The Ritual of Goodbye
How to build unshakable boundaries with clients & ensure you only work with your on-the-same-wavelength clients.
A reoccurring theme that comes up in the one to one work I do is boundaries. Or more specifically, my clients having to deal with poor behaviour from their clients because they lack the confidence to say no or to have difficult conversations. And I get it, difficult conversations are never fun, but do you know what’s worse? Spending time, energy and mental headspace worrying about what your difficult client will do next.
It’s important to have a strong, clear set of foundations from which you attract your clients. This clarity will allow you to attract your on-the-same-wavelength ones.
How to attract the right type of clients?
Brand messaging
Having a really clear & strong brand message that not only attracts the ‘right’ type of clients for you but equally resells the wrong ones is imperative to any business. You brand is the backbone of your business and your message is it’s expression. Having a solid brand and set of brand messages is your first step.
Strong filter form
A potential client likes what they see. They’ve formed an emotional connection with your brand and the transformation your offers promises them. They want to work with you. Your next step, in ensuring they are the right client to get that transformation and work well with you, is to use a strong application form that filters through the right ones and out the wrong ones.
Vibe check call
An added option, depending on the type of offer you have (example; 6 months of 1:1 coaching), is a vibe check call. Nothing speaks louder than an energetic feeling or intuitive nudge. As well as this, you’ll be able to see if your potential client is the right fit for the offer they are interested in and for you. Remember, word of mouth is one of your strongest marketing tools so getting your clients into the right offer is key. Here is your opportunity to say no to those not meant to be. More on this in a minute.
Crystal clear client journey
Ensuring you have everything set up in as much detail as possible to essentially pre-empt & negate any questions is really key. Defining what is and isn’t included sets the tone & boundary from the offset. Then, if anything is requested that is outside your remit, you can reference the details (if it comes to that). Building your client journey, from discovery to purchase, to experience & transformation is the most impactful way to ensure you have all the bases covered. Leave no room for clients to have to come and ask you what they’re supposed to do to find XYZ etc.
Saying no
In saying no to the wrong type of client, you do the following:
work with aligned, on-the-same-wavelength clients that are right for you and your offers
in turn, they’ll get the transformation you are offering and market for you by work of mouth
you’ll have less worry, stress or time spent thinking about the ‘wrong’ type of client
your business will grow in the direction you envisaged
Recap
It’s okay to say no to clients that don’t work for you, or for the transformation you are selling.
To ensure you are attracting the ‘right’ type of clients you need:
a really clear brand
a strong brand message
a strong offer message
a detailed application form
a vibe check - be it a call, voice note, email or DM conversation
a crystal clear client journey
Having all of the above will support you in understanding who you do and don’t want to work with and who is right for your business & offerings. Keeping on top of this is how you move your business forward. Recalculating & refining is the key to business success. Learning to say no frees up time, energy and space for the yes’s to come in.
Until next time.
All my love,
Anna xo
