When you specialize in something, you can actually REALLY be a specialist, and when you refer others where they are better served elsewhere, you win big ‘brownie points’ then, too!

Yes, I think you articulated it well when you said “we can still connect emotionally with their needs.” That’s really what we mean when we say to talk about the prospects “pain.”

People want to know that you understand them, you “get’ them. Then, the natural assumption is you likely know how to help them find relief.

Most of us naturally begin marketing by talking about ourselves: I provide these services, I have these qualifications, I’ve been in business this long. It’s understandable, especially considering marketing isn’t easy or natural, and we have to learn how to do it. So we start with what we know, and that is ourselves.

It takes more time, research, and maturity as a business owner to know what our prospects are most concerned about, and to understand how our business can ease their pain. When we are really good, it doesn’t have to sound like we’re talking about their pain, but we can still connect emotionally with their needs.
Barbara Breckenfeld´s last [type] ..Every business tells a story – what’s yours?

And a specialty can evolve and be refined over time. Mine has certainly taken some turns, especially as I immerse myself more in the world of writers and authors. (It was my greatest strength and there it was right under my nose all the time!)

And auctions? I love them. I just have one tip. Never let your child have one of this paddles thingies with the number on it. Things end up getting sold to you that you didn’t necessarily want. : )
Judy Dunn´s last [type] ..Lessons from a Toymaker: Would You Lose $100,000 if Justin Bieber Got a Haircut?

Thank you so much for mentioning the missing link to Charlie’s Planners! I will fix that ASAP

Thank you also for adding value to the article. This is such an important piece that you offer: build in flexibility to be able to take advantage of great opportunities that come your way which are aligned with your business objectives.

The beauty of strategic planning and scheduling in advance actually makes it easier to be flexible when unforeseen occurrences (whether challenges or opportunities) arise, so that we can adjust accordingly.

Thanks again for taking time to comment, Karen!

I so appreciate your openness and transparency. It really is challenging for creative entrepreneurs like us to really decide who we can best serve AND for what we want to be known.

Know that your best clients are waiting for you to stand up boldly so they can find you. Your example will also give them permission to follow in your footsteps.

Next – great post on a topic that I have conversed with many, many people on quite a bit lately. And with myself and my flipchart to be transparent.

I have been narrowing and narrowing down my niche. My coach has given it a name and I have been a little shy about embracing it. And I know when I do, I will (as my coach says) really make a name for myself.

Perhaps that is why people shy away from narrowing their niche to that perfect client, who really lights their fire? Maybe it’s the fear of success that keeps them from putting their stake in the ground and on their plate. (ok, I knew steak is the one you put on your plate but you get it.)

Maybe just maybe…if people can begin to embrace what success looks like for them, with their perfect people, they would claim them.

Hmm, off to think on this. Thank you for offering such insight within a quick little post.

I LOVE your perspective on reality. It’s all about aligning ourselves to what is already waiting for us. The challenge for most of us is having so much attachment to “what is” that we cannot allow what wants to make its way to us.

Thank you so much for adding to the conversation.