There are naughty words in business, and in my recent interview with Santa (just go with it…) he told me that put them on his Naughty List! They are:

1. Everyone
2. Anyone

These two words landed on the Naughty List because they can really hurt your service-based business. Yet many people feel that they don’t want to limit themselves by finding a niche, and instead they try to serve everyone and anyone. They usually end up getting burned out quickly because they have to reinvent the wheel all the time and try to be all things to all people.

I have two Santa-approved ways you can find your niche.

1. Take a look at who are you best suited to serve.

It’s not “everyone” or “anyone.” Think about it. If you are a business coach, you may think that you can help everyone in business. That may be noble, but it’s not going to help you build your practice. I mean, do you really want people who are not coachable? Or who act as if they already think they know everything? Or who aren’t willing to look at themselves personally and do the work it takes to run a business? Or who don’t have money to pay you what you’re worth? Do you want middle management or C-level clients?

2. Know what’s important to know about your ideal clients.

When deciding on the market you are best suited to help, think about what is important to define about them. For example, age and gender are the first things that people think of when defining their market, but those may or may not be the more important factors for you. Instead, consider what is actually relevant to know about your ideal client. Maybe it’s the industry, mindset, the top problems they have, gross sales, number of employees, number of business transactions, geographic location, or something else.

Case in point: Michelle came to me for help in defining her message and getting it out there in a bigger way. She helps women with their skin care and so much more. We uncovered the fact that her best clients are women who don’t currently have a skin care routine but have the desire to look better and have a simple at-home routine that works. Once we knew these things about her best clients, we were able to marry them with the qualities that make her service unique, and we nailed her signature brand message, created a communication plan and designed a holiday campaign to target them. We even created her manifesto for her company.

Santa’s Action Step to Get on the Nice List: Take 10 minutes and think about what’s important to know about your ideal client. It just may be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.

SPECIAL NOTE: Do you know what your signature brand message is and how to use it? If not, let’s have a free strategy session. It’s your time. Let’s go! I can’t wait to talk with you! : http://risingstarpublicity.com/talk-with-meredith/

 

© 2014 Meredith Liepelt, Rich Life Marketing