Are You Attracting Your Ideal Client?

Attract Clients Who Energize and Inspire You

Almost all business owners, regardless of business size or industry, have probably, from time to time, found themselves working with clients who drained their energy and perhaps even diminished their profit. When a business is new, this is especially true. As business owners, we have the tendency to take on any client with a pulse and a checkbook because we are trying to build a business and may be feeling the financial pressure of doing so.  It’s understandable that if you’re deciding between a less than ideal client or making monthly revenue goals, you might choose to take on the client even if, in your heart, you know the client is not a good fit for you and your business.

Changing Your Strategy: How open are you to taking the bold step of saying ‘No’ to those clients who drain your energy?  What would make you willing to consider it?  If you stop and consider the benefits of saying ‘No’ to the detriment of saying ‘Yes’ – you might be much more inclined to only accept clients who meet your ideal standards.

Here are five benefits of saying ‘No’ to less than ideal clients:

1. You open up space for those you are meant to serve.
2. You do your best work with your ideal clients and also increase the referrals you receive.
3. Your confidence increases.
4. You enjoy your work more.
5. You make a bigger difference in the world.

In Book Yourself Solid, by Michael Port, he discussed the concept of the Red Velvet Rope Policy. Establishing such a policy enables the clients who energize and inspire you to be attracted to your business and keeps out the prospective clients who are not ideal for you and your business.

To establish your Red Velvet Rope Policy, ask yourself the following seven questions:

1. What type of people do you love being around?
2. What are the qualities or characteristics you would like your ideal client to possess?
3. What do they tend to talk about?
4. What interests do they have?
5. How do they contribute to society?
6. What values would you like them to possess?
7. What else is important to you that you would like to see in your ideal client?

I encourage you to take the time to write down your answers to these questions and to begin to craft your profile. Once you have clarity, begin using the profile to evaluate who passes through your Red Velvet Rope and watch the impact on your business, your energy level, and the personal satisfaction level of you and your clients.

About the Author: Sherry Dutra is a Talent Development and Career Coach and Facilitator who helps you create consistent, optimal performance using all your capacity and potential in both your work and life. If you would like to uncover and address hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your success, leverage your strengths, and accelerate your progress toward the results you desire, contact Sherry for a complimentary consultation.