Are you building your business and having trouble finding your ideal clients? Do you wonder if they’re actually out there? Remember, there are 7 billion people in this world, they’re definitely out there. My guess is if you aren’t finding them then you aren’t doing enough or you’re doing the wrong things.

I admit I started my business thinking that it would be easy to find clients and I have to say I was wrong. But I also didn’t know what I didn’t know. And that is ok. So with a bit of trial and error and working with my coach I figured out where my ideal clients were and you can do the same.

Don’t find customers for your products, find products for your customers. Seth Godin (tweet this!)

Here is a list of ways you can start to find new clients. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a great start.
1. Get the word out to your family and friends.
Have you thought of writing an email or sending personal notes (this isn’t the exact same note to everyone) via FB or email to your friends and family and letting them know exactly what you do and what you offer? You have to remember these people aren’t mind readers, so you’ve got to let them know what you do so they can possibly help.

Make sure you include a brief and clear description of what you do and what you offer. This shouldn’t be more than 3-5 sentences. Also include how your friends and family can help you. Do you want them to refer someone to you that they may know or share it on their FB wall? Figure out what you would like them to do and ask them. If you do want them to share it, then make it easy. Include a brief description and an image. Take the guess work out.

In general people have a desire to help one another. But sometimes they need a little guidance in knowing what to do. Either way, give them as many tools as possible and make sure you state how grateful you are for their time and consideration.

2. Update your personal social media platforms
Maybe sending emails to everyone on your Christmas card list is a bit overwhelming. Another way you can get the word out is to create a status update on your Personal FB page, update your Linked In profile, your personal Twitter account or Google+ page. Don’t be afraid to let others know what you do. Include your website link too, so that those who are interested can click through. Note: you can’t use your personal FB account for selling purposes. FB has new rules in place, but you can get the word out so take advantage and share what you’re up to.

3. Get involved in Facebook groups and connect
Facebook groups are a great way to connect and engage with your ideal clients. If you haven’t figured out who your ideal client is, then that is the first thing you need to do. But if you do know who your ideal client is, then start connecting with her online. Ask questions, share information and make an offer. There are thousands of different FB groups out there. Most you just need to ask to join. And that is just the click of a button. So don’t be shy, go out there and join these groups and start connecting.

4. Offer free consultations or coaching sessions
Don’t be afraid to offer some free coaching or consultations to prospective clients. I still do these. It is a great way to give back. I will always offer pitch free coaching just because I know there are so many women out there that need my help. So I know this will always be part of my plan. Plus I just love doing it.

5. Try Guest blogging
If you haven’t guest blogged before it can be a great way to connect with your ideal customer. Do you know what blogs she/he reads? If so, then write up an article and submit it to the blog to be published. There are loads of great blogs out there and they’re always looking for guest bloggers. Just do a bit of research and don’t forget to include an offer at the end of your article.

6. Create a free offer on your site
First you need to determine what is frustrating your ideal client. What is their major pain point? How can you take this pain point and solve it? Create an opt-in (something free that your ideal customer will provide their name and email address for) and add it to your website. Don’t forget to share it on social media. You can share it on all your social media channels or in certain groups that allow it. This is a great way to attract your ideal client and also get them on your email list so you can really connect with them.

7. Create a social media presence
Determine where your ideal clients are hanging out online. Pick two platforms to start with and create your business accounts and start connecting. If your clients are on FB, then create a FB Business page and possibly even a FB group where you can share your expertise with your audience and really connect with them. You might also want to jump on Instagram or Pinterest depending where your clients are hanging out.

You are an expert in your own right. You just have to believe it. (tweet this!)

Your branding across your social media platform must work together. This is key. If someone goes to your FB page or your Google+ account make sure they know they are in the right place. Don’t let them question it.

Be active online. If your clients are on social media, and really most of our clients are these days. Be consistent and show up. And remember you need to be active socially too. This isn’t the time to be shy.

If you want to be taken seriously, be consistent. (tweet this!)

8. Offer to do a free webinar or a free Google+ hangout.
This is a great way to share your knowledge and show what you’re an expert in. Once you host one of these, you can then turn it into a free opt-in at a later date, as the content shared will certainly be of high value.

9. Build an email list of raving fans
Now that you are building your list of ideal customers it is important to reach out to them on a consistent basis. Share valuable tips and information along with inspirational posts. These are key ways to connect with your ideal clients and a great way for them to get to know the real you. Remember, it can take 7 times for your clients to be ready to sign up to work with you.

Be consistent. It can take 7 times before someone sees you and responds to your marketing message. (tweet this!)

10. Attend conferences or meet-up groups your clients are like to attend
Yes we are in the digital age, but face to face meetings and connections are still very important. Why not find a few conferences that are out there, or check out the local meet-up groups and see if your ideal client might be in attendance. Start up a conversation and ask them what they do. You don’t have to feel icky about telling them what you do, but you can start to connect and if they ask, make sure you can clearly and briefly state what you do. I can’t emphasize how important this part it. Practice, practice, practice.

Did you get some ideas on different ways to find your clients out there? What would you add? Share in the comments below. I’d love to know.

Be easy to like and work with. Otherwise your clients will go elsewhere. (tweet this!)

P.S. If you want to take your business to the next level, than sign up for a FREE consultation today.

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