If you are an educational technology consultant, you know how important it is to have a steady flow of clients who need your expertise and services. But how can you build a strong network of clients who trust you, value your work, and refer you to others? Here are some tips to help you grow your client base and reputation as an edtech professional.
The first step to building a strong network of clients is to identify your niche and focus on it. What are the specific problems, challenges, or goals that you can help your clients solve or achieve with educational technology? What are the tools, platforms, or strategies that you specialize in or have experience with? How can you differentiate yourself from other edtech consultants who offer similar services? By defining your niche, you can target your marketing efforts, showcase your expertise, and attract clients who are looking for your solutions.
Most relationships within the sector are built on trust. Be clear about what specific needs you can help address, signpost your areas of expertise and where possible, share testimonials, case studies and more, the landscape rightly is now focused on evidence informed educational technology and services. Attend lots of events, make sure you understand the sector, the current challenges and then speak to lots of people. Then join in the conversations (in person or online), identify who the right stakeholders are that you need to engage with, start to add value, build trust based on what you can share to help them, and then that will allow you to develop your contact base and PLN in parallel.
Building a strong network of clients as an educational technology consultant involves showcasing expertise through thought leadership, attending industry events, nurturing relationships with stakeholders, offering valuable insights and solutions, leveraging social media and professional platforms, and seeking referrals from satisfied clients.
One of the best ways to build trust and credibility with potential and existing clients is to create valuable content that showcases your knowledge, skills, and insights on educational technology. You can create blog posts, podcasts, videos, webinars, ebooks, or courses that address the common questions, needs, or interests of your target audience. You can also share your content on social media, online forums, or newsletters to reach more people and generate leads. By creating valuable content, you can demonstrate your value, educate your clients, and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.
Another way to build a strong network of clients is to network and collaborate with other professionals in your field or related fields. You can attend events, conferences, workshops, or webinars where you can meet and connect with potential clients, partners, or referrals. You can also join online communities, groups, or platforms where you can interact with other edtech consultants, educators, or learners. You can also collaborate with other consultants on projects, proposals, or resources that can benefit your clients or expand your reach. By networking and collaborating, you can build relationships, learn from others, and create opportunities for yourself and your clients.
Nearly all of my instructional design clients have come to me through word of mouth referrals. When you provide this type of work, keep in mind that you are typically working with a high-level client that has reached a certain level of success in their industry. By nature, a professional who has reached this level in their industry will also have a network of colleagues who are in a similar field. First, place all of your focus on adding immense value to your client. Once you've achieved this, remember to be active to ASK for the referral. When you've done great work your clients are thrilled to refer you (it makes them look good, after all!). Don't leave it to them to ask or think of it, make sure to ask for their referral.
One of the most effective ways to build a strong network of clients is to ask for feedback and testimonials from your current or past clients. You can ask them to rate your services, provide suggestions for improvement, or share their success stories with you. You can also ask them to write reviews, recommendations, or testimonials that you can use on your website, portfolio, or social media. You can also encourage them to refer you to their colleagues, friends, or contacts who might need your services. By asking for feedback and testimonials, you can improve your quality, showcase your results, and increase your referrals.
If you are in a position that works directly with students and families, feedback and testimonials are critical for business. Prioritizing your clients and adopting their goals as your own can help you build a strong client network.
The final step to building a strong network of clients is to follow up and stay in touch with them. You can send them thank-you notes, invoices, or updates after completing a project or delivering a service. You can also send them newsletters, articles, tips, or resources that are relevant to their goals or interests. You can also reach out to them periodically to check on their progress, offer your support, or propose new ideas or opportunities. By following up and staying in touch, you can maintain your relationship, add value, and generate repeat or new business.