How to Work Exclusively with Ideal Clients

 

It’s no secret that as a business owner, you want to attract

more clients to your business.  And you want to attract clients

that are the best fit for your business.  Of course it is

easier to do this when you are very clear about the specific

problems your business solves and for whom you solve them.

 

Imagine taking it one step further.  In addition to marketing

to your target group with a specific solution, think about

selecting specific clients you would love to work with and

focus on building relationships with them.

 

WHY SELECTING YOUR CLIENTS IS OPTIMAL

It can be draining on you, and your bottom line, to work with

clients who are not a good fit. Remember, you don’t have to

work with clients just because they want to work with you. 

 

When you are selective about your clients, your business will

be more profitable.  And that’s not all.  When your business

relationships are mutually beneficial, they will also last

longer.

 

When you select specific clients you want to work with, your

marketing is more focused which means better results in less

time.

 

You’re already spending time and money in an effort to reach

potential clients.  The only shift you need to make is in your

aim, and make it focused on specific people or companies

instead of a random blast into the market.

 

Think about it, it will probably take about the same amount of

time and energy to engage a less than ideal client, as it does

an ideal client that you select.  So choose to be proactive

instead of reactive.

 

WHERE TO FIND THE TIME AND RESOURCES

If you’re thinking that you don’t have any extra capacity to

take on new selected clients, I’ve got some ideas for you.

Take a look at your existing clients and see who is taking up a

lot of your time but not bringing your business very much

revenue.

 

It’s OK to let clients go if they aren’t a good fit for your

business.  This might seem scary at first and remember that

this will free up resources that can be directed to your new

select clients. 

 

You’re probably familiar with the Pareto Principle which says

that 80% of your revenue comes from 20% of your clients.

Identify your best clients and consider parting ways with

clients who are not ideal. 

 

If you’re satisfied with all of your current clients, and don’t

have time to focus on new clients, it may be time to add

additional resources.  If you’re not ready to hire an employee

you can think about outsourcing. 

 

HOW TO DETERMINE THE CLIENTS TO SELECT

First define your ideal client (if you haven’t already done

so).  Then do some research and identify the clients who fit

your profile and create a prioritized list of the people or

companies you would love to work with.  Connect with them and

begin a dialogue to see if there is a fit.

 

Are you beginning to see that you can grow your business, with

less effort, by re-evaluating your current clients and

selecting new clients?

 

Make the choice to pursue what is good for your business instead

of settling for or waiting to see what comes your way. Harness

your marketing energy and attention in a focused way to create

more profit in your business today! 

 

© Stephanie Ward, 2007

 

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