved your tips.
OMG Neha we faced that in 2010. Neighbours can be your family and ours are really nice. We are grateful for our neighbours.
This is so timely! We just moved to a new neighborhood, and I’m getting ready to start a new business! Thank you for this post!
When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Go wow them with your love and generosity. It will pay off Kristen! 🙂
Congrats on your new home!
Thank you Julie! Great article and podcast. Your definition of neighbour as anyone “in need of help” really touched my heart. I like that expression of generosity. Kudos! Well done and well written article, written with love. Peace.
Hey Suzette,
We are taught to stereotype and put people in boxes. We dont lie that done to us though so its a mater of doing unto others. Thanks for stopping by Much appreciated !
Wow, those are some great ideas to turn neighbours into customers. I don’t see any stigma with speaking to neighbours about your business, after all, if it’s good enough for us, it’s good enough for them..
The stigma is in some people’s minds Keith and I agree if its good enough for me, its good enough for them. IF They are Open!
Great tips on making your neighbors your customers. I admit it I do not even know my neighbors names.
Woooo…that needs to change Rebecca 🙂 thanks for stopping by!
Julie Syl~
I need your neighbor. wonderful tips for all of us
Lolol Our neighbours are truly amazing people, we are blessed and grateful for them Eileen 🙂 <3
J&PK~
Great tips on how to turn you neighbors into customers. Building Relationships, Networking & Volunteering are great ways to expose your products and business opportunity to others.
We are glad you found the information useful Danielle 🙂
Julie Syl~
love the tips you shared here. thanks so much
You are most welcome Sheena.
Julie Syl~
Very great tips… I wish i know my neighbor ;(
Great tips to promote the business. Thanks for sharing
Glad you like Urvi.
J&PK~
This are amazing tips! I cant wait to apply them and start growing my busisness
These are definitely awesome tips to start generating sales from your customers in your local area! Thanks so much for sharing this Julie!
Glad to be of value Danny 🙂
J&PK~
I have done pretty good about getting people local to engage. Laci
Good on you Laci and thanks for stopping by!
J&PK~
These are great tips for any business owner!
Thank you for your kind comment!
J&PK~
I love your tips, they are a great way to tap into your existing network
Aww thank you Amy, your comments are much appreciated!
Julie Syl~
Great tips! Volunteering is always a great way to connect with others in the community.
It sure is Jennifer. Thanks for swinging by! 🙂
J&PK~
No, no, no, not my neighbors. But still a great post and tips tho.
Lollol that sounds like a mega No… But look at the definition of neighbour again Lexie 🙂
And rethink your response, coz you are an entrepreneur so need your neighbours!
J&PK~
It is very important to build relationships. Giving back is also very important. These are the things that will open doors for so many opportunities.
Exactly indeed, Its in giving that we receive, that was drummed into me and its only when I grew into our business that I understood it!
Julie Syl~
Your ideas are awesome! They are great ways to building and nurturing a network. Can’t wait to apply them 🙂
Go get em Ana, we are glad you did find value.
J&PK~
good tips. I love the idea of giving back. So perfect.
Glad you love Jessica, thanks for your time. 🙂
J&PK~
This is a great, interesting post. Definitely something to think about 🙂
Thanks for swinging by Vic 🙂
J&PK~
Boom, Great one as always.
I really gotta look into the last one. I’ve always looked at my financial institution as something that was more of a hassle than anything else. They’ll charge me for transfers. They’ll charge me for checkbooks, and for anything else they can get their crummy little hands on.
When you present it in this light then I can really see the possibilities opening up.
Cheers,
Daniel.
PS. Awesome what they’re doing in Zimbabwe, is there anyway to volunteer or donate?
Hi Daniel,
Yes sometimes banks have that tendency of becoming taxmen. BUT if you connect with a good ole banker, you will find a whole network of connections its amazing. So find out some more and connect 🙂
In Zimbabwe we have a whole Voluntour program where you actually visit and see where your money goes and do some of the work yaself..its absolutely awesome. I dont mind sharing the details. With regards to donating, Again there are several ways to do that!
Julie Syl~
These are great tips. I enjoy creating genuine relationships with people. I don’t have anything to sale.
Hi Chanelle,
We all have something to sell. Whether we know it or not. Thanks for stopping by!
J&PK~
Several have said it – relationship is key and that is one of the reasons why I have stayed away from MLM. My experience was that the “relationship” was good or important for as long as I was meeting quota/goals. I am too much of an introvert and I do not follow people well, especially those who are only in it for how much they can get. Overall a great post Julie.
Hi Claudette,
You must have had horrible uplines, to feel that way. In life there is always a leader and followers, Right from the Family unit. No one is equal. Yet we are all uniquely capable of achieving our own brand of greatness. MLM just brings out some of the best and worst in people. This post though is meant for business owners, MLM or not! Thanks for your comment
Julie Syl~
I hesitate to use the word “horrible” but they were certainly more focussed on their residual income than my best interest. I felt pressured into making the upper levels even when my income was not supporting it. Yes, the tips are great for people in any kind of business and that is what makes them great. I know I will never do MLM’s again – that is just my choice but your tips are very helpful outside of that field. So, thanks. 🙂
Sorry to hear you went through a horrible experience Claudette. Sadly many uplines are simply out for the dollar and dont support their team in self development. Others give their downlines that impression inadvertently.
And maybe we can both agree that sadly many downlines dont do what they are guided to do but expect the results to magically appear in 90% of the cases.
I am so glad you find the useful in day to day bricks and mortar or home based business!
Julie Syl~
Volunteering is an excellent way to turn neighbors into customers! 🙂
It sure is Whitney thanks for swinging by!
J&PK~
Volunteering and connecting is a great way to get some name and business recognition out there. When people know you and trust you, they’ll convert.
So true Liz, Thanks for stopping by 🙂
J&PK~
I like this post. I don’t have a business so I don’t need theses tips but thanks for sharing this to those who do.
Thanks for your support Maddie, Much Appreciated!
J&PK~
Building relationships and giving back is so important and opens doors for so many other possibilities! Asking for what you want is essential!
So true Valerie, its all about being Open to receive what you want even as you give freely!
Thanks for stopping by!
J&PK~
LOL, I have worked on my neighbors…This gives me ideas to go back to them 🙂
Glad you found value Steve 🙂
Julie Syl~
i think building community & relationships go hand in hand with accuriqing new customers as once you get their trust and they get to know you they will think of you when they need the services you offer
Yes to an extent, but not always Michelle.
Unless you are Community Spirit minded and Share what you do with aplomb…otherwise how will they know who to refer to you etc etc.
J&PK~
I’ve never tried this strategy to be completely honest. I think it would be a great idea!
Glad you learn something new Eliza, now go get em 🙂
J&PK~
Great tips. Ive been thinking about joining some meetup groups to network and meet other like-minded individuals. Just need to get over my shyness
Aww Yaya,
You are awesome, uniquely made, who says everyone must be bold? we are all shy inside as we meet strangers.
remember they are also there to MEET YOU! In fact they are rooting for you to appear, beef up their network to…
So go go go How about that
Julie Syl~
I LOVE This!! You are Right On the Money Julie. Bring community to our business and NETWORK. Powerful!
Hey Tara,
Glad you agree and Lets go Network Hun 🙂
Julie Syl~
[ Smiles ] Thank you for teaching me how to turn neighbours into customers.
You are most welcome Renard! 🙂
J&PK~
Great post. It’s important to stay connected within your community and get involved. People do business with those they know, like and trust. They’ll be the first in line to be your customers.
We are glad you agree Kenny So right about people! 🙂
Julie Syl~
Very good tips, my friend works for a MLM so I will pass these onto her x
Thanks for your support Eve! We ope she see’s the light!
J&PK~
Haha I agree although some of my closest friends read my blog and they work full time. It makes me feel so happy that they take the time out to read my blog x
It works Ana,
And we need people working full time, they have the ability to accumulate some disposable income or credit to buy our goods 🙂
J&PK~
I liked the volunteer option for sure!
Glad you did Cathy 🙂 So do we!
J&PK~
awesome post Julie I will make a point of the next time when speaking to any of my neighbors to give them my blog post url and talk about what it is I do… thanks for these great tips. full of value post as always.
My Pleasure For sure LuAnn, Gad you found value 🙂
J&PK~
These are some really great tips! I too have a hard time getting my wife to read my blog posts. That said, I do tell people about my site. That said, it’s only after I get to know them. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care after all.
You said it Jon,
“people dont care how much you know until they know how much you care…” This is specially so for our closest and dearest. They are the ones who get ignored the most as we build the blogs and brands so they are the ones whom we notice their lack of interest the most too.
Its all a balance and most of all have a chat with them about your journey, dream and vision for your lives…ask for their suggestions for topics for your blog and get them looking for quotes to add…trust me they will slowly get interested and ask how the blog post with “their quote” is going! We got our daughter to blog abut her trip t London, yo should have seen her face at first..then she got into it and shared the post allover to her friends on snap chat, tweeted it all week…it was hilarious to see…He friends were so envious and also proud of her…a lil celeb in their midst on a blog that others saw and commented on wow! Now she keeps checking on “HER BLOG POST” and tweeting it…hmmm small baby steps.
Our neighbours usually tell others of what we do when we meet…some in a sarcastic way lol..yet who cares…all publicity is good publicity right 🙂
Julie Syl~
Oh no darling, not my neighbours, they better stay ignorant about what i do for living (:-
Lol, what can one answer to that other than, so be it Jub!
J&PK~
soo much value here and enjoyed every word !!~ thank you for sharing and bookmarking for further reference ♥♥
hey Sandra,
We are so glad you found the information Valuable 🙂
J&PK~
One needs to get to know their neighbours first. You just never know who needs your servics.
So true Tara,
We live in a global digital world yet have become so isolated…tied to our gadgets. Its time to bring hen community back into our lives.
Julie Syl~
Quite effective tips. Very profitable.
Thanks for your comment
J&PK~
In order to turn neighbours into customers we have to build a relationship with them and many people do not even speak to their neighbors
So true Mardene, ad what a pity that is, thanks for your contribution 🙂
I can’t even get my family (including my husband) to read my blog let alone my neighbors LOL. I love your tips, though 🙂
Robin,
Its called familiarity…has been known to breed contempt. People who know and supposedly love you, will not celebrate you until strangers do.
Your job is to work smart, and show them your blog is worth a read every so often. No prophet was believed in heir home city until they did wonders…
Your neighbours its all down to socialising with tem, find out what makes them tick, in a chit chat share what you do…and let nature work its magic on them…when the student is ready…the teacher appears!
Julie Syl~