You have permission to STOP being everything for everyone.
In your business that is. In life too BUT that is a much bigger topic! (Parents, I feel ya!)
Business wise, Marie Forleo is right. If you are talking to everyone then you are not really talking to the people who need to hear your message. You are getting lost in the shuffle!
As a recovering “people-pleaser” and perfectionist myself, not to mention a small business owner, I understand the want to help everyone. I’ve also learned the hard way that in business, it’s much better and easier to JUST talk to my ideal client.
Because, let’s be honest, thats who we want to be working with anyway!
If you are saying “Okay, I hear you, and everyone else saying this, but HOW?”
Well, here are a few tricks and questions I use to help myself and my clients!
1) revisit your ideal client
Who is your ideal client really? Think about the last client that you really LOVED working with, what made them so great to work with?
Just starting out? Then think about who your ideal client would be! Then list out what makes them ideal!
2) How can you speak to your ideal clients pain points?
What problem does your ideal client say they have? What problem are you actually solving for them? What is their pain point and how do they describe it?
Say you are a life coach, does your ideal client come to you saying “I want to follow my dreams!” or do they come to you saying ” I’m overwhelmed with my crappy job and balancing my family and I just can’t find space for myself anymore.”
How can you dig down and speak directly to their pain points.
3) What do you WANT TO BE SAYING
What is your brand voice? What is your unique perspective on your clients problem?
I know this one is hard for me too. I get caught in the trap of feeling like “Is anyone unique anymore? Am I just saying what everyone else is?” So here is my thought on this, first go back to your brand words and values.
How do you want your voice to sound? For my brand I want to sound Happy, Positive, Fun and Empathetic.
How do you dive into your unique voice? Well, what do you stand for? How do you do things differently? What about YOU resonates with your ideal client? Not sure, ask them!
At the end of the day, your ideal client wants to hear from you and wants to feel like you hear and understand them! So leave the crowd behind and start talking to your people!
Want some help figuring out your brand voice?
In honor of the new decade, I’m partnering up with Courtney of Big Picture Branding to help you update the look and feel of your brand for clearer, more focused messaging and a visual identity that catches the eye.
Together, we have 25 years of experience helping businesses tell their story through words and graphics. Now we want to help you!
