Focus on fewer people AND make more money?

This does not seem logical. However, it’s true.

If you dare to focus your efforts on a select group of people you will enjoy more success and it will be easier and more fun!

The key is to claim a niche –a select group of people whom you serve to the point where you become an expert.

This results in being better known, getting great referrals, having greater success and making more money!

Just think for a moment about a favorite article. The one where you would swear the author was writing directly to you, as if she had a video camera into your world.

That’s what it’s like having a niche. Imagine the energy you’ll have by only working with those ideal clients that make your heart sing!

Claiming who is your ideal client is easier than it might sound.

Step One:

Do the “internal research”. Discover your gifts. Know that you have unique professional and life experiences and a way of being in the world that is unlike anyone else.

And there are people out there who want it just the way you serve it!

Ask yourself:

What am I passionate about?
What do people say they love about me?
When does it feel like I am playing?

Build your business around these strengths and passions. If you just love shopping with a client then don’t do makeup just because you think you “should”.

Build your business around what you love. It takes courage to focus only on the areas you are great at!

This is help you stand out and be remarkable! Imagine loving horses and being an expert at marketing - one woman has combined both of these to be the “horse whisper for marketing success"!

Second step:

Imagine your calendar is filled with those clients who put a big smile on your face. What do they all have in common?

List the top 10 characteristics of these ideal clients. List their top 10 dreams. What do they wish for in their lives as they sit and look out over the ocean on vacation?

List their top 10 worries. What wakes them up at 3am and has them tossing and turning? And now, list 10 tools and resources you can offer them to make their situation better.

Utilize this information in creating and marketing your services directly to them. Just like that favorite article – your ideal clients will be saying, “Wow, she is talking to me! I’ve gotta call her!”

Some examples are sharing in your articles or on your blog solutions and ideas for those “3 am worries".

Some of my clients worry that they won't have enough time to build a successful business and be available for quality time with their children.

By acknowledging this common concern and then offering a solution like, “Hire an assist to help with the business routine tasks will free you up to meet the school bus!" This makes your marketing real and more impactful.

Step Three:

Create a vision story 5 years in the future. Imagine you are working only with clients who bring you joy! Write how you are doing this work and living your life passionately and with ease because you have found your gift

When you dare to build your business around your gift and what’s important to you then you show up with radiance and vitality, and you become a client magnet.

This might take some time but the more you focus on aligning yourself and believing in your vision the more you will start to attract the ideal clients.

Step Four:

The last step is actually CREATING a Niche. Once you’ve claimed it then you CREATE it. I challenge to you is to get clear about your niche and for six months PLAY with it.

Every time you write an article, lead a workshop, talk to others about your work, do it with your ideal client in mind. I guarantee your passion and clarity will be enrolling!

Have the courage to follow these steps and you’ll propel your success AND love your business!

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Laura West is a certified professional coach, writer, speaker and the President of The Center for Joyful Business.

She is a contributing author to the book The Spirit of Women Entrepreneurs, and creator of The Joyful Business Guide, designed for solo-entrepreneurs and business owners.

 

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