Many business people (particularly solo-entrepreneurs) are always on the lookout for more customers. Who isn't? (Actually I know a few, more on that another time.)

And every businessperson knows that customer growth takes time.

However, we are also told in books, seminars and workshops that it's the little things we do every day that contributes significantly to that growth.

So what are some of the things we can do today, and possibly every day, to ensure consistent customer growth in the months ahead?

Here are 5 to start with …

1. Have Purpose - normally purpose is about the grand scheme of things. "What's my purpose in life” and all that. That isn't what I'm talking about. What I mean is: with each person, contact, phone call - have a purpose. You might say have a 'mental objective' for that next catch up coffee. In the next call you make, what do you want to achieve? When you next go through your schedule create a solid priority list for that day.

2. Don't be a P.O.W. (Prisoner of Work) - what this means is that you will control your day. You will make decisions quickly and decisively. You won't let other people's agendas negatively affect yours. So decide now (yes, now!) what you'll accept and what you won't tolerate. If there is a person who constantly interrupts you, take steps to stop it happening (politely). Stay focused on your customers.

3. Decide who you want to talk to each day - suppliers, prospects, customers, colleagues. You decide who is important and make time for each of your priorities. If you put customers at the top of the tree, you'll find that's how you spend your time and energy. Write down their names each morning and make a call/visit or write a note/email.

4. Ask for feedback - thi

s is exceptional. Find 5 customers every day. Call them or send them a survey. Ask them what they thought of the service and how it could be improved. Thank them for their input and send them a hand written note to say so.

5. Ask for referrals - if you do the 4 items above you'll have created an opportunity to ask for a referral. So ask. But don't be clumsy about it. After you've done all the necessary work, ask something like: "Thanks for the information Jim. Who else in your industry do you think could provide me some feedback on this?” or, "Thanks Jane, I need to ask a few more people about the X product. Anyone you know at the Chamber who could help?”

Note something when asking for referrals: don't ask "Is there anyone who may be interested?” The field is too broad. You will have more success if you narrow the field to an area of focus like we have above: "your industry” and "the Chamber”.

If you have a Top 5 or Top 10 things you do each day, I'd be keen to hear from you.

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