Don’t trade a bad boss for bad clients
So you officially ditched the 9-to-5 grind. Congrats! But now, let’s make sure you’re not just swapping one bad boss for multiple energy-sucking, demanding clients.
Remember Why You Escaped
One of the best parts of being your own boss is having the freedom to choose who you work with. Don’t let that freedom slip away by saying “yes” to every client who comes knocking.
Think back to why you left the corporate world in the first place. Was it the micromanaging boss? The never-ending deadlines? The lack of appreciation for your hard work?
Whatever it was, don’t let that toxic environment creep into your own business. You’re in control now—so let’s make sure you’re building a business that feels right for you, not just for your clients.
Your Ideal Client Awaits
Instead of chasing every lead, take a step back and focus on defining your ideal client. This is your chance to create a business that not only pays the bills but also brings you joy and fulfillment.
Ask yourself:
Who do you genuinely enjoy working with?
What type of projects excite you?
What values matter most in your working relationships?
Once you’ve got a clear picture of your ideal client, it’s time to stop settling and start seeking out those dream clients!
Demographics and Psychographics
When it comes to planning out your perfect client, there are two key areas to focus on:
1. Demographics:
This includes the basic details about your ideal client—like their age, location, industry, and job title. Are they business owners? Busy entrepreneurs? Mid-level managers?
2. Psychographics:
This digs deeper into what really drives them—their values, interests, pain points, and goals. What challenges are they facing? What do they care about most? Understanding this helps you connect on a deeper level.
Why Does This Matter?
Because when you truly understand your ideal client, you can tailor your marketing, your services, and even how you communicate to resonate with them in a meaningful way.
Taking the time to define your ideal client’s demographics and psychographics might seem like extra work upfront, but it’s an investment that pays off in the long run.
Here’s why:
Attract the right clients: When your marketing speaks directly to your dream clients, they’re far more likely to choose you over competitors.
Build stronger relationships: Working with clients who share your values and interests builds trust and rapport, leading to long-term partnerships (and referrals!).
Enjoy your work more: Working with clients you actually like makes a HUGE difference in your overall job satisfaction.
Grab a Notebook and Dream Up Your Perfect Client
Let’s keep things simple for this week’s newsletter. Grab a notebook (or open a new Google Doc), and start sketching out your ideal client.
Who do you want to work with? What kind of projects light you up? Picture the client who would make work feel less like work and more like a collaboration you look forward to.
Trust me, taking the time to do this will transform your business—and make your work life a lot more enjoyable.
Cheers to building the business (and life) you truly want!
Cheers to your continued success,
Erin
