X-Factor
The more you engage with customers the clearer things become,
and the easier it is to determine what you should be doing.
~ John Russell
There is a perfect client out there for you.
In fact, your ideal client is just waiting for you to show up!
But you need to know who they are so you’ll recognize them when they do.
Last week we explored what you want your practice to look like. This week we explore who would be the perfect fit client to help round out the magic.
When uncovering your ideal client, remember it will be a process that unfolds. If you are not already in practice, this week will be all about your best guesses, and then you adjust over time. If you’re already in practice, it will be about really examining where you feel the most alive and inspired, and aligning your business there.
Consider the following:
- Who do you already love working with?
- If you’re not in practice yet, consider in your life, who are the people you connect to the most?
- What interactions do you walk away from feeling inspired and energized?
- What clients do you look forward to working with?
Then ask yourself – What do these people all have in common?
The common thread is what is referred to this as the “X Factor”. The somewhat intangible feeling when you know you are right where you’re supposed to be.
In order to make this more concrete, pick five of your FAVOURITE current or past clients (if not seeing clients, consider some of your favourite people).
Write out a list for each of them describing their characteristics, personalities, lifestyles, concerns, etc. Notice if any themes start to arise.
For example:
- Are they anxious?
- Are they musicians?
- Are they advocates?
- Are they parents?
- Are they women/men/trans?
- Are they outdoorsy?
- Are they religious?
- Etc..?
Push yourself to explore past their presenting issues and really dig into every aspect of who they are. Identifying the commonalities between people, situations, issues and areas of work that light you up is how you begin to hone in on your Ideal Client X-factor. It’s the radar that leads you to the clients you were born to work with. It’s the same feeling you have when you walk into a group and realize, “these are my people.” Understanding the X-Factor is the beginning of understanding your ideal client. If you are not excited and inspired to be working with your clients, they’re probably going to be feeling the same way about working with you.
Action Item:
In the worksheets or in a journal, list out the common factors that connect your X-Factor clients. In a separate post, pick 5 characteristics and share these with the group.