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-2009, All Rights Reserved Written by: Kendall SummerHawk
If you're charging what you're worth then you're going to be cutting loose the bottom 10-15% of your clients each year. But nobody likes to be "the bad guy" so when the time comes to move on what do you do? The answer isn't to just pack their bag and say, "See you later Charlie!". Nor is it to hang on to the guilt-and the clients-"because you don't want to hurt their feelings."
First let's be clear about the clients I'm talking about. They're the ones that they love you and what you do, but typically can't afford to pay your top fees. They're still a fan of yours, although they're unlikely to make the kind of changes-and get the kind of results-your top clients make. In a nutshell, they're nice, you like them, but they're always on the fringe of your core service.
What we're not talking about are the clients who take up buckets of your time and attention, complain, and cost you far more in energy than they ever pay (when they do get around to paying, which is usually late). I call these "dread-not" clients because when you hear their voice or see their email, you dread it and think, "not again!"
Here are three simple, respectful steps you can use to take great care of your fringe clients, increase your income, AND work less!
Step #1 Decide what's best for YOU and your business first!
I know you love to help everyone, but the plain fact is, you can't. When I faced up to this fact, I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders. Decide right now to focus on your most profitable clients and your most profitable services.
You're probably immediately launching into the "what if's" and the "yes but's". My coaching on this? Don't go there. Those are just excuses and guilt weighing you down and keeping you where you are now (which is working too hard, right?) What's best for your business is YOU feeling fresh, inspired, and having fun so you can create extraordinary results for the people you personally work with.
Step #2 Create an alternative solution for your fringe clients
Now that you've decided to focus your time on your most profitable clients and services, you've opened up an opportunity to create optional products and new delivery methods that expand your business, while taking up lots less of your time.
For example, I am so into creating information products I can hardly sit still. Information products are easy to create, can be sold 24/7 on your website, and instantly position you as an expert. They are the perfect solution to offering a solution to your fringe clients without spending any of your precious time. (By the way - I am putting together an incredibly fun and easy solution so you too can have your own information product. Watch for my special announcement later this summer).
Another example is rolling fringe clients into a group, a class, or a workshop. This isn't just a bone you're throwing them. It's actually a powerful way to build your brand and your bottom line. People who buy your products or attend your classes know, like, and trust you. They'll refer others like them, and, may eventually turn themselves into core-service clients.
Here's one more example: turn how you work with clients into a series of steps (very simple to do because I bet you're already taking clients through steps now) then train a colleague or apprentice how to deliver the starter steps. Clients can either stop there, or continue on with you personally for your core service. They're getting what they want and you're getting clients who are polished, primed, and ready to go with your more advanced solutions. Everybody wins!
Step #3 Create crystal clear "who this is right for" criteria for each service you offer
When you're clear about precisely who each of your services is right for your clients will naturally self-select into the right solution for them. You look like a genius because you've made it so easy for your clients to purchase the right service. They feel smart because they made the right choice.
Once you put these steps into place (and remember, the first one you can do today. It's to decide!) you'll need to have a conversation with existing clients to help them transition into the new option. Keep the conversation short and focused on them.
Tell them how much you've enjoyed working with them. Tell them how important it is to be able to help other people like them who were in their same situation. Then share with them how to make that possible, you've created new options for them to choose from. Make one of those options the opportunity to step up to your core service, and offer your new offers for them to choose from as well.
About the Author:
Kendall SummerHawk, the "Horse Whisperer for Business" delivers smart, savvy ways entrepreneurs can turn their hectic business into a smooth-running, fun, 6-figure money-making dream. To learn more about her book, Brilliance Unbridled, and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at: http://www.kendallsummerhawk.com
