In the last post we talked about narrowing down your focus when you’re looking for your ideal client.
We talked about how what’s called the “shotgun approach” to marketing never works. You can’t be all things to all people.
But how do you identify your ideal client? Who are they really and how do you find them?
Find Your Ideal Client
For starters, look at all the customers you have now. Who is it you enjoy working with the most?
Are they in a certain age group? Are they men or women? What does your product do for them? Are they business owners or do they work for some one else? Are they single parents?
Demographics like age, gender. and family status and are just one part of the equation.
The other part and (probably the biggest part) of that same equation is:
What problem does your product solve?
If you have a great weight loss solution, do you work with people who have 5-10 pounds to lose and want to look fabulous for an upcoming class reunion or do they have 50, 100, 150 pounds or more to lose and if they don’t, they might not be here in 5 years.
How you talk to, market to and where you find those people who have a true obesity problem will be
light years different than the class reunion crowd.
Another example I can give you is my ideal client…you.
You’re more than likely here because you want to have your own business. You’re just starting out or most likely haven’t even started one yet. You probably aren’t sure yet what you want to do when you grow up, you just know that what you’re doing now isn’t it 🙂
You may have gotten the rug pulled out from under you when the housing market crashed like I did, but the thought of taking just any old job earning way less than you’re used to makes you want to cry.
You’re smart, you’re ambitious, you have tons of great ideas and things you love to do, but you’re not sure how to turn that into a business, a successful business, that not only earns you a great living, it allows you a great life. You’re who I love working with. 🙂
How can you find the clients you’ll love working with? You go where they are. We’re so lucky that with the internet, we have the whole world at our fingertips. There are online forums on nearly every conceivable topic, there are groups on social media like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
For those of you who prefer face-to-face interaction there’s are meet-up groups all over the country. Go online and search for the problem your product solves then add forum or blog (for a virtual online meeting) or meeting after it and then add your city.
Ex: weight loss + forum OR dog lovers + meet up + san diego
Easy peasy, right?
Here’s another example for you. Some of my ideal clients happen to be Realtors. They were really hit hard in the housing crunch and many are just barely making it, but they’re not sure what else to do. I also
happen to be a Realtor so I definitely speak the language.
(Hint: always speak to your ideal client in the language they understand(no, I’m not saying learn a foreign language). If you deal with folks primarily in one profession ie; doctors, mortgage folks,
attorneys, truck drivers, chefs; learn some of the “industry speak” that they use.
Bottom line…meet them where they are. They’ll appreciate the effort and will feel more comfortable talking with you.
And always, always, (did I say always?) come from a place of service, sincerity and authenticity. People are savvy and will spot a phony (or someone who only wants to make a quick sale) a mile away. I know that’s not you 🙂
Finding your ideal client is a breeze when you really narrow down who you want to work with and the problem you can help them solve.
Let me know any ideas or any questions you have about where you can look for your ideal client.
Then again how would you like it if your ideal client found you?…
I’ll show you how in some upcoming posts. Until then…
Make it a wondermous day!
Sonrisas (smiles),
Beth
This is the first time I’m visiting. Great information Beth! Great tip on speak your ideal client’s language and learn the ‘industry speak’…I have clients from several industries and they ‘speak differently’.
Thank you Claudia! Glad you stopped by…Welcome. The “industry speak” thing is so true and well worth the effort. Our clients really appreciate when we can relate to them where they are. Makes our job a lot easier, too 🙂 We become part of their world and not an outsider.
A very insightful article! This is something I struggle with as my niche is parenting and yet that covers so many topics…parenting for teens, toddlers, new parents, parents to be, grandparents etc. Thanks for sharing!:)
Thanks Denny! It can be tough to get your focus narrow when there are so many people you want to serve. I think you can work with several different niches, but the message gets heard more clearly when you focus on only one niche at a time.
Yes, it is very important to know who you are talking to you know the anguage they speak. Plus the difference of personaliites; sometimes it is good to speak to a snaguine who is up and joyfull; another time it I speak to a more detailed person.Something for everybody. I think we should consider all these facets, you’re right!!
Great article! So often we miss our ideal clients by trying to appeal to everyone. I know for me in the fitness and weight loss industry this is very true. Thanks for the reminder to focus!
Finding your ideal client is a great move. When you identify what they look like it’s easier to know them when you meet them.
It also helps you identify who you want to avoid.
Nice job Beth!
I have been struggling with this – I have been trying to determine who my ideal client is. I feel like I can help so many different people, however, you pointed out great reasons why I need to find them! Time to Narrow, to Broaden!
Thanks.
Paul.
Great article for me as I’ve been looking for ways to find my “ideal” client! Thanks so much for sharing!
Entrepreneurs can never hear this message enough! It’s so important to know who our ideal clients are and not be afraid to define our niche. You explain it so well.
Exactly, Olga. We have to meet people where they are to establish a relationship with them. The more we do that, the better we’re able to help them.
Thanks Jimmy 🙂 So many times as business owners we try to be all things to all people. Doing that dilutes our efforts to the point that no one hears us. Directing our message to a specific, well-defined group multiplies our chances of being understood and being able to get the right help to those that will benefit most.
Thanks AJ. You’re right 🙂 Once we know who our ideal clients are, we can spot ’em a mile away and we can give them what they need. They’ll be drawn to us instead of us having find them and the ones to be avoided probably won’t come near at all(at least not for long). 🙂
You’re welcome Jen. Once you really narrow it down and figure out who you want to work with, it’s like they start showing up everywhere. They were always there, we just didn’t see them until we were ready. Have a great one! 🙂
Thanks so much Nancy. Exactly…lots of entrepreneurs have the tendency to “spray and pray” and hope that their message is heard. By defining exactly who we serve and what our niche is, our ideal client gets the message loud and clear.
You’re not alone, Paul. Most entrepreneurs, especially those in service businesses will take on clients or customers just because they (the customers) need what we can do for them. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I’ve found over the years that I was able to do the most good and have the most fun ( and make the most money in the process…bonus! 🙂 ) when I was working with my ideal client.