How to Turn Your Current Employer into Your First Big Client

Sales

Jun 11

n the world of entrepreneurship, the journey from being an employee to becoming your own boss is often filled with blurred lines and exciting overlaps. For three years, I juggled a full-time job while also (not so) secretly building my own business.

Then came the big leap. I gathered enough courage to say goodbye to my 9-to-5 job and dive headfirst into my entrepreneurial dream. Those first few years? Well, they were a mix of trial and error, figuring out the best ways to market my business and how I could actually make money from it.

But then June 2021 marked a huge turning point for me. I went from grinding it out as a solopreneur, to generating my first $100K in revenue and hiring a team of contractors. So what caused that turning point? Focusing on the companies I'd already built a rapport with (i.e. my past employers) and turning them into my first major clients.

That sounds easy right? But it was all about using the skills I had sharpened, the experiences I had gathered, and the relationships I had nurtured while I was still an employee.

So how exactly can you do this for yourself, here are a few tips:

For Businesses Solving A Direct Issue Your Employer Faces:

Excelling in Your Role: The first step in this transformation is to excel in your current role. Demonstrating exceptional skills and a strong work ethic can pave the way for future opportunities.
Example Email for Pitching Services: "In my role at [Company], I've successfully led [Project Name], resulting in [Specific Achievements]. As I transition into [Your Business Area], I'm excited to offer these skills to enhance our company's [Specific Area]. Let's discuss how we can collaborate further."
Networking Within the Company: Building relationships across various departments is crucial. It's about understanding the broader challenges the company faces and how your future business can address them.
Example Talking Point for Networking: "I've noticed that our department frequently encounters [Specific Challenge]. In my business, I'll be focusing on solutions in this area. I'd love to explore how my expertise can continue to contribute to our company's success."
Identifying and Solving Company Challenges: The final step is leveraging your insider knowledge to offer tailored solutions. Identifying the company’s pain points and presenting your business as the solution can turn a former employer into a client.
Example Pitch for Addressing Challenges: "During my time at [Company], I identified key challenges such as [Specific Challenges]. My new business specializes in providing solutions in these areas, and I believe a partnership could be mutually beneficial."

For Businesses Not Directly Solving A Problem Your Previous Employer Faces:

Develop a Unique Value Proposition: Your product needs to stand out in the market. Identify what makes your product unique, whether it's the design, functionality, sustainability, or something else. This unique value proposition should resonate with your target audience and address a need or desire that isn't currently being met by other products in the market.
Leverage Social Proof and Testimonials: Word-of-mouth and social proof are powerful marketing tools, especially for new products. Collect testimonials and reviews from early users, and showcase these on your website and social media. This builds credibility and can significantly influence the purchasing decisions of potential customers - including your past employers.
Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with businesses or influencers that align with your brand values and have an established audience. Use this as a way to showcase the impact you’re already making to your past employers.
Tie It Into The Company’s Initiatives: To make the most impact, you need to market your products or services as something your past employer needs immediately. Think about the initiatives your company has, celebratory days, or even employee benefits. Find opportunities to insert your products or services in a way that makes sense. For example, if you’re opening a yoga studio, you can pitch that your previous employer sponsor a session for current employees as a part of their commitment to employee well-being.

In addition to these tips, remember that the timing of your pitch is crucial. It’s best to approach them when you are transitioning out of the company or have already left. This avoids conflicts of interest and maintains a professional boundary. Also, ensure that your product or service is ready and can deliver the results you promise. This is essential to maintain trust and build a lasting client relationship.

This journey from being an employee to an entrepreneur is unique and filled with potential. It requires strategic thinking and a willingness to leverage existing relationships. For those aspiring to make this transition, remember: your current role is more than just a job or a paycheck. It's a platform for future business opportunities. Your journey might be different, but the principles of hard work, networking, and problem-solving remain universal. Embrace your path and let it lead you to entrepreneurial success.