Finding new customers is the biggest challenge for all of us. Developing sales leads, attracting new clients, getting our message across. These cause sleepless nights for most entrepreneurs nowadays.

The Internet offers us new opportunities to reach more people, more easily and more effectively. Businesses staking out a place on the Internet now will build lasting competitive advantage. On the other hand those waiting for for others to lead will forever be catching up. The opportunities aren’t emerging – they’re here, today, now.

Benefits

At costs close to zero we can find new customers wherever they hang out. We can present our offer to prospects in multiple dimensions, letting buyers choose which is most appropriate. We can be there when they’re ready to buy, without being in their face when they aren’t. Our new clients don’t want to interrupted and pitched at. They want to research, understand and choose when to buy. The Internet lets us be where they can find us, whenever that is.

Challenges

Opportunities never come without challenges. In this case it isn’t money, the whole world is finding ways of doing more for less. Exploiting the Internet involves overcoming other obstacles – time, courage, flexibility and most of all culture shock. It needs research – there are new tools and services emerging every day. It involves trying out new ideas, finding out what works. It takes a new attitude – honest, open, sharing, conversation. And it involves being on-line. We have to forget about those desk topsoftware tools. We have to be connected and probably 24X7.

Road Map

Getting from confused observer to power user isn’t easy. The Internet doesn’t stand still waiting for everybody to get on the bus. New customers aren’t standing still either. They’re finding new ways to buy. At the extremes The Internet spins faster everyday. Tentatively exploring the more popular concepts today will see us being left behind. We need to somehow catch up with the outer edges, and then run like crazy to keep up. Without losing our shirt in the process.

Risks

Today’s Internet is like the 18th century Wild West. There aren’t many rules, but are plenty of rogues preying on pilgrims – some of them big, reputable names. The on-line world is teeming with self proclaimed experts pushing scams to exploit us. There are even more selling 1990’s solutions to 2,000’s problems. Knowing who is saying what, and whether it’s credible, will prevent us losing our shirt but that’s easier said than done.

Choices

Anybody wanting to develop sales leads and attract new customers needs to be out there They have choices about how to get there.

• Get involved. Do the research. Make the mistakes. Swallow the costs of the learning curve.
• Get consultants. Pay the fees. Call Us 
• Join our Insiders programme. Get the inside track from coaches. Get on with the day job while we watch, evaluate, interpret, and translate the good stuff into a fast track to competitive advantage.

Insiders

For the last three years we’ve been exploring, discovering and confirming what works. We spend hours every day looking for new ideas and trying them out. All of our experience we share with our insiders, so they can fast track to the new dimensions. We reduce their costs, their risks, and their threats. And when they need help, we’re there for them with consulting, software and services.

The Widespread Solutions Insider programme is a fast track, low cost solution for businesses wanting to exploit the Internet to win new clients and customers. A database of ideas and services proven to work. A coach on the end of the phone. A research resource when an idea needs to be explored. A way of staying current while still getting the job done.

Does it work? – Check our case study Business Growth with Rainmaking and see for yourself.