Every so often I run across a book or website that is life changing. I did a couple of weeks ago. I heard about Michael Port many years ago when I was trying to build a coaching practice. I even listened to one of his teleseminars. I always meant to look into his work further but never got around to it.
So a couple of weeks ago, I was doing research on how to find your ideal client and found a recommendation for Michael’s book Book Yourself Solid (http://bookyourselfsolid.com/). I remembered that my library had a copy on audio book. I downloaded it and started listening.
I was hooked within the first 5 minutes! It’s rare for me to be totally engrossed in an audio. I even downloaded his free workbook and started doing the exercises (also rare for me!)
The whole point of Michael’s system is to build a strong foundation for your service business before you start marketing it. Having a strong foundation builds credibility and authenticity with your target market. Intellectually, I understood the need for a solid base for my business but I hadn’t done a great deal of foundational work on it.
I had a vague image of my ideal client in my mind but it wasn’t fully formed and certainly not written down. I was reluctant to narrow my focus to one group of people. Like Michael, when he started out as a business coach, I was willing to take on “anyone with a chequebook and a pulse.”
Marketing to everyone hasn’t been very successful for me so far. I’ve had a few clients from my efforts. I want more! It’s time to change things up. It’s time to define my ideal client.
I love working with Jill on her newsletters. She’s my ideal client and I definitely want more like her.
Jill is a doula in London, ON. She owns Babeeze In Arms Doula Centre (http://babeezeinarms.com/). She helps women and families through their pregnancies, childbirth, and post partum experiences by providing educational, physical, and emotional support. Jill also helps women and their babies bond through breastfeeding consultations. She is one of the most warm, genuine, and loving women I know. It is a true pleasure working with her.
I believe that with the help of the Book Yourself Solid system, I will be attracting more clients like Jill to me. Michael has helped thousands of other business owners get more clients. I intend to be added to that list. Stay tuned!
