As an entrepreneur, you know that not every client is a fast action taker.

• Some clients need time and nurturing before they are ready to say ‘yes’

• They need to ask you millions of questions before they trust in your process

• Or they are patiently waiting to see that you’re legitimate and not just looking for a quick sale

Our tendency is to want to ‘convert’ every single client that comes into our world, however we must remember that every effort we make is planting a seed for the future.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the importance of nurturing your community, your audience and your prospective clients.

As the old saying goes, "It takes money to make money."

And while that may be true to some extent, it's also true that it takes time and effort to nurture your clients and grow your business.

You may be wondering why you should bother nurturing your clients if they're not going to be ready to buy right away.

The answer is simple: because you never know when they might be ready.

By connecting with your clients, touching base every few weeks and building relationships with them, you're laying the foundation for future business deals.

Think of it this way: if you were considering buying a new car, would you rather buy from a dealership that you've been dealing with for years and have built up a rapport with, or from a new dealership that you just found out about?

The answer is obvious.

The same goes for your potential clients.

If they know, like, and trust you, they are far more likely to do business with you when they're ready.

There are many ways to nurture your clients. Some methods may take more time than others, but all of them will pay off in the long run.

Here are some tips on how to nurture your clients:

1) Stay in touch regularly.

Whether you stay in touch via email, social media DM;s, or good old-fashioned snail mail, make sure your clients know you're still around and haven't forgotten about them. A simple "Hey, I’ve Been Thinking About You" can go a long way towards maintaining relationships.

You can also send them updates on what's going on in your business and invite them to events or webinars that might be of interest to them.

2) Offer incentives for referrals.

If one of your clients refers a friend or colleague to you, offer them a discount on their next purchase or a freebie as a thank-you for supporting your business. This is a great way to show your appreciation while also growing your client base.

3) Get personal.

In today's impersonal world, taking the time to get to know your clients on a personal level can really set you apart from the competition.

Ask about their families, their hobbies, their pets… anything that will help you connect with them on a human level.

You may even want to consider sending them handwritten notes from time to time instead of (or in addition to) emails or text messages. This small gesture can really make someone feel valued and appreciated.

4) Be available when they need you.

When one of your clients reaches out to you with a general question or concern, respond with something of value if you can.

This shows them that you're invested in their success and that you care about providing great customer service.

They'll be far more likely to remember this next time they need something that you provide.

Nurturing your clients doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming; it just requires some effort and planning on your part.

By staying in touch regularly, offering incentives for referrals, getting personal, and being available when they need you, you'll lay the groundwork for future business deals…and maybe even create some lifelong fans along the way!