How To Find & Keep The Kind Of Clients You Want!

No matter how much work you have with your existing clients, or how long your client roster is, I'm guessing there's always room for more. Or even better, several more. That's because running a small business is never a sure thing. You can't predict when you'll get repeat work, or whether a client's financial situation will change. Nor can you predict any number of other factors that affect all businesses, but can impact us small guys even more. So having a strong base of reliable clients is essential. I'm not talking about clients you've had for a one off-type job. I mean ones who are around for the long haul — who give repeat business and even better, send referrals your way. Clients who do that are the best! So how do you go about finding — and KEEPING — the ideal client? Excellent question, you've come to right place to find out!

Psychographcis & Other Fun Words!

To start with, let's talk about some strategies for finding clients in the first place. I'm covering the basics here. But hey, it's summer and if you're like me, the beach is calling, visions of drinks with umbrellas are dancing in my head, and my brain keeps trying to take vacation before my body does. So, a refresher's not a bad idea. Ok, where was I? Mai tais... wait no... clients. To land more clients, you're going to have to do some research. Start by figuring out your target market to make sure you really know what it is who comprises it. Ask... and then answer... these important questions:

Demographics: Who are your customers? What & when do they buy? What are their spending patterns?
Psychographics: (Love that word btw!) What do you know about your clients' attitudes, interests, lifestyles, etc.?
Competition: Who is your primary competition and what do you know about them? How do they compare to your business?
Product/Service: Where do you fit in the current marketplace?

Finding The Ideal Client!

Alright, once you have all that evaluation and psychology stuff figured out, you'll be in a better place to move ahead with your action plan. In order for prospective clients to find you, you must be visible. So get in their face, so to speak. Put your social media savvy to work — or put someone who has social media savvy to work for you. You can use Facebook and Twitter to spread the gospel of your business. And I don't only mean posting messages to get the word out. You can join Facebook groups specific to a particular interest, or respond to surveys on Twitter. Don't forget about good old-fashioned email as a way to re-connect with past almost-clients that you didn't quite seal the deal with. The trick is to be seen and heard so the more avenues you can take, the better.

Keeping The Ideal Client!

Now what about the keepers part of finders, keepers? A loyal client can be invaluable; that's what makes them the ideal client. Make sure you're putting energy into keeping them around. Again, social media is your friend here. The personal touch matters too, and can be far more effective than any messaging you create. Make sure you do sufficient follow-up after a job to get feedback, see if a client needs anything else, find out if they were happy with your work, etc. Also, make them feel like they're not forgotten the minute you get paid. This is where the feedback loop is helpful, along with any info you can share on an ongoing basis about the field you and they are in. You want to be seen as an expert, so act like an expert and educate them — tell them some stuff they didn't know.

Don't forget to also educate them on the services or products you provide other than what they purchased from you. For example, I might plan a fabulous wedding for clients. Chances are, they won't be having a repeat event later that year (hopefully not!), but they might throw an anniversary party, baby shower, cocktail party, work event or have friends who need help with an engagement party... and that's where I come in! I want to be the first event planner they think of, and I want to do such a good job that they feel they simply must have my help! That's how I've gotten so many of my clients — and kept them.

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

With all the effort you put into getting the ideal client, do you feel like you're too busy? Or like you're always working but not much is getting done? Your solution is right here and it's FREE!

I always say running a business means the work never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus!

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

Ideal Client – Tip #1:

Love this? Pin it to your Pinterest Business Tips Board.

"When you decide who you want to sell to, the most disciplined action that you can take as an entrepreneur is to stick to that avatar." – Bryce Prescott

Ideal Client – Tip #2:

Love this? Pin it to your Pinterest Motivation Board.

"Focus on the people you want to attract to your business and they will come." – Christine Joy

Ideal Client – Tip #3:

Love this? Pin it to your Pinterest Quotes Board.

"Saying no to a less than ideal client is always a good idea for your business." – unknown

Ideal Client – Tip #4:

Love this? Pin it to your Pinterest Business Tips Board.

"The ideal client is the one who will buy from you 90% of the time without a discount or hesitation. It's the client who will put their name on a waiting list." – Antoine B. Carriére

Ideal Client – Tip #5:

Love this? Pin it to your Pinterest Quotes Board.

"The actions you choose to take are in alignment with you and your ideal client." – Jessica Nazarali

Let's talk! I'd love to hear about your ideal client!

Do you have an ideal client? Got any helpful strategies on how to keep them around? I would LOVE to hear from you! Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week!

Oh by the way, in case you're looking for something to help with time management, we've got this fun little quiz to test your productivity. Are you a Vodka & Red Bull? A Dirty Dirty? Or a plucky Blue Sapphire? Find out which cocktail you are by taking our quiz right now!

And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

‍