623 - Everyone is NOT your ideal client

I hear it over and over again.

I used to say it myself.

Everyone is my ideal client!

People who don't understand networking say witty things that repel more people than they realize.

They proclaim, My ideal client is:

• Anyone who breathes

• Anyone with skin

• Everyone I talk to

• Every business owner

• Every consultant

• Everyone or anyone who...fill in the blank

These comments may get a laugh but it doesn't build a picture for your network. It will shut many people down.

There was a time when I gave the same answer many people give, Everyone! I said it because I thought it was true and that everyone needs my services.

Those declarations are clear as mud for the people you are talking to, especially in a networking situation.

It can also repel many people.

Imagine, Some people immediately thinking, No, I'm not your ideal client. I don't even know you or exactly what you do.

Early on in my networking experience, I was taught to be very precise in who I am looking for as a client.

I think back to a few that still stick with me today.

There was a roofing company in my BNI group. The owner got up on a cold snowy morning and told the group that he was looking for houses with bald spots on the roof. Since most roofs are snow-covered, that was an indication that the roof is not well insulated and therefore that homeowner would be a great referral.

To this day, I still look for bald spots on roofs––and I NOW LIVE IN TEXAS!!

It's best to be precise in telling people who you want to meet. It's ok to change that up when you want to.

For example, I might say, "Today, I am looking for a 25-30-year-old with brown hair who is looking to start a business...OK, blonds and redheads too". Use humor to create a clear picture.

The next time, I could say, "Today, I'm looking for that grumpy business owner you know who talks about retiring and selling their business but keeps on going." Maybe they are grumpy because they don't know where to start.

Those are 2 completely different categories of people but each time the message is clear.

You want your network to think about who you are asking for, not shut you down from the start.

So, take a deep breath and know that everyone is not your client.

Who is your ideal client today?