Identifying your ideal clients

Have you given any thought to your ideal client? I know it is tempting to say, "I work with everyone (or anyone)," but getting really clear about your dream client will help you focus your time, energy and efforts.

Take time to envision you ideal client. Get a clear picture in your head and then answer these questions:

• Where do you meet your ideal client for your first meeting? Is it in a coffeehouse? In a boardroom? At the park? At a hip downtown lunch spot?
• What are they wearing? Are they in a suit and tie? Jeans and t-shirt? Casual wear?
• What are you wearing?
• How do you interact during the meeting? Are you talking over charts and graphs? Are you chatting casually with lots of questions exchanged?
• How do you end the meeting? Handshake and business cards? Shake and hug? Quick wave? Fist bump?
• How do you feel after your meeting?
• What is your relationship with your client? Strictly business? Casual friendship? Best friends?

Do you have a better idea of your perfect client?  Identifying your ideal client and understanding your interaction with them can help you clarify your networking activities and streamline your marketing plan.