Read More Great Marketing Articles
|
Finding Clients That Fit Like A Glove
Clients are a lot like pants. Some seem fine in the store but then constantly rub you the wrong way until you can't wait to rip them off.
By: Tracy Needham
Clients are a lot like pants. Some seem fine in the store but then constantly rub you the wrong way until you can't wait to rip them off.
By: Tracy Needham
·Some require a lot of fussing and tugging-and they never stay comfortable for long.
·Many fit fine, there's just nothing particularly special about them.
·And then there are your favorites...a few that seem to be tailor-made just for you. You're always happy to put them on because you know both of you will end up looking good.
Getting dressed would certainly be easier if you had a closet full of the made-for-you pants...And so would your business.
The trick is finding out who those perfect-fit clients are. Here's one way to do it:
1. Print out your client list-the ones who have actually hired you to work with them. (Skip any who have just bought products from you.) Include past clients too.
2. Rate your clients. Jot down a few positives and negatives that immediately come to mind by the client's name. Consider things like:
·Were they easy to work with?
·Did they know what they want from the start, or change their mind a lot?
·Were they knowledgeable or need a lot of educating?
·Did you look forward to doing the actual work? Why or why not?
·Were they enthusiastic about your work?
·Did they follow-through (if relevant)?
·Did they get good results?
·Did you work with one person? A team?
·Did they balk at your estimate? Pay promptly?
·Did they volunteer a testimonial or refer others to you?
·Are there ongoing opportunities to work with them? Or just a one-off project?
·How would you feel if they called today and had more work for you?
3. Pick your ideal client. Maybe none of your clients really get you jazzed. Then who would you LOVE to work with? Pick a specific person you know of and jot down all the reasons why.
4. Now analyze your notes. What consistently came up in the negative or positive columns? Overall, which projects and clients did you like the best? Why?
Which of those traits could be easily found in others? Do people in their industry or profession need (and want) your services? Or people with similar life experiences (e.g. working moms, people nearing retirement or who practice yoga)?
Finally, once you've identified some concrete traits to look for then get busy finding more clients just like them...and soon you'll be looking at a closet full of clients that fit like a glove!
Tracy Needham, founder of Compelling Communications, LLC, helps small business owners boost their business through compelling copy and marketing strategies that make the most of their time and money. Sign up for her FREE Special Report: The One Press Release You Can Write to Get Thousands of Dollars Worth of Free Publicity at www.compellingezine.com.
·Many fit fine, there's just nothing particularly special about them.
·And then there are your favorites...a few that seem to be tailor-made just for you. You're always happy to put them on because you know both of you will end up looking good.
Getting dressed would certainly be easier if you had a closet full of the made-for-you pants...And so would your business.
The trick is finding out who those perfect-fit clients are. Here's one way to do it:
1. Print out your client list-the ones who have actually hired you to work with them. (Skip any who have just bought products from you.) Include past clients too.
2. Rate your clients. Jot down a few positives and negatives that immediately come to mind by the client's name. Consider things like:
·Were they easy to work with?
·Did they know what they want from the start, or change their mind a lot?
·Were they knowledgeable or need a lot of educating?
·Did you look forward to doing the actual work? Why or why not?
·Were they enthusiastic about your work?
·Did they follow-through (if relevant)?
·Did they get good results?
·Did you work with one person? A team?
·Did they balk at your estimate? Pay promptly?
·Did they volunteer a testimonial or refer others to you?
·Are there ongoing opportunities to work with them? Or just a one-off project?
·How would you feel if they called today and had more work for you?
3. Pick your ideal client. Maybe none of your clients really get you jazzed. Then who would you LOVE to work with? Pick a specific person you know of and jot down all the reasons why.
4. Now analyze your notes. What consistently came up in the negative or positive columns? Overall, which projects and clients did you like the best? Why?
Which of those traits could be easily found in others? Do people in their industry or profession need (and want) your services? Or people with similar life experiences (e.g. working moms, people nearing retirement or who practice yoga)?
Finally, once you've identified some concrete traits to look for then get busy finding more clients just like them...and soon you'll be looking at a closet full of clients that fit like a glove!
Tracy Needham, founder of Compelling Communications, LLC, helps small business owners boost their business through compelling copy and marketing strategies that make the most of their time and money. Sign up for her FREE Special Report: The One Press Release You Can Write to Get Thousands of Dollars Worth of Free Publicity at www.compellingezine.com.
Naming A Consulting Company.....
Fish Where The Fish Are Hungry, For More Effective Marketing
Branding - How To Discover Your Brilliance And Let It Shine
4 Powerful Ways To Persuade Your Prospects
Your Brand Is Your Promise (So What Are You Promising?)
Fish Where The Fish Are Hungry, For More Effective Marketing
Branding - How To Discover Your Brilliance And Let It Shine
4 Powerful Ways To Persuade Your Prospects
Your Brand Is Your Promise (So What Are You Promising?)
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
