When I first started selling to corporate clients, I had so many doubts.
- Why would executives want to work with me?
- Am I even good enough to land a corporate deal?
- What if I mess this up and look unprofessional?
Sound familiar? If you’ve had these thoughts, you’re not alone. I’ve heard the same questions from so many women I’ve worked with. These doubts can feel overwhelming, but here’s the thing: they’re not true.
Corporate clients aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for solutions, expertise, and people they can trust. And you already have everything you need to connect with them. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being prepared and strategic.
Over the last 20 years, I’ve sold to corporate clients across industries like banking, consumer goods, and education. In the past five years, I’ve coached women entrepreneurs who started with zero confidence and went on to land five-to-six-figure deals. These are the five strategies that have worked the best for women just like you to confidently approach corporate clients and build long-term partnerships.
1. Leverage Your Existing Network
One of the biggest myths about selling to corporate clients is that you need a huge network of executives to get started. But the truth? You already have access to more connections than you think. Friends, family, colleagues, and even past clients can open doors for you.
Take a moment to think about who you know. Who might know someone in the industry you’re targeting?
How to Leverage Your Network:
- Ask for Warm Introductions: Be clear about what you’re offering and who you want to connect with. Most people are happy to help if you ask.
- Reconnect with Past Contacts: Send a friendly email or LinkedIn message to former colleagues or acquaintances. A simple check-in can lead to new opportunities.
- Join Networking Groups: Look for LinkedIn groups or industry events where decision-makers are active.
Why This Works: Corporate deals often start with trust, and a warm introduction can instantly establish credibility.
What’s keeping your prospects up at night? What’s stressing them out? If you can speak to their biggest worries or opportunities, you’re going to get their attention. But AI isn’t always tuned in to the specific needs of your audience—it tends to go with what’s popular, which can make your messaging feel bland.
That’s why relying on AI alone won’t cut it. After 20+ years working with corporate clients, I’ve learned exactly what decision-makers want, and I help my clients focus on the details that matter most to their audience.
2. Differentiate Yourself with a Unique Value Proposition
Why Corporate Clients Need a Clear Message
When you’re reaching out to corporate clients, the biggest mistake you can make is sounding like everyone else. Your message needs to answer the question: Why should they choose you over the competition?
The key is your unique value proposition (UVP). It’s about understanding their problems, showcasing your expertise, and positioning yourself as the solution they need.
Take my client, A, as an example. A is a strong public speaker. Every time she speaks at an event or gets interviewed by an industry magazine, her reputation as an industry leader grows. Why? Because corporate clients see her as someone who truly understands their world. That positioning has helped her consistently attract high-value clients.
Steps to Define Your UVP:
1. Understand Their Pain Points: What challenges are they facing? Do your research.
2. Showcase Your Expertise: Highlight your unique skills and experience. For example, I focus on crafting Go-To-Market strategies that deliver results.
3. Emphasize Results: Use data, case studies, or success stories to back up your claims.
Why This Works: A strong UVP builds trust and sets you apart. It shows corporate clients you’re not just a vendor—you’re a partner in their success.
3. Develop a Targeted Outreach Strategy
Follow-Up Strategies That Work
If you’ve ever sent an email to a corporate client and heard nothing back, you know how frustrating it can be. But here’s the good news: most corporate clients aren’t ignoring you—they’re just busy. That’s why having a targeted outreach strategy is so important.
Another example is S, one of my clients, who used to struggle with follow-ups. She focused on current clients and rarely followed up with prospects. After we worked together, she realized how powerful consistency can be. By staying in touch with her prospects, she closed some of her biggest sales ever.
How to Create an Effective Outreach Plan:
• Identify Key Decision-Makers: Use LinkedIn or company websites to find the right people to contact.
• Personalize Your Communication: Mention something specific about their company to show you’ve done your homework.
• Follow Up Consistently: Persistence is key, but make sure every follow-up adds value—share tips, resources, or case studies.
Why This Works: A targeted outreach plan saves time and ensures you’re connecting with the right people. Consistent follow-ups keep you at the top of the minds of your potential clients and increase your chances of landing the deal.
4. Build Credibility Through Thought Leadership
Why Industry Leaders Attract Clients
One of the best ways to connect with corporate clients is to position yourself as a thought leader. When clients see you as an expert in your field, they’ll come to you for advice and, eventually, for business.
Take M as an inspiration. M started hosting industry summits and inviting executives to attend. These events positioned her as a thought leader and gave her direct access to hard-to-reach decision-makers. As a result, she built strong relationships and expanded her client base significantly.
How to Build Credibility:
• Share Insights Regularly: Write blog posts, create videos, or share updates on LinkedIn.
• Host Educational Events: Webinars or workshops can showcase your expertise while helping others.
• Highlight Client Success Stories: Share how you’ve solved similar problems for past clients.
Why This Works: Thought leadership builds trust and authority. It positions you as the go-to expert in your field, making corporate clients more likely to reach out.
5. Cultivate Long-Term Relationships
Why Partnerships Beat Transactions
Landing a corporate deal is exciting, but the real magic happens when you turn that deal into a long-term partnership. Repeat business, referrals, and bigger opportunities all come from nurturing relationships.
How to Build Strong Relationships:
• Stay Connected: Send occasional updates or just check in to say hello.
• Provide Ongoing Value: Share resources, insights, or tools that can help them succeed.
• Celebrate Their Wins: Recognize their achievements, whether it’s a milestone or a big success.
Why This Works: Long-term relationships build trust, loyalty, and opportunities for growth. When clients see you as a partner in their success, they’ll want to keep working with you.
How I Can Help You Achieve These Results
With over two decades of experience selling to corporate clients across industries and five years of coaching women entrepreneurs, my superpower is helping you connect with corporate clients confidently. I can help you develop a winning Go-To-Market strategy tailored to your business so you avoid costly mistakes, stop wasting time on the wrong opportunities, and achieve your goals faster. Whether it’s crafting sales messages that resonate, creating a targeted outreach plan, or building credibility that attracts decision-makers, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Land Your Next Corporate Client?
Schedule a Corporate Client Breakthrough Call with me today, and together we’ll identify three main actions you can take to improve your current sales efforts and start landing more corporate clients. Let’s make this your most successful year yet!
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