I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately – and it really stands out for me because I have reached a point where I AM working with ideal clients! I recognized (especially from my client coaching calls) that many of you are not in that same place. And that can be so very frustrating, time-consuming and cost you a lot of money (and professional reputation) in the end when you are not working with the right clients.

As a start-up, of course it’s important to just get started working with people – period.  One of the things I learned early on from my business coach was to make a list of 100 people you want to work with – and start working. By the time you work with 100 people, you will have a very clear sense of who is ideal for you and for what you have to offer.

But one thing I DO know for sure is this – many of you are getting good, solid advice on how to grow your business and YOU ARE NOT FOLLOWING IT.

So, you wonder why you have no clients – or crappy clients – or you’re not making any money?

HEED MY WORDS……..

  1. YOU BELIEVE YOUR PRODUCE/SERVICE IS FOR ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE

I hear this all the time when I ask entrepreneurs – so, who are your ideal clients? And they answer: ‘everyone’! No, it’s not everyone. It can’t be everyone! For one reason, you can’t possibly market effectively to everyone! It’s not going to happen. Get really clear on who does need you the most – you don’t see Wal-Mart marketing in the way, shape and form that Nordstrom’s does. Well, the same thing applies for you and your business. Pick a market – a client base – formulate your messaging – and get it out there, to the people who will pay attention to it.

  1. YOU WON’T PICK UP THE PHONE

One of the best ways I know to grow a business is to pick up the phone. Seriously – how many of us are just dying to get more e-mail???? NOT! Once you’ve made a list of who needs you most, then pick up the phone and call them. And remember – this is not about YOU! So, don’t get hung up on your comfort zone issues, your shyness, your inability to clearly articulate what it is you have to offer – that all comes with practice – but to get the practice, you’ve got to get started. PICK.UP.THE.PHONE. And then ask people to work with you.

  1. YOU ARE TAKING ANYONE WITH A PULSE AND A DOLLAR

This sounds appealing in the beginning and, believe me, I did that too! Painful. Not fun. Get past that point of desperation. What worked for me is to have a coach, listen to the coach and take action. That means, at times, that you are going to end up turning some people away. They aren’t right for you – and you aren’t right for them. And that’s ok. Focus on abundance – keep making those phone calls, keep networking, keep marketing – it all comes together. It takes clarity (on your part), consistency, hard work and determination. But it all does come together.  You will be working with ideal clients before you know it – and the cash will flow – and they will be getting results from the good work that you do.

And all of that leads to a sound, lucrative, fun business – which generates cash flow, testimonials and referrals.

WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THAT?

WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK FROM BEING IN YOUR BRILLIANCE?

Please share your thoughts!

Author: Pat Mussieux

Pat has built the new business she's dreamed of, without compromise. She has been nominated, for the past 4 years, for the Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award and have won 4 STEVIE Awards for Women in Business. Pat has also hosted her own local radio show for 4 years and now hosts a live talk show on local TV interviewing successful women entrepreneurs and sharing their stories. She has written 3 books – the latest of which is ‘Stop Compromising and Make All the Money You Want! A Do-It-Yourself Guide for Starting Up and Starting Over.’